Novel Gene Discovery of Crops in China: Status, Challenging, and Perspective

Abstract

Discovery of novel genes in crops is the basis to change germplasm resources from phenotypical characterization to a gene level and hence for molecular breeding. This paper reviewed progress of novel gene discovery studies in major crops, such as rice, wheat, maize, soybean, cotton, and oilseed rape in China. In last decade, Chinese scientists have achieved a number of breakthroughs on novel gene identification in crops, including: (1) Various distinctive materials for gene discovery were created, such as core collections of germplasms based on crop genetic diversity, establishment of genetic populations based on genetic resources with favorite traits, assessment of mutants derived from mutagenesis, and so on; (2) Technology and methods of gene discovery were further developed, especially the gene-based integration of various discovery technologies with combination of biometric algorithm improvement of gene/QTLs, and therefore the efficiency of gene discovery was increased; (3) Mapping genes/QTLs related to important agronomic traits of crops has become a common method for genetic studies. A number of genes/QTLs associated with disease and insect resistance, stress tolerance, good quality, nutrient use efficiency and high yield have been mapped, of which more than 500 genes have been positioned on chromosomes precisely by fine mapping; (4) Great progress in cloning and functional analysis of crop genes in China, particularly in rice, has drawn world-wide attention. More than 300 genes have been cloned in the main crops, among which more than 70 genes have been functionally validated in crops. While gene discovery in crops becomes more and more efficient, large-scale and towards utilization in the world, Chinese scientists are also making new findings in this field. However, the quality and quantity of crop gene discovery in China is still far from satisfying the needs for molecular breeding and the overall level of novel gene discovery is still behind top labs/institutions in the world. Gene discovery in different crops has developed unevenly, the number of genes discovered is not large enough and the genes found to have great value for crop improvement are few. Considering weak points in gene discovery in China and the challenges both international and from biotechnology companies, the authors provided strategies in crop gene discovery in China, with focus on speeding up gene cloning and functional analysis, emphasis on identification and evaluation of the genes with utilization potential, and research activities more orientated to the biotechnology industry.