b'now, we realize that there is no singlebreeding, says Roelofs. Usually, we golden truth about DNA, thats whereanalyze bulk RNA expression information the concept called the Pan-Genomefrom a whole tissue sample of a plant. comes in, explains Roelofs. However, an infection of a plant pathogen, We need to have the informationfor instance, happens locally, and were from a variety of lines from a certainpretty sure we miss subtle changes withinThe data is there, we just crop to be able to quantify and to betteran early infection period that may be cru- need to be able to observe, understand genetic variation associatedcial to find new leads for pathogen resist-with breeding traits, and its a very bigance. So, we probably oversee a lot ofcollect and access that data in a challenge to set this up. So, this is thevery important interactions by not beingmeaningful way. Pan-Genomics concept where we dontable to dig into single cell information at-lean back on one reference genome,the-moment that we want to know it.Jesse Gilsingerbut we try to understand and compareWhen it comes to extracting DNA, genomes among certain crop lines toplant samples are particularly challenging better understand variation associateddue to the high content of PCR-inhibiting with important breeding traits. compounds like polyphenols, tannins Understanding the genetic codes ofand alkaloids. Industries are still looking each crop could pave the path for fasterfor solutions to get rid of these inhibitors, innovations in all crops, including so-calledwhile retrieving DNA of ultra-high molecu-orphan crops. This DNA information,lar weight still remains a challenge as well.paired with other new technologies suchFinally, if you extract DNA or RNAA BRIEF HISTORY OF DNAas gene editing, marker-assisted selectionfrom a plant, you will mess up the tissue or other mathematics-based systems isstructure context, Roelofs elaborates. something researchers are eagerly work- We are currently developing technology1859 Charles Darwin publishes The Origin ing through to create innovations faster. to keep tissue structure intact and still beof Species, which changed the For example, Nature Source Improvedable to read out DNA and RNA informa- way people viewed the world and Plants (NSIP) uses something calledtion, a principle called Spatial Biology.evolution. operations research with their breedingIf successful, this will give us so much partners, according to Steve Tanksley,more power to discover faster and more1866 Gregor Mendel discovers the CEO of NSIP, in a recent episode of Seedprecise which genetic factors will play anbasic principles of genetics, which Speaks. It uses specialized mathematicimportant role in breeding traits. coined the terms recessive and equations, genetics and other parameters related to time or finances or specificDNA and Data dominant in relation to traits.desired characteristics to help find cropIn addition to DNA advancements, cloud1869 Friedrich Miescher identifies nuclein, solutions faster. technology is another factor moving In addition to large acre crops,discoveries along much quicker. Cloudor the nuclei of white blood cells, Tanksley and team is working closelytechnology is used to collect, analyzewhich today is known as DNA. with orphan cropscrops with little to noand store data, which allows farmers and research or datato discover advance- scientists to see real-time information to1950 Erwin Chargaff discovers that DNA ments. This is significant because it marksbetter understand crop conditions. composition is species specific.another area in which technology andThe data is there, we just need to be better understanding of DNA can helpable to observe, collect and access that1953 James Watson and Francis Crick provide genetic information about orphandata in a meaningful way. With that, a lotdiscover the double helix DNA crops in a cost-effective, efficient wayof these cloud technologies that havestructure.that could make a difference in otherwisecome about in the past five or ten years under-researched crops. not only gives us more storage of large1977 Frederick Sanger develops rapid Single-cell genomics in plants isamounts of data, but also allows breedersDNA sequencing techniques.another advancement that scientists areto access and link that data in much more working on. efficient ways, explains Jesse Gilsinger,1990 The Human Genome Project begins.I think another major breakthroughBASF Soybean Breeding Lead in an epi-technology relates to reading out DNAsode of Seed Speaks. 2003 The Human Genome Projectat the single cell level. Thats a veryWith better understanding of DNAis completed.promising technology now in the medi- and plant genetics overall, combined with cal area, and I anticipate its going to bemore computational abilities, the future ofSource: DNA Worldwide Groupa big rewarding challenge as well in plantplant breeding is bright.SW68/ SEEDWORLD.COMJUNE 2022'