Editorial overview: Harnessing genetic variation in metabolic traits to understand trait evolution and improve the sustainability of crop production

Authors: Ainsworth, Elizabeth - Lisa; CARMO-SILVA, ELIZABETE - Lancaster University

Submitted to: Current Opinion in Plant Biology
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/1/2019
Publication Date: 8/5/2019
Citation: Ainsworth, E.A., Carmo-Silva, E. 2019. Editorial overview: Harnessing genetic variation in metabolic traits to understand trait evolution and improve the sustainability of crop production. Current Opinion in Plant Biology. 49:A1-A3. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pbi.2019.07.006.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pbi.2019.07.006

Interpretive Summary: This editorial overview introduces the issue on physiology and metabolism with a focus on harnessing genetic variation in biochemical and metabolic traits to understand trait evolution and improve crop sustainability. Gaining fundamental understanding of metabolic trait evolution and adaptation relies on investigation of genetic variation, the naturally occurring differences in DNA sequence observed within a species. Articles in this issue explore the evolution of genetic variation in C4 photosynthesis, production of an incredible diversity of secondary metabolites, and adaptation to the circadian clock. Additionally, there is vast and underutilized genetic diversity within and across the small number of agronomically important plants. Use of these wild relatives to improve biotic stress resistance, abiotic stress tolerance, nutrition, and resource use efficiency in crops is also explored in individual articles. Land use change, urbanization encroaching on natural spaces, and loss of habitat with global change all contribute to the current mass species extinction event. Current species loss is at an estimated rate 100-1000 times greater than during the Holocene. This issue serves as an important reminder of the need to conserve genetic variation.

Technical Abstract: This editorial overview introduces the issue on physiology and metabolism with a focus on harnessing genetic variation in biochemical and metabolic traits to understand trait evolution and improve crop sustainability. Gaining fundamental understanding of metabolic trait evolution and adaptation relies on investigation of genetic variation, the naturally occurring differences in DNA sequence observed within a species. Articles in this issue explore the evolution of genetic variation in C4 photosynthesis, production of an incredible diversity of secondary metabolites, and adaptation to the circadian clock. Additionally, there is vast and underutilized genetic diversity within and across the small number of agronomically important plants. Use of these wild relatives to improve biotic stress resistance, abiotic stress tolerance, nutrition, and resource use efficiency in crops is also explored in individual articles. Land use change, urbanization encroaching on natural spaces, and loss of habitat with global change all contribute to the current mass species extinction event. Current species loss is at an estimated rate 100-1000 times greater than during the Holocene. This issue serves as an important reminder of the need to conserve genetic variation.