SA Graan Maart 2016

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genes related to common plant stress responses. This has been

done in some major crops like rice, to silence targeted genes

using RNAi technology in response to drought stress.

The international pioneers of this rapidly developing field believe,

‘epigenetics will play a significant role in raising crop nutritional

values’ especially of the major stable food crops like rice, maize

and wheat. Currently, international research using RNAi technolo-

gies to modify gene expression at a specific stage of develop-

ment is being used to improve the nutritional value of plants. In

wheat and other grains, RNAi constructs have been designed by

international research group to suppress the genes that promote

starch levels.

The results from these studies were wheat grains with higher

amylose content, which is beneficial for lowering blood sugar

and cholesterol. These scientists believe that nutrient enriched

foods are beneficial to everyone, but will be even more so to the

poorer and malnourished people of developing countries. These

scientists, which are at the forefront of epigenetic research, are

adamant that ‘it is needed and necessary that further studies in-

volving epigenetic mechanisms to enhance crop nutritional con-

tent be done’.

Plant diseases and pests have been known to destroy entire har-

vests. The international research community are excited by the

possibilities of improving pest and disease resistance in crops

with an epigenetics approach. Most producers use some form of

chemical control to improve crop yield, yet this is very costly. In-

stead of the over-reliance on chemicals, plants could be epigenet-

ically primed/triggered to naturally fend off pests and diseases.

In fact, it has already been well-documented that some plant spe-

cies produce natural defence compounds against pest attacks.

What lies ahead?

It is the joint opinion of many pioneering epigenetic scientists

from all over the world that ‘we as plant scientists (researchers),

are generating/sharing the required knowledge and learning

each day, on the best possible methods to combat the increasing

demand for food (fighting local food sovereignty and security),

hunger and malnutrition by improving crop production’.

The science of epigenetics is proving to be a very promising way

forward for crop improvement and plant breeding.

Figure 3: Modifications of the histones can make different coding

regions of the DNA accessible to proteins that ‘read’ genes, resulting

in a difference in gene expression.

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