Advances in Genomic Tools for Crop Variety Protection and Traceability

Molecular biology has seen transformative advancements over the past two decades, particularly with the shift from traditional SSR markers to next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies, including Genotyping-By-Sequencing (GBS). This evolution in DNA genotyping has led to the identification of thousands of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that are integral to developing multi-locus protocols for marker-assisted breeding (MAB). More importantly, genome-wide sequencing technologies are pivotal in the molecular determination of genetic distinctiveness, genetic uniformity, and genetic stability (DUS) of crop varieties. These advancements hold tremendous potential not just for breeding purposes but also for ensuring the genetic traceability of seed lots and their food derivatives, thus aiding in the authentication and establishment of comprehensive molecular databases to secure plant variety protection (PVP).

The primary aim of this Research Topic is to address the critical need for more efficient and accurate genotyping methods in crop breeding and food traceability. Traditional genotyping methods have been limited in their throughput, precision, and informativeness, which this research hopes to redefine through NGS approaches like Genotyping-By-Sequencing (GBS) and targeted sequencing. By focusing on the identification and application of informative SNP markers and haplotypes, this research seeks to develop resilient multi-locus protocols for MAB and marker-assisted selection (MAS), as well as post-breeding verification. The goal is to bolster molecular determination of genetic DUS, ultimately facilitating better traceability and authentication of food products, and creating databases that support plant variety protection to combat food fraud.

To gather further insights into the application of NGS technologies for plant genotyping, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• Development and implementation of SNP markers for marker-assisted breeding (MAB)
• Targeted sequencing for post-breeding verification
• Molecular determination of genetic distinctiveness, uniformity, and stability (DUS)
• Establishment of comprehensive molecular databases for plant variety protection (PVP)
• Techniques to improve the genetic traceability and authentication of food derivatives

This Topic welcomes original research, reviews, methods, and perspectives that contribute to our understanding of genomic tools in plant breeding and traceability.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: uniformity and stability (DUS), crop varieties, plant variety protection (PVP), distinctiveness, genetic identity, molecular markers, NGS

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.