http://www.fao.org/asiapacific/events/detail-events/en/c/1440/

1. Crop genomics:
Towards nutritional
security
Umi Kalsom Abu Bakar
FAO Regional Meeting on Agricultural Biotechnologies
in Sustainable Food Systems and Nutrition in
Asia-Pacific. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 11-13 Sept.2017

2. • Complete set of genes and their
function
• Organization of genetic information
within the genome of a plant.
Crop Genomics is the study of

3. Source :The Scientist, 2010
Gene identification and organization
in the genome
Functional Elucidation
Source : http://www.naro.affrc.go.jp/english/nics/geno
mics/rice_genomics/index.html
RICE GENOMICS

4. Crop
Genomics
Uses high
throughput DNA
sequencing &
bioinformatics to
assemble, and analyze
the function and
structure of entire
genome
Genetics
Uses genetic
linkages and
phenotypic traits
to study individual
genes and their
roles in inheritance
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CROP GENOMICS AND
TRADITION GENETICS

5. BIOINFORMATICS
CROP GENOMICS - Benefits
The sequence
data is the
blueprint for
decoding
valuable
information
Understand
complex
biological
systems
To develop
functional
markers
To isolate
desirable
genes &
incorporate
them into
crops
+

6. Genomics used to
identify the DRO 1
QTL – involved in
deep rooting
(Source : Uga et al.
(2013).Nature genetics 45.
1097–1102
Genomics used to
identify Blast
resistance genes in
wild rice cultivars
(Zhang et al.Plant J. 2015
Oct; 84(1): 20–28).
Genomics used to
identify QTLs
associated with
Aluminium toxicity in
Forage grass
 Genomics has been applied successfully to unlock the potential
of genetic biodiversity.
 Complex traits controlled by QTLs have been identified for crop
breeding.
DROUGHT TOLERANCE DISEASE RESISTANCE
HEAVY METAL TOXICITY
( Ishitani et al. 2004. Field
Crops Research 90 :35–45)

7. How Genomics has been applied to combat papaya
dieback disease – case study at MARDI
Identification
of tolerant
genes
against
dieback and
elucidating
disease
pathways
Genome
sequencing of
pathogen -
identify specific
genes and
virulent
proteins and
define its
weakness for
proper
management
DNA
detection
kit for
early
diagnosis
of Erwinia
mallotivora
Identification
of soil
bacteria with
antagonistic
effect– used
as biocontrol
agent
In progress:
cloning of
tolerant
genes into
commercial
variety
through G.E
1 2 3 54

8. • Most of the studies on genomics is on
improving agronomical traits especially to
combat climate change & addressing food
security
1
• Less attention has been applied towards
nutritional security. However in many parts
of developing nations – the concern is shifting
from food to nutritional security
2
• The opportunity for genomics in agriculture
is boundless and it is timely that more
emphasis is directed towards enhancing
nutritional value of crops during breeding
programs
3

9. CROP GENOMICS – towards
nutritional security
• Bioactive
Proteins
• Fiber,
low glycemic
index
• polyphenols,
terpenoids,
• alkoloids
•
• Minerals,
vitamins
Nutrition
Functional
ingredient
Functional
ingredient
Functional
ingredient
Value-added traits considered in breeding programs
Functionalfood
Therapeutics

10. Incorporateintocommercial
ricevariety
Pro-vitamin A
Low glycemic index
High anthocyanin
Pyramid genes for these
traits to develop nutrient
enriched rice
Nutrient enriched
FOR EXAMPLE IN RICE : Information derived from genomics on
complex metabolic and nutritional pathways can be used to tailor
or value add commercial rice varieties with vast health benefiting
properties
genomics

11. Incorporateintocommercial
sweetpotatovariety
High phenolic acid
High anthocyanin
High beta-carotene
Pyramid genes for these
traits to develop nutrient
enriched sweet potato
Similarly in sweet potato …
genomics
Nutrient enriched

12. Incorporateintocommercial
gingervariety
High terpenes
curcuminoids
High camphor
High flavonols
anthocyanins
Pyramid genes for these
traits to develop bioactive
enriched ginger
Similarly in ginger …
genomics
Bioactive enriched
KaempferiaparvifloraCurcumaxanthorrhizacurcumacaesia

13. Incorporateintocommercial
algaevariety
Rich in amino acid
High vitamin B & E
High carotenoids
Pyramid genes for these
traits to develop bioactive
enriched algae
Similarly in algae …
genomics
Protein and Nutrient
enriched
LaminariadigitataRhodophytaSpirulina

14. 1
• Develop intelligent breeding approaches through
the application of genomics assisted selection –
increases in efficiency of production – up to 40%
saving in operational cost reported
2
• Food with enhanced agronomical traits
supplemented with health benefits will be
increasingly designed – impact economic
opportunities for the farming sector
3
• Genomic-enabled products market is growing at
an exponential rate with a CAGR of 10%; the market
value is projected to reach $38.6 billion in 2019
(Market research report, 2014)
IMPACT OF CROP GENOMICS

15. This technology can only be fully realized if serious
efforts are made towards its adoption by next generation
of breeders.
CROP GENOMICS
1
Awareness of the
benefits GENOMICS
BASED breeding
technologies
2
Workshops /practical
training to educate next
generation breeders on
latest technologies
3
Close collaboration with
molecular biologist /
bioinformaticians

16. Climate
Smart
Agriculture
• Producing food in a sustainable and
environmentally friendly manner
Precision
Agriculture
• Producing food in a precise, rapid
and economically feasible manner
Value
Adding
• Producing value
added products
HOLISTIC APPROACH
However, crop genomics cannot stand by itself. A holistic approach
in crop management and production is needed where value is added
to each stage in the agricultural value chain (From Lab to Farm)
Beneficial
microbes

17.  Crop genomics has ushered us into a modern
breeding era and it is currently our “best bet”
for embracing and sustaining nutritional security.
 This powerful technology should be aggressively
used to unlock the potential of genetic
biodiversity to develop highly nutritious crop
varieties
CONCLUSION

18. Thank You