Integrating genomics and conservation to safeguard plant diversity

Abstract

Conserving genetic diversity has been increasingly recognized as a keystone towards the protection of biodiversity and natural resources for future generations of humankind. In turn, the ongoing genomic revolution provides us with the technical innovations and expanded knowledge required to establish programs to integrate genomic approaches into programs to protect plant diversity and its genetic diversity. Although obtaining whole genomes of all organisms is still a far‐fetched dream, rapid progress in assembling whole genomes across the plant tree‐of‐life has provided access to reference genomes for many plants but, unfortunately, not all lineages of the plant tree‐of‐life. Addressing the existing taxon gaps is arguably best achieved by focusing on the genomes of plant species that experience high extinction threats or play a crucial role in ecosystem restoration. This review summarizes not only the recent progress in plant genomics with an emphasis on their importance to the conservation of plant diversity but also outlines steps to integrate genomics into plant conservation. Given the complexity of threats driving plant extinction, such as reduced genetic diversity, enhanced genome erosion, and loss of species integrity by hybridization, the integration of genomic research into our conservation efforts is crucial to understand extinction processes and, most importantly, to support the targets set to achieve “Harmony with Nature.”

The Development of Plant Genome Sequencing Technology and Its Conservation and Application in Endangered Gymnosperms

“…This historic achievement has since laid the groundwork for investigating the evolutionary history of the Qin-ling serow and clarifying the fundamental causes of its elevated extinction risk [121]. Technological innovation resulting from the genetic revolution has profound consequences for the conservation of plant resources and their inherent diversity, as well as for the protection of animal resources [122]. Noteworthy research has underscored the capacity of individual plant genes to exert influence over the species diversity within entire ecosystems [123].…”

A 13‐step framework for better integration of streamlined conservation research

“…An adequate tool to resolve such patterns is phylogeography, which can be conducted through traditional molecular techniques, as well as nextgeneration sequencing and genomics, contingent upon available data and funds (Schneider, 2023;Stinchcombe & Hoekstra, 2008 ; Figure 1[2.]). The resulting taxonomic units are often a source of conflict between taxonomists, but these can be resolved through the use of conservation units, independent of (sub-)species levels, or other taxonomic ranking of populations.…”

“…Understanding the interrelationships among clades and the genetic aspects of biodiversity, including hybridization and reticulation, is required to determine ecologically relevant geographic assemblages, or operational taxonomic units, as well as the boundaries between conservation units (defined as a population of organisms considered distinct from a conservation standpoint). An adequate tool to resolve such patterns is phylogeography, which can be conducted through traditional molecular techniques, as well as next‐generation sequencing and genomics, contingent upon available data and funds (Schneider, 2023; Stinchcombe & Hoekstra, 2008; Figure 1[2.]). The resulting taxonomic units are often a source of conflict between taxonomists, but these can be resolved through the use of conservation units, independent of (sub‐)species levels, or other taxonomic ranking of populations.…”