The potential of plant genomics

The general public is more aware of the potential of genomics in medical than in plant science. It is, for example, likely that in the near future, treatment and preventative health plans will be in part based on each patient's genome sequence.

The impact of plant genomics could be equally profound. New information regarding gene function and organization may allow for the development of plants which:

Are more resistant to pests and diseases

Can maintain yield under conditions of drought or nutrient-poor soil

May contain more favorable proportions of nutritional compounds important to human health, or even compounds not normally produced in plants at all

 Potentially leading to the day when hunger and malnutrition have become rare