Harnessing genomics for sustainable food systems with orphan crops

The global food system currently faces a critical challenge rooted in its overreliance on a limited number of major crops, leading to a precarious nutritional monoculture that jeopardizes both human health and ecological resilience. Orphan crops, a diverse array of domesticated and semi-domesticated plant species, offer a vital pathway to address this predicament by enhancing nutritional diversity and bolstering food security. This report details how genomics is transforming the improvement and utilization of these neglected species. By employing advanced tools such as high-throughput sequencing, sophisticated genotyping techniques (including SNP panels, KASP assays, and Genotyping-by-Sequencing), genomic selection, and precise gene editing (notably CRISPR/Cas systems), researchers are gaining unprecedented insights into their genetic diversity, accelerating crop improvement, and enhancing climate resilience and nutritional value. The strategic application of these genomic technologies, coupled with robust international collaborations and targeted capacity-building initiatives, is essential for translating foundational research into tangible agricultural impact. This comprehensive approach is crucial for promoting the sustainable development and widespread utilization of orphan crops, thereby making a significant contribution to global food and nutritional security.