Surreal illustration of a yam plant intertwined with DNA strands, symbolizing the power of genomics in crop research.

Unlocking the Secrets of Crop Evolution: How Genomics is Reshaping Our Understanding of Food

Rhea Morgan in Science & Nature December 2025 • 4 min read.

"An interview with Professor Ryohei Terauchi reveals how advances in DNA sequencing are revolutionizing crop research, particularly for neglected but vital staple foods like yams."

How did life on earth come to be so diverse? This fundamental question drives the research of Professor Ryohei Terauchi, a leading expert in crop evolution. Terauchi, based at Kyoto University and the Iwate Biotechnology Research Center in Japan, focuses on the intricate co-evolutionary relationships between species.

His work delves into how plant-human interactions have shaped the domestication of crops and how crop-pathogen interactions influence their ongoing evolution. What sets his research apart is his use of cutting-edge genomics to explore these complex dynamics.

In a recent interview, Terauchi highlights how the genomics revolution, fueled by advancements in DNA sequencing, is providing unprecedented insights into the improvement of orphan crops – those that are regionally important but often overlooked by mainstream research.

The Yam Genome: A Window into Neglected Staple Foods

Surreal illustration of a yam plant intertwined with DNA strands, symbolizing the power of genomics in crop research.

Yam crops, belonging to the genus Dioscorea, are a crucial food source in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Despite their importance, yams have historically received limited research attention. Terauchi's recent paper in BMC Biology on the genome sequence of the white Guinea yam is changing this.

The 2017 study unveiled vital genetic information that could revolutionize yam cultivation. According to Terauchi, genomics offers valuable tools for improving these neglected crops.

Understanding Yam Diversity: The genome sequence allows researchers to identify key genes related to desirable traits, such as disease resistance and nutritional content.
Accelerating Breeding Programs: Molecular markers developed from the genome can help breeders select superior yam varieties more efficiently.
Empowering Local Agriculture: By providing accessible genomic data, researchers can empower local farmers to improve yam production and food security.

This research exemplifies the power of genomics to unlock the potential of orphan crops, ensuring food security and supporting agricultural communities in the regions where these crops are essential.

Inspiration and the Future of Genomics Research

Looking back at his career, Terauchi points to a paper by Yoshida et al. that reported the isolation of avirulence genes from the rice blast pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae as a pivotal moment. This research, which utilized whole-genome sequencing, shaped the direction of Terauchi's genomics research.

When asked about guiding principles for running a lab, Terauchi emphasizes the importance of independent and free thinking, stating that "Only independent and free thinking will result in innovative ideas and findings."

For aspiring scientists, Terauchi advises spending time reading classic works that have stood the test of time. His work continues to inspire, demonstrating the transformative potential of genomics in understanding and improving the crops that sustain us.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1186/s12915-018-0598-0, Alternate LINK

Title: Dissecting The Forces That Shape Crops: An Interview With Ryohei Terauchi

Subject: Cell Biology

Journal: BMC Biology

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: Ryohei Terauchi

Published: 2018-11-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is Professor Ryohei Terauchi's primary research focus?

Professor Ryohei Terauchi focuses on the co-evolutionary relationships between species, specifically how plant-human interactions have shaped the domestication of crops, and how crop-pathogen interactions influence their evolution. He utilizes genomics to explore these complex dynamics, providing insights into crop improvement, particularly for neglected crops.

In what ways is genomics revolutionizing our understanding of crop evolution and domestication?

Genomics is transforming our understanding of crop evolution by providing insights into the genetic makeup of crops. This revolution, fueled by advances in DNA sequencing, allows researchers to identify key genes related to desirable traits such as disease resistance and nutritional content. The genomics revolution allows for acceleration of breeding programs and can lead to empowering local agriculture.

What are orphan crops, and how is genomics contributing to their improvement?

Orphan crops, like yams (*Dioscorea*), are regionally important food sources that have historically received limited research attention. Genomics is helping unlock the potential of these crops by providing accessible genomic data that can improve production, enhance food security, and support agricultural communities in the regions where these crops are essential. While the white Guinea yam is mentioned other orphan crops are not in the scope.

How can understanding the yam genome, specifically the white Guinea yam, impact agriculture and food security?

The yam genome sequence, particularly the white Guinea yam, allows researchers to identify genes related to traits like disease resistance and nutritional content. Molecular markers developed from the genome can help breeders select superior yam varieties efficiently, accelerating breeding programs. This empowers local farmers to improve yam production and food security. The yam genome is a window into neglected staple foods.

What inspired Professor Ryohei Terauchi's focus on genomics research?

The pivotal moment in Professor Ryohei Terauchi's career that shaped the direction of his genomics research was a paper by Yoshida et al. that reported the isolation of avirulence genes from the rice blast pathogen *Magnaporthe oryzae*. This research, which utilized whole-genome sequencing, demonstrated the power of genomics in understanding and addressing crop diseases.