Plant Breeding, Genetics and Genomics

Dear Colleagues,

Since the release of the first plant genome (Arabidopsis thaliana, 2000), the genomes of nearly two thousand plant species, including several crops, have been sequenced and published. This priceless treasure trove of information finds great application in breeding and genetic improvement. In fact, conventional breeding methods are more and more frequently combined with marker-assisted and genomic selection approaches, genetic engineering and genome editing. The targeted use of molecular markers associated with traits of agronomic interest, including disease resistance and abiotic stress tolerance, has been optimized for precise genotype selection. Vice versa, the application of molecular markers in broad-spectrum analyses covering entire genomes has deeply simplified the development of customized new varieties by reducing development time and costs. Finally, the in-depth knowledge of a genome and the functional characterization of specific genes loci also represent the starting point for genetic engineering and genome editing studies aimed at improving the agronomic performance of next-generation crops.

The Topic Editors encourage you to contribute to this Special Topic with research articles or reviews supporting the concrete advantages and/or the near-future potentials related to the use of genetics and genomics in the selection or constitution of new horticultural varieties.

Prof. Dr. Gianni Barcaccia
Dr. Alessandro Vannozzi
Dr. Fabio Palumbo
Topic Editors