Molecular and systems approaches towards drought-tolerant canola crops

Mengmeng Zhu, J. Grey Monroe, Yasir Suhail, Florent Villiers, Jack Mullen, Dianne Pater, Felix Hauser, Byeong Wook Jeon, Joel S. Bader, June M. Kwak, Julian I. Schroeder, John K. Mckay, Sarah M. Assmann

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

72 Scopus citations

Abstract

Modern agriculture is facing multiple challenges including the necessity for a substantial increase in production to meet the needs of a burgeoning human population. Water shortage is a deleterious consequence of both population growth and climate change and is one of the most severe factors limiting global crop productivity. Brassica species, particularly canola varieties, are cultivated worldwide for edible oil, animal feed, and biodiesel, and suffer dramatic yield loss upon drought stress. The recent release of the Brassica napus genome supplies essential genetic information to facilitate identification of drought-related genes and provides new information for agricultural improvement in this species. Here we summarize current knowledge regarding drought responses of canola, including physiological and -omics effects of drought. We further discuss knowledge gained through translational biology based on discoveries in the closely related reference species Arabidopsis thaliana and through genetic strategies such as genome-wide association studies and analysis of natural variation. Knowledge of drought tolerance/resistance responses in canola together with research outcomes arising from new technologies and methodologies will inform novel strategies for improvement of drought tolerance and yield in this and other important crop species.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1169-1189
Number of pages21
JournalNew Phytologist
Volume210
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 1 2016

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Physiology
  • Plant Science

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Molecular and systems approaches towards drought-tolerant canola crops'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this