The Medicago truncatula Genome

The book focuses on the genomic research of the model legume M. truncatula, highlighting its importance in sustainable agriculture and its well-annotated genome. It discusses the available genetic and genomic tools and resources for studying M. truncatula, making it a frontrunner model in functional genomic studies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 159 pages
Publication date: 16 February 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

The significance of legumes in agriculture cannot be overstated, as they hold immense economic value as food, feed, and fodder. Moreover, their role as a pillar of sustainable agriculture is attributed to their remarkable biological nitrogen fixation capacity. Medicago truncatula, a model legume species, was established in the 1990s and has since gained widespread international adoption as a model organism. With a short generation time and a relatively small genome size of approximately 375 Mbp, M. truncatula offers unique advantages for genomic research.

The genome of M. truncatula was first sequenced by the International Medicago Genome Annotation Group (IMGAG) in 2011, and since then, it has undergone extensive annotation. The availability of various genetic and genomic tools, including the gene expression atlas (MtGEA), insertion and neutron bombardment mutant populations, and a HapMap panel containing 384 sequenced inbred lines, has greatly facilitated M. truncatula research.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the current status and latest advancements in the genomics and transcriptomics resources of M. truncatula. It also highlights the newly developed tools that have made M. truncatula a frontrunner model in functional genomic studies. By delving into these resources, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying various plant processes, such as nitrogen fixation, stress response, and symbiotic interactions.

The insights gained from M. truncatula research have significant implications for agriculture and plant science. They can help develop new crop varieties with improved traits, such as drought tolerance and nitrogen utilization, which are crucial for sustainable food production in a changing climate. Additionally, M. truncatula serves as a valuable model organism for studying plant-microbe interactions, which are essential for maintaining soil health and promoting plant growth.

In conclusion, the genomics and transcriptomics resources of M. truncatula have opened up new avenues for research and have the potential to revolutionize our understanding of plant biology. By leveraging these resources, researchers can make significant contributions to agriculture and plant science, leading to improved crop yields, sustainable agriculture practices, and a better understanding of the complex interactions between plants and their environment.

Weight: 555g
Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030907563
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022