What are the applications of plant genetics in crop genetic improvement?

Hello everyone, this is E-Genome—specializing in epigenomics for over a decade and leading multi-omics research services. We previously compiled a review titled: 'The Critical Role of Epigenetics and Epibreeding in Crop Variety Improvement (Rice + Maize + Tomato + Soybean + Rapeseed)', which may serve as a useful reference. On August 15, 2022, the journal *Frontiers in Plant Science* published a review article entitled 'Epigenetics and its role in effecting agronomical traits', discussing the roles of DNA methylation, histone modifications, RNA modifications, and other epigenetic mechanisms in shaping agronomic traits in crops such as rice, maize, tomato, soybean, and rapeseed. Journal: *Frontiers in Plant Science* Date: August 15, 2022 Impact Factor: 6.627 / Q2 Abstract: To feed a rapidly growing global population, there is an urgent need for crops resilient to climate change. Thus, developing high-yielding crop varieties with superior agronomic traits remains a central challenge in agricultural research. Most agronomic traits are quantitative and governed by complex genetic regulation, hindering crop improvement efforts. Epibreeding—the use of epigenetic variation to modulate plant growth and development—has broad applications in crop improvement. Epigenetics refers to heritable changes in gene expression that occur without alterations to the underlying DNA sequence, mediated by mechanisms including DNA methylation, post-translational histone modifications, and RNA interference. Epigenetic modifications influence gene expression by altering chromatin states, thereby promoting plant growth and determining phenotypic responses to both external and internal environmental cues. Epigenetic modifications can provide valuable molecular markers for breeding programs; moreover, incorporating epigenomic diversity into breeding strategies enables better prediction of plant performance and enhanced crop yields. This review comprehensively summarizes the roles of epigenetic changes in epibreeding for crop improvement, highlighting cutting-edge knowledge on epigenetic molecular mechanisms and their practical applications in crop breeding. Plant Epibreeding Traditional crop breeding—including hybridization and selection of genetically variable individuals with desirable traits—often narrows the genetic base and depletes genetic diversity, thus impeding crop improvement. Phenotypic traits are shaped by both genetic and epigenetic factors; exploiting epigenetic variation or epigenomic changes can enhance crop responsiveness to changing environmental conditions, ensuring stable agricultural yield and quality. Although numerous genes or quantitative trait loci (QTLs) regulating target traits have been identified, missing heritability remains a key obstacle limiting accurate phenotype prediction. Epigenetic variation is one major contributor to missing heritability. Epialleles—genomic loci bearing epigenetic modifications—can arise spontaneously or be artificially induced and stably transmitted to progeny. Beyond naturally occurring genetic variation that promotes phenotypic diversity, epialleles represent an additional source of heritable variation (Figure 2). Epialleles exist in two main forms: non-heritable (epigenetic) and heritable (genetic). Non-heritable epialleles originate from developmental or environmental signals that alter chromatin states, or arise spontaneously via epimutations—for instance, spontaneous cytosine epimutation rates in *Arabidopsis thaliana* are approximately 1,000-fold higher than spontaneous genetic mutation rates.

E-Genome | Live Broadcast Preview: Applications of Epigenetics and Epibreeding in Variety Improvement

Hello everyone, this is E-Genome—specializing in epigenomics for over a decade and leading multi-omics research services. Live webinar is coming! Traditional crop breeding—including hybridization and selection of genetically variable individuals with desirable traits—often narrows the genetic base and depletes genetic diversity, thus impeding crop improvement. Phenotypic traits are shaped by both genetic and epigenetic factors; exploiting epigenetic variation or epigenomic changes can enhance crop responsiveness to changing environmental conditions, ensuring stable agricultural yield and quality. Epigenetic modifications respond to both external and internal environmental cues, resulting in altered gene expression without changes to the DNA sequence itself. Stable and heritable epigenetic changes give rise to epialleles, which can be harnessed in epibreeding programs for crop improvement. So, how exactly do epigenetic changes contribute to crop improvement through epibreeding? Join us on Thursday, December 1st, from 19:00–19:45, for E-Genome’s live broadcast: 'Applications of Epigenetics and Epibreeding in Variety Improvement'. We will explore real-world application scenarios and established research frameworks in epigenetic studies of plant breeding.

Decibel Bio uses epigenetics to download new traits to crops

23 hours ago

Decibel Bio launched with $12 million in funding from investors including Syngenta and Bayer to develop nucleic acid-guided epigenetic modifications for altering crop traits. The Berkeley-based startup builds on founder Travis Bayer's prior agricultural biotechnology experience.

cen

2026-10-12

Decibel Bio uses epigenetics to download new traits to crops

Decibel Bio uses epigenetics to download new traits to crops

FAQ