?? AI for Plant Breeding: Biofortification ??
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Biofortification is one of the most controversial topics in plant breeding.
On one hand, the process of enhancing the nutritional content of crops has the potential to address nutrient deficiencies and improve public health, especially in developing countries where malnutrition is prevalent.
On the other hand, biofortification involves genetic modifications and the use of biotechnology, which raises concerns about the safety, environmental impact, and acceptance of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) by consumers.
The debate continues as scientists, policymakers, and the public weigh the benefits of nutrient-rich crops against the potential risks and ethical considerations associated with biofortification.
One of the well-known case studies on biofortification is the "Golden Rice" phenomenon. We will check it first and then - move on to our three core case studies on plant breeding.
?? Golden Rice
Golden Rice is a genetically engineered variety of rice that produces β-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A, in its grains, aimed at combating vitamin A deficiency (VAD) in populations reliant on rice as a staple food.
Official definition: Golden Rice is rice that has been genetically engineered to produce and accumulate β-carotene in the endosperm (the edible part of the grain). This gives the grains a golden colour, as opposed to regular white rice, which is practically devoid of carotenoids. When the rice is consumed, the β-carotene is either stored in the fatty tissues of the body or converted into vitamin A.
The development of Golden Rice involves the introduction of genes from maize and a soil bacterium into the rice genome, enabling the rice to biosynthesize β-carotene in the endosperm. The benefits of Golden Rice include the potential to significantly reduce VAD-related health issues such as blindness and immune deficiencies, especially in developing countries where rice is a primary food source.
However, challenges remain, including regulatory hurdles, public acceptance of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), potential environmental impacts, and ensuring the stability and bioavailability of β-carotene in the rice grains post-harvest.
Despite these challenges, Golden Rice represents a promising intervention for improving public health and nutritional security in regions affected by VAD.
?? Biofortification: Addressing Nutrient Deficiencies and Malnutrition
Country: ???? India, ???? Finland, ???? Saudi Arabia
Published: 1 May 2024
The recent study reviews biofortification as a strategy to combat nutrient deficiencies and malnutrition, focusing on the enhancement of staple crops with essential micronutrients through conventional and advanced genetic engineering techniques.
The researchers conducted a comprehensive literature review using systematic searches on Google Scholar, screening a total of 22,613 papers.
Key methods included conventional breeding, metabolic engineering, and genetic engineering, with advanced techniques like CRISPR-Cas9 used to improve the nutritional content of crops.
The study highlighted the role of nanotechnology and machine learning in further enhancing biofortification processes, as well as the importance of public-private collaborations to overcome regulatory and acceptance challenges.
Key findings include the successful development of biofortified varieties of crops such as rice, wheat, maize, and beans, enriched with vital micronutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamin A. For instance, "Golden Rice 2" showed a 23-fold increase in total carotenoids compared to its predecessor. Biofortified crops have demonstrated significant potential in improving health outcomes and reducing nutrient deficiencies, particularly in resource-limited environments. The study underscores the need for collaborative efforts to scale up production and distribution, ensuring widespread adoption of biofortification as a sustainable solution for global food security.
The crops discussed in the article are rice, wheat, maize, beans, sweet potatoes, pearl millet, tomatoes, strawberries, potatoes, bananas, plums, apples, pears, and chickpeas.
These results can be practically applied by agricultural researchers, policymakers, and nutritionists focused on improving public health through enhanced agricultural practices.
Main Tools/Technologies
For further details, refer to the research article by Naik et al. in Heliyon, 10 (2024), e30595. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30595
?? Harnessing Genomic Tools for Enhanced Crop Nutrition
Country: Spain ????
Published: 13 March 2022
This study focuses on improving the nutritional value of crops through biofortification by using both conventional breeding and modern genomic tools.
Researchers employed various genomic techniques to explore and enhance the genetic diversity of crops. They used SNP genotyping methods, including Affymetrix and Illumina BeadArray microarrays, TaqMan and KASP assays, and mass spectrometry. They also utilized metabolomics techniques like mass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to assess nutritional and phytochemical profiles. Data was sourced from public SNP databases to support their genetic mapping and association studies.
The key findings include the identification of specific genomic regions associated with improved nutritional traits, such as higher micronutrient content and health-promoting compounds.
They highlighted the successful biofortification of several crops, including rice, maize, wheat, cassava, potato, tomato, beans, and chickpea, with significant increases in essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamins.
These results can be practically applied by plant breeders and agricultural researchers to develop more nutritious crop varieties.
Main tools/technologies
For further details, refer to the research article by Medina-Lozano, I., & Díaz, A., Applications of Genomic Tools in Plant Breeding: Crop Biofortification, Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23, 3086. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23063086](https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23063086 .
In the figure above: (A) recombinant inbred lines (RILs); (B) near isogenic lines (NILs); (C) advanced backcross; and (D) their use for Genomic Selection (GS). Only some of the possible crossing designs are shown.
?? Boosting Rice Nutritional Quality Through Advanced Techniques
Country: ???? China
Published: 25 May 2023
The final study also focuses on enhancing the nutritional quality of rice to combat malnutrition by integrating genetic engineering, genome editing, omics approaches, and agronomic practices.
The researchers used multiple techniques to improve rice nutrition, including genetic engineering for desirable traits, CRISPR/Cas9 for gene editing, and omics tools like transcriptomics, proteomics, and ionomics to explore and modify the rice genome. Agronomic biofortification with fertilizers was also employed to enhance micronutrient content. These methods were meticulously applied to increase levels of essential nutrients such as iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and vitamins in rice grains.
For instance, the introduction of the soybean ferritin gene resulted in a two-fold increase in Fe content, while the foliar application of micronutrient cocktails in field trials demonstrated significant enhancements in Zn and I levels in rice.
The research found significant improvements in the nutritional content of rice, including a 2.5-fold increase in lysine through maize gene expression, a 15% increase in resistant starch via CRISPR/Cas9, and the achievement of targeted Fe (15 μg/g) and Zn (45.7 μg/g) contents. These improvements can effectively address malnutrition and enhance the health of populations reliant on rice as a staple food.
Main tools / technologies
For further details, refer to the research article by Sundus Zafar and Xu Jianlong: Recent Advances to Enhance Nutritional Quality of Rice, Rice Science, Vol. 30, No. 6, 2023, 524-537. https://www.ricesci.org/EN/Y2023/V30/I6/523
?? What's next in plant breeding tech?
In the next edition of "AI for Plant Breeding," we will explore advancements in synthetic biology, microbiome engineering, and epigenetic breeding.
?How interesting is this selection of topics for you?
Let us know in the comments below ??
??Share with relevant people to spread knowledge around.
Thank you for your time ??
With wishes of both biofortified crops and naturally grown varieties,
Maryna Kuzmenko, Ph.D ???? , Chief Inspirational Officer at Petiole Pro
Photo credit for cover image
References in today's newsletter "AI for Plant Breeding: Biofortification"
Zafar, S., & Jianlong, X. (2023). Recent Advances to Enhance Nutritional Quality of Rice. Rice Science, 30(6), 523-536. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rsci.2023.05.004
FYI (For your interest)
Engineer || AgTech || Precision Crop Protection Researcher || UAV's
4 个月Thanks for sharing
Geospatial Information Systems Engineer | Full Stack Software Engineer | Geomatics | LiDAR expert | 3D Modelling | Photogrammetry
4 个月well done, Maryna Kuzmenko, Ph.D ????
Scientist , Bio Technologist, Plant Breeder, PhD ??? ???? ???? ?????? ???????? ????? ? ????? ???????
4 个月Keep growing ...
Crop Protection Research Scientist
4 个月Fascinating overview of biofortification's potential and the ethical considerations surrounding GMOs. Looking forward to learning more about synthetic biology and microbiome engineering
Crop Improvement Researcher
4 个月Maryna Kuzmenko, Ph.D ???? Excellent job. No doubt Biofortification is the hottest topic in the crop improvement world. Most of the work focused on Fe and Zn fortification in major crops via GM or non-GM mode. Then previous work of Triple Zero Canola, Low Glycemic Rice, Low Gluten Wheat, Low anti-nutritious substances in potential crops like β-ODAP and many topics under research area of Ionomics.