Genes, Genomes, and Systems Biology in Agriculture

Dear Colleagues,

Agriculture is undergoing a data-driven transformation, with crop and livestock sectors facing urgent challenges and exciting opportunities. Pressures to improve efficiency and resilience amid resource constraints and global instability are supported by the promise of new technologies to enhance sustainability, productivity, and food security.

A key opportunity lies in harnessing ‘Big Data’ from high-throughput omics platforms. Millions of SNPs now support genomic selection, while RNA sequencing enables digital quantification of diverse RNA species, offering molecular insights into tissue states and trait expression.

Since the first crop and livestock genomes—rice (2002) and chicken (2004)—data generation has accelerated, with mature genome assemblies and affordable, genome-wide post-genomic technologies now widely available. These tools offer unprecedented resolution into the biology of complex traits, yet extracting actionable insights remains a major challenge.

Barriers include incomplete molecular annotation, difficulties in multi-omic integration, limitations in modelling approaches, and the complexity of quantitative traits shaped by many interacting genes. Emergent properties at the whole-organism level often defy reductionist interpretation from molecular data alone.

This Special Issue will showcase advances in molecular modelling and systems biology that support sustainable, high-yield, and environmentally responsible agriculture. We invite contributions spanning integrative omics, predictive modelling, and systems-level insights into crop and livestock traits.

Dr. Nick Hudson
Dr. Pâmela A. Alexandre
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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