An international research team have uncovered previously hidden genetic secrets that give wheat its remarkable ability for local adaptation.
The work based on a novel method developed by Earlham Institute, UK was published in Genome Research, a peer-reviewed scientific journal and could provide an untapped resource for breeding better, more resilient wheat.
Globally, wheat, together with maize and rice, provides the most human nutrition. It can thrive in a whole range of different environments, even within a similar geographical region.
Exploring 100 different wheat lines worldwide, the research team revealed a trove of epigenetic variation that was previously unknown.
The new findings link crop evolution and phenotypic change to agricultural conditions – allowing agri-researchers to protect future yields.
It could be possible to create climate resistant species through new breeding methods.
Methylation
There are many other aspects to a genome than just the gene sequences. One aspect is epigenetics – changes in how genes are expressed.
Extra to the DNA sequence, the individual letters might come attached with a ‘methyl group’. Methylation is very important because it means that genes can be turned off, or the way DNA is stored can change, changing the way genetic information is read.
This is important because these changes can happen due to the environment, but are still inherited. This means, in certain conditions, if an epigenetic change happens that is beneficial, this can be passed on to the next generation.
The research team found geographical patterns in these epigenetic changes between the 100 landraces of wheat studied, which suggests that these changes have arisen due to environmental conditions in those local areas.
This is exciting because it means that breeders have uncovered a hidden tool. Now, even if the DNA sequence is the same, there might be subtle changes at the epigenetic level that we can use to improve how plants respond to local conditions.
Group leader Prof. Anthony Hall at the Earlham institute, said: “We are very proud of our groundbreaking piece of fundamental work indicating that DNA methylation offers a broad and stable source of variation for wheat breeders.
Our next step is to translate this fundamental work on DNA methylation to a technology that is transformative, relevant and accessible to wheat breeders for the development of new cultivars.
Dr. Laura-Jayne Gardiner, senior postdoctoral scientist, added: “What is really neat is, even though we are working with a hugely complex genome which is five times the size of the human genome, we’re able to translate this discovery into a tool for breeders in what’s likely to be just a few years.
“As a scientist, it’s incredibly exciting that your research could have such an immediate impact.”
