Genomic and metabolomic analyses are pivotal in agricultural sciences, particularly in the study of fruit plants where breeding techniques shape crop characteristics crucial for human consumption, including stress resistance, nutritional content, and flavor. Traditionally, breeding has focused on selective traits based on phenotypic observations, but modern approaches employ sophisticated genomic and metabolomic technologies to directly manipulate plant characteristics at the molecular level. This has opened new avenues for enhancing crop traits but also introduces complexities in understanding the multifaceted impacts of these methods on plant diversity.This Research Topic aims to explore the fruit crops genetic diversity and to dissect the relationship and impacts of traditional and novel breeding techniques on the genomic and metabolomic diversity in fruit plants. By correlating genomic adaptations with metabolomic changes, this research aspires to unravel how these modifications translate into enhanced agricultural traits, providing a holistic understanding of breeding impacts.To gather further insights in the application and outcomes of diverse breeding strategies, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:- Comparative studies of traditional vs. novel breeding impacts on genomic diversity- Metabolomic profiling differences across germplasm and bred fruit varieties- Case studies of successful trait enhancements via genomic or metabolomic modifications- Technological advancements in breeding for enhanced metabolic traits- Societal and ethical implications of advanced genomic interventions in crop breedingThis wide-ranging examination will contribute significantly to the fields of plant science and agronomy, helping refine breeding techniques to meet both agricultural and consumer demands.Please note: Submissions must go beyond purely descriptive studies to include in-depth, mechanistic insights into metabolic systems. Experimental standards, such as replication and the use of multiple alleles for transgenic plants, should be met to ensure the study’s rigor and suitability for this Research Topic.Disclaimer: The topic editors of this collection are key contributors to the EU Horizon 2020 BreedingValue project, with Bruno Mezzetti serving as the project coordinator and Sonia Osorio and Bjoern Usadel as Work Package Leaders. This project focuses on genetic resources for sustainable crop improvement. For more information, visit breedingvalue.eu.
Genomic and metabolomic analyses are pivotal in agricultural sciences, particularly in the study of fruit plants where breeding techniques shape crop characteristics crucial for human consumption, including stress resistance, nutritional content, and flavor. Traditionally, breeding has focused on selective traits based on phenotypic observations, but modern approaches employ sophisticated genomic and metabolomic technologies to directly manipulate plant characteristics at the molecular level. This has opened new avenues for enhancing crop traits but also introduces complexities in understanding the multifaceted impacts of these methods on plant diversity.This Research Topic aims to explore the fruit crops genetic diversity and to dissect the relationship and impacts of traditional and novel breeding techniques on the genomic and metabolomic diversity in fruit plants. By correlating genomic adaptations with metabolomic changes, this research aspires to unravel how these modifications translate into enhanced agricultural traits, providing a holistic understanding of breeding impacts.To gather further insights in the application and outcomes of diverse breeding strategies, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:- Comparative studies of traditional vs. novel breeding impacts on genomic diversity- Metabolomic profiling differences across germplasm and bred fruit varieties- Case studies of successful trait enhancements via genomic or metabolomic modifications- Technological advancements in breeding for enhanced metabolic traits- Societal and ethical implications of advanced genomic interventions in crop breedingThis wide-ranging examination will contribute significantly to the fields of plant science and agronomy, helping refine breeding techniques to meet both agricultural and consumer demands.Please note: Submissions must go beyond purely descriptive studies to include in-depth, mechanistic insights into metabolic systems. Experimental standards, such as replication and the use of multiple alleles for transgenic plants, should be met to ensure the study’s rigor and suitability for this Research Topic.Disclaimer: The topic editors of this collection are key contributors to the EU Horizon 2020 BreedingValue project, with Bruno Mezzetti serving as the project coordinator and Sonia Osorio and Bjoern Usadel as Work Package Leaders. This project focuses on genetic resources for sustainable crop improvement. For more information, visit breedingvalue.eu.