Vol. 8, Issue 1, Part A (2024)

Comparative genomics has become a central approach in crop improvement, enabling the identification of genetic variation, adaptive loci, and stress-resilience traits lost during domestication. Here, we present an integrative comparative analysis of wild and domesticated relatives in rice and tomato, combining whole-genome sequencing, structural variation mapping, and gene family analysis. Our findings reveal extensive genomic divergence, presence/absence variation, and wild-specific alleles associated with stress tolerance, disease resistance, and key domestication traits. The translational impact for molecular breeding and gene-editing strategies is discussed, with a focus on accelerating genetic gains and developing climate-resilient cultivars. These results underscore the vital importance of conserving and harnessing wild genetic diversity for sustainable crop improvement.