Application of functional genomics in agriculture

Abstract

Area of genomics revolves around the study of genes and gene functioning. It is broadly sub categorized as structural genomics, functional genomics, comparative genomics, epigenomics, translational genomics and pharmacogenomics. Functional genomics, highlighted in this account, links the organism’s genome to its function and phenotype. It could be further subdivided into proteomics, transcriptomics and metabolomics and could be studied by reverse genomic echniques like RNAi and mutagenesis. In agriculture, functional genomics finds its application in generation of crop plants with highly improved agronomic traits so that the exponentially increasing population is well fed, today and in near future. With high through-put and next generation approaches, functional genomics might help in circumventing hindrance in achieving food security. Though crucial, this approach involves meticulous planning and efficient policy making along with brotherhood from whole scientific fraternity in achieving the marvels in agriculture field, of which this technology is very well capable of.