Agrigenomics refers to the application of genomic technologies like genomics, proteomics and metabolomics to improve agricultural crops and livestock. It involves analyzing the structure, function and interactions of crop, livestock and microbial genomes. This helps in better understanding complex traits like drought tolerance, disease resistance, growth and yield at the molecular level.

Next Generation Sequencing in Global Agrigenomics

Next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies like whole genome sequencing are transforming agrigenomics research. Global Agrigenomics They allow rapid sequencing of entire genomes at reduced costs. In the last decade, the genomes of several important crops and livestock have been sequenced using NGS. This includes staple crops like rice, maize, wheat, soybean as well as livestock like cattle, pigs and poultry. Genome sequences provide a useful blueprint to study genes controlling key traits. They are also helping in developing genetic maps and molecular markers.

Transcriptomics and Gene Regulation

Transcriptomics uses RNA sequencing to analyze genome-wide gene expression patterns under different conditions. It helps understand how plants and animals regulate gene expression in response to biotic and abiotic stress factors. For example, expression profiling of drought tolerant and susceptible rice varieties has identified genes linked to drought stress response. Comparing transcriptomes of plants at different developmental stages also provides insights into genetic networks regulating growth and reproduction. Understanding gene regulation is crucial for developing stress resilient and high yielding crops.

Get more insights on - Global Agrigenomics