Unlocking the Potential: New Barley Pan Genome Paves the Way for High-Performance Varieties
Australian scientists are at the forefront of a groundbreaking discovery set to revolutionize barley production – the creation of a detailed and extensive barley pan genome.
This complex genetic blueprint serves as a comprehensive map of all possible DNA sequences found within the barley species. The updated pan genome, a collaborative effort by an international consortium, surpasses its inaugural proof of concept developed in 2020 in both detail and scope.
The Western Crop Genetics Alliance – a partnership between the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and Murdoch University – played a pivotal role in this scientific advancement. The alliance also spearheaded the development of new DNA breeding tools in 2020, designed to help commercial plant breeding companies readily integrate this valuable pan genome data into their operations.
“This research filled in the barley gene sequence gaps, providing a better understanding of gene variation and how it links to different performance traits,” said Chengdao Li, director of the Western Crop Genetics Alliance. “As a result, we now have more detailed information about where to locate genes related to various traits, such as disease resistance, malting quality, and plant architecture, which influence frost and heat tolerance.”
Researchers incorporated a diverse range of barley varieties into the map, including commercially successful Australians lines like Maximus and RGT Planet, alongside international commercial varieties, as well as landraces and wild relatives.
This comprehensive approach provided insights into the genetic powerhouses within barley’s diverse gene pool.
“This knowledge will help us understand what other genetic resources are available but have not yet been used by barley breeders worldwide – opening the door to plant material from throughout the world from which to breed improved barley lines,” Li, added.
The impact of this breakthrough extends far beyond the laboratory.
“The Barley Pan Genome Consortium will provide breeders with cutting-edge genomic tools to enhance barley breeding efficiency and crop resilience,” said Michael Groszmann, GRDC Manager Barley and Coarse Grains. “By developing a comprehensive barley pan genome, we can improve selection and the rate of genetic gain in barley to ultimately deliver improved varieties to Australian grain growers more efficiently,” he added.
According to Darshan Sharma, DPIRD Grains Director, this scientific feat will translate into tangible benefits for the Australian grains industry.
“This research will help growers produce more, better quality barley varieties in variable seasonal conditions that perform to maltsters’ and brewers’ specific requirements – boosting industry productivity and profitability,” Sharma said.
Peter Davies, Pro Vice Chancellor of Murdoch University’s Food Futures Institute, lauded the collaborative nature of this scientific endeavor.
“Congratulations to Murdoch University Centre for Crop and Food Innovation research theme leader and Alliance director Professor Li and all the contributing authors for this important advancement in plant genetics,” Davies said. “We look forward to seeing how these findings can be applied to Australian grains breeding programs in the near future.”
The barley pan genome promises to usher in a new era of high-performance barley varieties, tailored to meet the challenges of a changing climate and evolving market demands. This groundbreaking work underscores the pivotal role of scientific innovation in shaping a more sustainable and resilient future for agriculture.
