A recent article in Nature Communications takes a closer look at orphan crops, plants that are vital to many communities in developing countries but haven’t received the same level of research and improvement as major crops like wheat, rice, and maize. These crops, which include sorghum and ensete, are often grown in harsh environments and provide essential nutrition to local populations.
Despite their importance, orphan crops haven’t benefited from advancements like genome editing and machine learning, which have helped increase the productivity of major crops. The study suggests that applying these tools could improve traits like yield, stress tolerance, and nutritional value in orphan crops, while also transferring valuable insights from more widely studied crops.
The researchers highlight how machine learning can analyze large datasets to uncover patterns in crop genetics, helping identify traits that can improve breeding efforts. Combined with technologies like CRISPR, this approach could open new doors for crop improvement, especially in regions facing food insecurity and climate challenges.
While some initiatives, such as the African Orphan Crops Consortium, are working to close the research gap, the study emphasizes that there’s still much to be done to make these advancements widely accessible. By investing in these underutilized crops, scientists hope to create more resilient food systems for the future.