Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 4 — Narrative / commentaryPeer-reviewed

Agroecological genomics and participatory science: optimizing crop mixtures for agricultural diversification

Chiara Santamarina, Laura Mathieu, Elena Bitocchi, Alice Pieri, Elisa Bellucci, Valerio Di Vittori, Karolina Susek, Federico Scossa, Laura Nanni, Roberto Papa

Trends in Plant Science · 2025

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Summary

This perspective paper presents agroecological genomics as an integrated framework for understanding the genetic and molecular dynamics underlying crop mixture performance. By combining quantitative and population genetics with omics technologies and decentralised participatory science, the approach aims to exploit environmental and socio-cultural heterogeneity across agroecosystems to identify co-adaptation patterns and develop improved mixed-crop breeding strategies.

UK applicability

The framework is potentially applicable to UK farming contexts seeking to enhance crop diversity and yield stability, particularly in mixed and organic systems. However, implementation would require adaptation to UK-specific climatic, soil, and socio-cultural conditions through localised participatory research networks.

Key measures

Whole-genome patterns of co-adaptation; traits driving adaptation in crop mixtures; yield stability; ecosystem services provision

Outcomes reported

The paper proposes an integrated framework combining quantitative and population genetics with omics methods and participatory science to elucidate the genetic and molecular basis of crop mixture performance. It identifies whole-genome co-adaptation patterns and key traits that drive yield stability and ecosystem services in mixed-crop systems.

Theme
Farming systems, soils & land use
Subject
Agroforestry & intercropping
Study type
Narrative Review
Study design
Narrative review
Source type
Peer-reviewed study
Status
Published
Geography
International
System type
Mixed farming
DOI
10.1016/j.tplants.2025.04.008
Catalogue ID
SNmov0h6zh-lzzci7

Topic tags

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