Genomic tools and plant genes to mitigate impacts of climate change and extreme environments.

Abstract

Abstract This review outlines a conceptual framework that links climate-related risk components (hazard, exposure and vulnerability) to the genetics and genomics tools used for developing new crop varieties to promote adaptation to extreme weather events and to mitigate risks related to the effects of climate change. The establishment of templates for identifiable features or markers on the genome to refine genetic maps for monogenic traits - especially those related to stress resistance in plant model species - has benefited plant genome projects from early on. Genomics has facilitated the discovery of genes affecting quantitative, or continuous, traits for enhancing yield in low-input sustainable agriculture. Genomics and genomic tools developed in model species favour translational approaches when searching for orthologous genes in diploid crop species or diploid relatives of polyploid crop species. Discovering genetic variation through focused identification of germplasm from extreme environments, and generating genetic variation by mutagenesis and 'genome editing', will facilitate targeted induction of new alleles and adaptation to the effects of climate change. Genetic marker-aided transfer and shuffling alleles by introgression breeding and publically accepted plant transformation methodologies, will accelerate precise breeding and release of crop cultivars that will greatly benefit adaptation to and mitigation of risks related to climate change.