Triticeae Genomics and Genetics, 2024, Vol.15, No.5, 255-265 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/tgg 261 Epigenetic variation has been shown to enhance various agronomic traits in wheat, including yield, disease resistance, and stress tolerance. For instance, studies have demonstrated that epigenetic modifications can lead to the development of climate-resilient crops with improved adaptation to changing climates (Samantara et al., 2021; Gupta and Salgotra, 2022). In one case, the application of epigenetic markers in a genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified significant marker-trait associations (MTAs) that explained a substantial portion of phenotypic variance in traits such as yield and disease resistance (Bhatta et al., 2019). These findings highlight the potential of epigenetic variation to create new phenotypes that can be selected for in breeding programs, ultimately leading to the development of elite wheat varieties with enhanced agronomic performance (Dwivedi et al., 2017; Ferreira et al., 2023). 6.3 Integration of gene editing techniques with epigenetics The integration of gene editing techniques, such as CRISPR/Cas9, with epigenetic modifications holds great promise for advancing wheat breeding. Gene editing allows for precise modifications of the genome, while epigenetic changes can regulate gene expression without altering the DNA sequence. This combination can be used to create targeted epigenetic modifications that enhance desirable traits in wheat (Dwivedi et al., 2017; Tonosaki et al., 2022). For example, epigenome editing can be employed to modify DNA methylation patterns or histone modifications at specific loci, leading to changes in gene expression that improve stress tolerance, yield, and other agronomic traits (Gallusci et al., 2017). By leveraging both genetic and epigenetic tools, breeders can develop more robust and high-performing wheat varieties that meet the demands of a growing population and changing environmental conditions (Bao, 2008; Springer and Schmitz, 2017). 7 Reversibility of Epigenetic Modifications and Their Application in Crop Improvement 7.1 Reversibility of epigenetic modifications Epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, are crucial for regulating gene expression in plants. These modifications are not permanent and can be reversed, which makes them attractive targets for crop improvement strategies. For instance, histone methylation, a type of post-translational modification, can be dynamically regulated to either maintain or reprogram gene expression, thereby influencing biological outcomes such as development and stress responses (Greer and Shi, 2012). Similarly, DNA methylation levels can be controlled through de novo methylation and active demethylation activities, which are guided by non-coding RNAs and regulated by environmental cues (Kumar and Mohapatra, 2021). The reversibility of these modifications allows for the potential reprogramming of plant traits to enhance crop resilience and productivity. 7.2 Epigenetic plasticity and rapid crop improvement Epigenetic plasticity refers to the ability of plants to undergo reversible changes in gene expression in response to environmental stimuli without altering the underlying DNA sequence. This plasticity is essential for rapid adaptation to abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, and extreme temperatures (Liu et al., 2022; Fang et al., 2023). By leveraging epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, plants can quickly adjust their physiological and developmental processes to cope with stress conditions. This adaptability can be harnessed to develop stress-resistant crop varieties, thereby facilitating rapid crop improvement. For example, epigenetic modifications have been shown to play a significant role in modulating stress-responsive genes, which can be targeted to enhance crop resilience and yield (Agarwal et al., 2020; Samantara et al., 2021). 7.3 Case study on applying chemical substances to change epigenetic modifications and improve wheat yield Chemical substances that modify epigenetic marks have been explored as tools to improve crop yield and stress tolerance. For instance, inhibitors of histone deacetylation or DNA methylation have been used in clinical settings to treat diseases, and similar approaches can be applied to agriculture (Kelly et al., 2021). By using these chemical agents, it is possible to induce desirable epigenetic changes that enhance plant growth and yield. In wheat, the application of such chemicals could potentially reprogram the epigenome to improve traits such as drought tolerance, nutrient use efficiency, and overall productivity. This approach offers a promising avenue for crop
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNQ==