With the release of the first wheat genome sequencing results by British scientists, an important advance has been made in biotechnology research that can improve future crops and increase agricultural output.
Scientists said that the new gene research results may be the beginning of the development of a variety of new varieties of wheat that are more salt-tolerant, drought-resistant or increase yield.
David Willets, Minister of Higher Education and Science of the United Kingdom, said: “This is an important contribution that Britain has made to complete the wheat genome work.†He said, “Using advanced gene sequence technology, we now have the ability to improve future crops. , It is easier to speed up the natural breeding process and select varieties that can adapt to various environmental challenges."
The recently published genomic map is only a sketch form. The complete genomic map reproduction requires further interpretation, extensive compilation and decoding of chromosome data.
In this project, most of the sequencing work was performed using the 454 life sciences platform developed by the United States. Sequencing team members were Professor Neil Hall and Dr. Anthony Hall of Liverpool University, Professor Keith Edwards and Dr. Gary Barker of Bristol University, and Professor Mike Bevan of John Innes Institute.
Edwards explained: “The wheat genome is five times larger than the human genome, which poses a great challenge for scientists. Genome sequencing is an important tool for researchers and plant breeders, and by publishing data to the public, we Ensure that this publicly-funded study has the widest range of impact."
Hall added: “Now, this study species, the genomic sequence data of Chinese spring wheat, will allow us to explore the differences between varieties with different traits. By understanding the differences in genes between different traits, we can develop new wheat. Varieties make them more resistant to drought, salt or higher yields. This will help protect our food security while giving plant breeders and farmers a competitive advantage."
By speeding up traditional breeding or other techniques, scientists and breeders can use the sequencing data to develop new varieties.
As a member of the International Wheat Genome Sequencing Association, Bevan said: “The sequencing draft will provide an important foundation for the international effort to map the entire wheat genome sequence map in the coming years.â€
Recently, the short-term price increase in the wheat market has shown how fragile the food system is in the face of shocks and possible shortages, said Prof. Doug Kell, CEO of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council. He said: “The best way to support food security is to use modern research strategies to understand how to achieve continuous growth in crop yields, especially when facing climate change.â€
"Based on research funded before the Council for Biotechnology and Biological Sciences, the sequencing of such genes is an absolutely important strategy. Now that the understanding of these genomic sequences will allow plant breeders to determine the best gene sequences, And used as an identifier in the accelerated breeding program," Kell said.
Dr. Jane Rogers, member of the International Wheat Genome Sequencing Association, said: "The genomics technology has reached a point where scientists can now produce huge plant sequence data such as wheat, and the speed of production has never been imagined in previous years. It is an admirable achievement, although we are still faced with numerous obstacles to completely deciphering and understanding the data."
The researchers pointed out that an important feature of this plan is to quickly publish data to the public domain, allowing other scientists and wheat breeding companies to quickly apply the research results to practical operations. (Fangfang)