CEAZA implements genomic sequencing to boost drought-resilient agriculture

The scientific center CEAZA has integrated high-performance genomic sequencing technology to advance drought-resilient agriculture in northern Chile. Through the GEM-PGPR Ring Project, funded by the National Research and Development Agency (ANID), researchers are studying how traditional tomato varieties, their environment, and root microbiomes help plants maintain yields during water deficits.

To facilitate this, CEAZA has implemented an Oxford Nanopore PromethION sequencer. This advanced platform allows for the sequencing of complete DNA from plants and bacterial communities. Dr. Máximo González and postdoctoral researcher Dr. Bárbara Peña noted that the technology enables high-quality reconstruction of bacterial genomes and accelerates bioinformatics processes.

The research aims to identify tolerant plants and isolate specific bacteria capable of improving plant performance under drought conditions. The project intends to sequence at least 400 bacterial isolates to identify genes associated with plant growth promotion in water-scarce environments.