Revealed the most complete genetic map of oats

Researchers from Brigham Young University (BYU) in the United States have published the first complete pan-genome and pan-transcriptome of oats in studies released in the journals Nature and Nature Communications. This work represents a historic milestone for the genetics and improvement of this cereal, revealing the genetic diversity, chromosomal variations, and expression patterns that explain why progress in the yield and quality of oats has been slower than in other crops. Oats have been gaining global prominence as an alternative to wheat and dairy products, thanks to their high nutritional value and proven health benefits, such as cholesterol reduction and lower risk of metabolic diseases. BYU scientists Rick Jellen and Jeff Maughan led the international consortium that identified 33 wild and domesticated oat lineages, creating a detailed genetic map that shows the common and unique genes of each variety. This new reference will enable the development of more productive, ...