About this Research Topic

Background

Recent advances in next-generation sequencing-driven mass production of genomic data and various other integrated techniques have considerably broadened and deepened our understanding of living organisms' molecular systems. Because complex quantitative traits are difficult to select due to low heritability, conventional plant breeding relies on phenotypic selection and breeder experience, it takes longer to develop a new, improved variety. For association studies to identify DNA markers linked to these complex traits, genotyping chip arrays allow genotyping of thousands of markers in a short amount of time. Plant breeding consistency and predictability have improved thanks to advances in genomics. NGS technologies bring new tools and concepts that can enhance the precision and efficiency of plant breeding such as cost-effective, high throughput genotyping technologies for sustainable agriculture. These genotyping technologies will be lowering the time and cost of developing high-quality food crops that are stress-resistant while still having a high nutritional value. This Research Topic focuses on recent advancements in NGS-related technologies, mainly the development of cost-effective high-throughput genotyping platforms with a wide range of bioinformatics tools, and possible translational multi-omics applications in crop breeding programs for sustainable agriculture.

The Research Topic welcomes Original Research, Review, and Perspective articles including and related to the following subtopics:
1. NGS and big data-driven advancement of genomic data for crop improvement.
2. Applications of high-throughput genotyping technologies for sustainable agriculture.
3. Rationale and potential of NGS to fabricate biofortified crops.
4. Current scenario and challenges in adopting an NGS approach.
5. Genome-wide association study (GWAS) as a powerful tool for dissecting complex quantitative traits in crop plants.
6. Breeding techniques to dispense higher genetic gains.
7. Bioinformatics tools, techniques, software, and database to analyze NGS data.
8. Integration of multi-omics approaches for food and nutrition securities.

Keywords: Crop improvement, NGS, Genomics, GWAS, High-throughput genotyping technologies, sustainable agriculture

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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