Genomic prediction unifies animal and plant breeding programs to form platforms for biological discovery

Implementing Genomic Selection in CGIAR Breeding Programs Workshop Participants

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Abstract

The rate of annual yield increases for major staple crops must more than double relative to current levels in order to feed a predicted global population of 9 billion by 2050. Controlled hybridization and selective breeding have been used for centuries to adapt plant and animal species for human use. However, achieving higher, sustainable rates of improvement in yields in various species will require renewed genetic interventions and dramatic improvement of agricultural practices. Genomic prediction of breeding values has the potential to improve selection, reduce costs and provide a platform that unifies breeding approaches, biological discovery, and tools and methods. Here we compare and contrast some animal and plant breeding approaches to make a case for bringing the two together through the application of genomic selection. We propose a strategy for the use of genomic selection as a unifying approach to deliver innovative 'step changes' in the rate of genetic gain at scale.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1297 - 1303
Number of pages7
JournalNature Genetics
Volume49
Issue number9
Early online date1 Sept 2017
DOIs
Publication statusPrint publication - 1 Sept 2017

Keywords

  • genomic selection
  • plant breeding
  • animal breeding
  • Orphan crops

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