Next-Generation Sequencing Technologies and Their Implications for Efficient Utilization of Genetic Resources

Abstract

Plant genetic resources are the main component of the agricultural biodiversity. Agriculture plays a key role in feeding millions and protecting our natural resources and the environment with nurturing and utilizing plant diversity. Nature has devised an extraordinary mechanism by developing intraspecific genetic diversity in crop plants and their wild relatives. New high-throughput technologies like next-generation sequencing (NGS) facilitate cost-effective study of genetic diversity, identify desirable genes and alleles as well as make possible their transfer during crop improvement, thus reducing the time to deliver new varieties. This chapter focuses on how next-generation sequencing technologies can be involved for proper exploitation of PGR for crop improvement. The real Plant genetic resources are the main component of the agricultural biodiversity. Agriculture plays a key role in feeding millions and protecting our natural resources and the environment with nurturing and utilizing plant diversity. Nature has devised an extraordinary mechanism by developing intraspecific genetic diversity in crop plants and their wild relatives. New high-throughput technologies like next-generation sequencing (NGS) facilitate cost-effective study of genetic diversity, identify desirable genes and alleles as well as make possible their transfer during crop improvement, thus reducing the time to deliver new varieties. This chapter focuses on how next-generation sequencing technologies can be involved for proper exploitation of PGR for crop improvement. The real and potential application of the current advances in genomic technologies can be used for efficient utilization of PGR for crop improvement to secure food security.