Assembly of giant wild sunflower family genomes unlocks potential for new perennial crops
Researchers have successfully assembled the first chromosome-scale genomes for two wild sunflower species, Silphium integrifolium and Silphium perfoliatum. This genomic breakthrough aims to accelerate the development of perennial crops to improve global food security and climate resilience.
Why it matters
Developing perennial crops could revolutionize sustainable agriculture by reducing the need for annual replanting and improving soil health, addressing long-term food security challenges.
edited by Robert Egan , reviewed by Andrew Zinin
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Add as preferred source Close-up of Silphium integrifolium flowers with bee in crop domestication research test plot at The Land Institute in Salina, KS, U.S.. Credit: The Land Institute The Land Institute and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, in collaboration with key partners, have assembled the first chromosome-scale, haplotype-phased genomes for Silphium integrifolium (rosinweed, silflower) and Silphium perfoliatum (cup plant, silphie). This landmark research promises to expand and accelerate the development of more climate-resilient, sustainable perennial crops.
These findings, published in the journal Nature Communications , provide foundational genomic data for domesticating wild, deep-rooted Silphium species native to North American prairies into perennial crops for food, fiber, forage and medicine.
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