Evolving a synthetic ideotype in sorghum (Sorghum bicolour L. Moench.)

Abstract

Sorghum, the fifth most cultivated crop worldwide, is vital for food, fodder, fuel, and industrial applications. Developing multi?stress tolerant and nutrient?rich sorghum lines remains a central breeding objective. This proposal outlines the creation of a customized synthetic sorghum zygote, regenerated in vitro into plantlets and released as cultivable varieties within a shortened timeframe. Using the reference genome (BTx623, ~732 Mbp), alleles linked to yield, drought tolerance (PIN genes), pest resistance (shoot fly), disease resistance (anthracnose), mineral density (Fe/Zn transporters), and quality traits are mined in silico from mapping populations and wild races. These alleles are sequentially assembled across ten chromosomes into designed haplotypes, targeting SVs, PAVs, SNPs, InDels, and gCNVs. The reconstructed genome is synthesized via molecular DNA printing, converted into synthetic zygotes, and regenerated through tissue culture. Stabilized lines are advanced via speed breeding and validated in multi?location trials, aiming to deliver a “synthetic ideotype” sorghum with enhanced resilience.