Epigenetic modification of inbreeding depression as breeders tool

Inbreeding may negatively affect growth, development and fitness, a process also known as inbreeding depression. Inbreeding depression is commonly observed in plants, in both wild and cultivated species. Recently, researchers at the Radboud University Nijmegen demonstrated that, in addition to genetic processes, epigenetic processes may play an important role in causing inbreeding effects. It was shown that epigenetic variation is affected by inbreeding and that epigenetic variation can be modified in such a way that negative effects of inbreeding largely disappear. These results are of great interest to plant breeders because of the high economic costs involved in dealing with inbreeding depression in breeding programmes. This project will contribute to the application of this knowledge in breeding programmes of the commercial crops Carrot and Leek. Plant breeders benefit from a reduction or elimination of the negative inbreeding effects by the long-term prolongation of inbreeding lines and the possibility of creating more uniform, homogeneous material. In addition, backcross breeding methods are made possible. Eventually this may lead to the development of more efficient breeding programs with greater economic success. The proposed study is a first step forward towards implication of evidence-based practices in order to lower inbreeding depression in crops.