Multi-species genomics-enabled selection for improving agroecosystems across space and time

Authors: WOLFE, MARNIN - Cornell University; Jannink, Jean-Luc; KANTAR, MICHAEL - University Of Hawaii; SANTANTONIO, NICHOLAS - Virginia Tech

Submitted to: Frontiers in Plant Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/12/2021
Publication Date: 6/23/2021
Citation: Wolfe, M.D., Jannink, J., Kantar, M.B., Santantonio, N. 2021. Multi-species genomics-enabled selection for improving agroecosystems across space and time. Frontiers in Plant Science. 12:665349. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2021.665349.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2021.665349

Interpretive Summary: Plant breeding has been central to global increases in crop yields, though sometimes with negative environmental consequences. Much work has been done describing alternative agricultural systems that seek to alleviate these consequences, often using mixtures of crop species. Historically, however, breeding has focused on monoculture conditions. We present breeding and selection strategies overall system performance, even when the systems are diverse spatially and temporally.

Technical Abstract: Plant breeding has been central to global increases in crop yields. Breeding deserves praise for helping to establish better food security, but also shares the responsibility of unintended consequences. Much work has been done describing alternative agricultural systems that seek to alleviate these externalities, however, breeding methods and breeding programs have largely not focused on these systems. Here we explore breeding and selection strategies that better align with these more diverse spatial and temporal agricultural systems.