EXPLORING THE POTENTIAL OF NEXT GENERATION SEQUENCING IN PLANT BREEDING AND GENETICS

Abstract

Next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies have had a significant impact on plant breeding and genetics, enabling researchers to rapidly and accurately analyze large amounts of genetic data and identify and characterize important plant traits. NGS technologies, such as the study of gene expression and regulation in plants has made extensive use of RNA and genome sequencing, revealing important details about the mechanisms governing these activities. Plant-pathogen interactions have been studied using NGS, which has also been utilized to find pertinent genes. By identifying the genes and genetic variants that are associated with plant resistance to diseases, researchers can cross different plant varieties that are more disease- and pest-resistant. This can help to reduce crop losses and improve crop yields. NGS has been used to study the genetics of plant populations, enabling researchers to identify genetic variations that are associated with important plant traits and to develop new plant varieties with improved performance or desirable characteristics. Despite some challenges, such as complexity of NGS technologies and the limited availability of reference genomes for many plant species, NGS has had a major impact on plant breeding and genetics and is likely to continue to play a significant part in the future evolution of novel plant varieties.