Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and Global Team Unravel Solanum Pan-Genome for Enhanced Food Security
Mapping the Solanum Pan-Genome
In a groundbreaking achievement, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) has advanced the understanding of the Solanum pan-genome, a crucial step towards improving food security. Approximately 75% of the global food supply relies on merely 12 plant species; however, scientists estimate around 30,000 species are edible. The limitations of reliance on a few crops present risks in the face of drought, disease, or climate change. CSHL, in collaboration with international researchers, aims to expand the diversity of our food supply through innovative genetic research.
The study focuses on the Solanum genus, which encompasses valuable crops such as tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplants. By exploring