Rajeev Varshney, a prominent professor, has conducted the world’s largest plant genome sequencing project in collaboration with MGI Technologies, utilizing their high-throughput sequencing technologies. Varshney, the Global Research Program Director at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), aimed to understand the variations in chickpea genomes and improve agricultural productivity.
The project involved sequencing a staggering 3,366 chickpea genomes, and the data collected from this endeavor has led to the publication of 17 research papers. By analyzing the genetic variations in the chickpea genomes, the researchers were able to identify traits such as drought tolerance, heat tolerance, and disease resistance. This information is vital for implementing crop improvement programs that can develop superior chickpea lines, leading to increased yield and enhanced food security.
Varshney expressed his gratitude for the continuous evolution of MGI’s sequencing technology. Having worked with MGI for nearly a decade, he recognizes the significant role their products play in advancing genomics and improving agriculture worldwide. Varshney views MGI as more than just a service provider but a true collaborator in empowering scientists and promoting scientific development.
Excitingly, Varshney will continue his genomics research at Murdoch University in Australia, where he will establish an Advanced Genomic Platform in partnership with MGI. The platform’s objective is to enhance research in crop genomics, focusing particularly on improving the quality and resilience of five fruits: banana, pineapple, papaya, custard apple, and passionfruit. By accessing the genetic data made available through a publicly accessible database, breeders and growers can quickly identify key traits and develop more productive fruit varieties.
MGI’s high-throughput sequencing technologies will seamlessly facilitate the launch of this platform. Three key systems, the MGISP-960 High-throughput Automated Sample Preparation System, the DNBSEQ-T7 Ultra-high Throughput Genetic Sequencer, and the ZTRON All-in-one Genetic Data Platform, will be utilized to ensure rapid and accurate sequencing throughout the research process.
Looking ahead, Varshney predicts that spatial transcriptomics and artificial intelligence (AI) will be crucial advancements in genomics and genomics-assisted breeding. He highlights MGI’s creation of STOMICS, an approach based on their DNBSEQTM technology, which is currently used primarily in human genetics. Varshney emphasizes the need to optimize this technology for complex genome species like wheat and leverage AI and machine learning for more accurate phenotype predictions, ultimately enhancing crop improvement initiatives.
MGI aims to make genomic research affordable and accessible to breeders and farmers, delivering fast and effective solutions. By collaborating with experts like Varshney, MGI gains valuable insights into future needs and directions in developing cost-effective and automated solutions. Their goal is to automate sample collection, extraction, and genotyping of large populations while capturing and analyzing multi-omics data intelligently.
Through their partnership, Varshney and MGI are driving groundbreaking research in genomics and genomics-assisted breeding, revolutionizing the agricultural industry and ensuring global food security for years to come.
