THE James Hutton Institute has joined a new international research network aimed at harnessing the genetic diversity of plants to develop more resilient and productive crops.
The International Plant Pangenome Network (IPPGN) brings together scientists, researchers, industry partners and technology developers working in the rapidly developing field of plant pangenomics.
Plant pangenomics examines the full range of genetic diversity within a species, including genes shared by all plants as well as variations between individual specimens.
Advances in genome sequencing and computing are allowing researchers to analyse this diversity on a much greater scale, potentially identifying traits that could improve crop performance, resilience and yields.
The work is expected to become increasingly important as agriculture responds to climate change, changing pests and diseases and the challenge of producing food more sustainably.
Researchers hope that identifying useful genetic variations could ultimately help plant breeders develop crops better able to withstand future growing conditions.
However, scientists say plant pangenomics presents significant technical challenges because plant genomes can be considerably larger and more complex than those of many other organisms.
The new network has been established to allow researchers to share expertise, data, analytical tools and best practice while working together on some of those challenges.
Dr Miriam Schreiber, a researcher at the James Hutton Institute, said: “The network has already been extremely useful in highlighting the shared challenges that colleagues working in this area are facing.
“It is a great place to connect with others and will no doubt lead to new collaborations and projects.”
The network is hosted by the Earlham Institute in Norwich.
Its chair, Dr Rachel Rusholme Pilcher, said members had been willing to share both successful approaches and those which had not worked.
She said: “That openness has been central to creating the collaborative environment we set out to build.”
One area of particular interest is the development of analytical tools designed specifically for complex plant genomes. Researchers also hope to establish common standards for emerging graphical approaches to pangenome research, making it easier for genetic data to be reproduced, compared and shared.
The network ultimately aims to accelerate discoveries which could support sustainable crop improvement and strengthen future food security.
