Genomic research and genetic improvement of orphan crops: novel strategies for addressing global food security challenges
2025
Zijun Wang | Guisheng Xiang
Orphan crops hold significant potential for global food security, particularly in addressing climate change, population growth, and demands for nutritional diversity. This review comprehensively summarizes recent advances in genomic research and genetic improvement of orphan crops, exploring how enhanced yield, stress resilience, and nutritional value can address global food challenges. Studies reveal that orphan crops possess rich genetic diversity, enabling the identification and optimization of key genes through genome sequencing, gene editing (e.g., CRISPR/Cas9), and conventional breeding to improve critical agronomic traits. The paper synthesizes the characteristics of genetic resources, progress in traditional breeding, discovery of advantageous genes, and improvement strategies in the whole-genome era, while also analyzing their linkages to human health and current challenges. The research underscores that the development and utilization of orphan crops offer innovative strategies for achieving sustainable agriculture and 'Zero Hunger' posed by the United Nations, despite remaining hurdles such as insufficient research investment and limited market adoption.
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