Genomics Approaches to Domestication Studies of Horticultural Crops

Abstract

The majority of crops we eat today are derived from the domestication of their wild progenitors. Crop domestication satisfies the human need for food and nutrition. Characterization of the history and genetic basis of crop domestication is essential for us to conduct modern breeding practices. Genomics provide unprecedented opportunities for us to study domestication. In this review, the typical domestication syndromes of horticultural crops will be introduced. Using the tomato as a typical example, we will discuss how genetic and genomic data were used to decipher the origins, progenitors, and domestication processes of this crop. In the domestication exploration of the genetic basis especially, genome-scaled diversity scanning approaches have gained great popularity. Combining these approaches with QTL (Quantitative trait locus)-mapping, GWAS (Genome wide association study), metabolomics and homology-based searches as well as pan-genomics have demonstrated tremendous advantages and significantly contribute to our understanding of domestication. Genomics studies will accelerate domestication research and further breeding of crops.