The role of omics in improving the orphan crop tef.

Tef research has little benefited from omics due to neglect of the crop by the global scientific community. However, the few utilized tools showed promising results. Chromosome-scale assembly of the genome reveals the evolution of tef. The whole-genome sequencing of drought-resurrecting Eragrostis nindensis and desiccation-sensitive Eragrostis curvula shows genes that play key roles in drought responses. A few studies using omics tools have revealed differentially expressed genes, proteins, and metabolites in tef plants exposed to drought. Molecular markers have deciphered diversity in tef germplasm collected from diverse agroecologies in Ethiopia. The application of targeting induced local lesions in genomes resulted in mutant tef lines with a semidwarf stature, which were later bred to locally adapted and high-yielding varieties. Genome editing using 'Green Revolution' genes resulted in a semidwarf and lodging-tolerant tef plant. Tef or teff [ Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter] is a cereal crop indigenous to the Horn of Africa, where it is a staple food for a large population. The popularity of tef arises from its resilience to environmental stresses and its nutritional value. For many years, tef has been considered an orphan crop, but recent research initiatives from across the globe are helping to unravel its undisclosed potential. Advanced omics tools and techniques have been directed toward the exploration of tef's diversity with the aim of increasing its productivity. In this review, we report on the most recent advances in tef omics that brought the crop into the spotlight of international research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]