Next-generation sequencing technology: a boon to agriculture

Abstract

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is a massively parallel sequencing technology that has revolutionized genomic research. The goal of genomics is outlining the genetic composition, collective characterization, and quantification to describe a particular phenotype. NGS has enabled the sequencing of thousands of genomes to study diversity within or between germplasm pools. Advancement in sequencing has also transformed the enhancement strategies in agriculture. The introduction of new platforms employing long-read sequencing ensured more efficient sequencing of large and complex genomes. NGS has replaced the traditional methods of genotyping and plant breeding and simplified the genetic enhancement and modification approaches with the availability of diverse genetic variants information. This review summarizes the available next-generation sequencing platforms and their utilization in agricultural genomics. Agri-genomics has become more efficient after the introduction of NGS technologies with broad applications in genome selection, parentage, genotyping, marker-assisted breeding, and genome editing. Data analysis of high throughput sequencing data allows the exploration of the horizons of evolution and diversity, molecular breeding, soil, and agricultural metagenomics. NGS has proved to be a boon for researchers and breeders, enabling cost-efficient identification of markers for desirable traits that have led to insect-resistant and more productive crops and livestock.