The field of crop omics has rapidly evolved over the past decade, integrating genomics, transcriptomics, and other high-throughput technologies to enhance our understanding of plant biology. This Collection aims to showcase innovative research that leverages these advanced methodologies to explore the genetic and molecular underpinnings of crop traits, including yield, stress resistance, and disease susceptibility. By employing techniques such as RNA-Seq and genome sequencing, the complexities of crop genomes and their interactions with the environment can be revealed, leading to the development of improved cultivars.

Advances in crop omics play a crucial role in addressing global challenges such as food security and climate change. Recent breakthroughs in genomic editing and high-throughput sequencing technologies have enabled the rapid identification of beneficial traits in crops, allowing for more efficient breeding programs. For instance, CRISPR/Cas9 technology has been utilized to develop rice varieties with enhanced resistance to bacterial blight by precisely editing genes associated with disease susceptibility, thereby improving the plant's natural defense mechanisms. Additionally, Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) has been used to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) linked to drought tolerance in crops, facilitating the development of crop varieties that can thrive in water-scarce environments. These innovations not only enhance crop resilience and productivity but also contribute to sustainable agricultural practices, thereby supporting the need for research that aligns with environmental and socio-economic goals.

Continued exploration in this field promises exciting developments, including the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning for predictive modeling of crop performance. As researchers study the functional genomics of crops, precision agriculture techniques may emerge to optimize resource use and minimize environmental impact. The potential to develop crops that thrive under varying climatic conditions could revolutionize agricultural practices and ensure food security for future generations.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

- Genomic approaches to crop improvement

- RNA-Seq applications in crop research

- Functional genomics of disease resistance

- Sustainable practices through omics technologies

- Metabolomics and its role in crop trait enhancement

- Epigenetic modifications and their impact on crop development

- The role of microbiomes in crop health and productivity

- Genetic diversity assessment through high-throughput sequencing

- The use of CRISPR technology in targeted trait enhancement

- Machine learning applications in crop phenotype prediction

This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 2: Zero Hunger.

All manuscripts submitted to this journal, including those submitted to collections and special issues, are assessed in line with our editorial policies and the journal’s peer-review process. Reviewers and editors are required to declare competing interests and can be excluded from the peer review process if a competing interest exists.

Parasites, ranging from bacteria to multicellular eukaryotes, exhibit sophisticated life cycles and develop complex interactions with their hosts. The development and application of high-throughput omics techniques enabling simultaneous analysis of virtually all genes, transcripts, and proteins has greatly facilitated research in parasite biology. At the dawn of the sequencing era, the sequencing of parasites’ genomes led to the identification of numerous novel virulence factors and potential drug targets. Nowadays, multi-omics approaches are becoming instrumental for pinpointing molecules and pathways involved in parasite development and its complex network of interactions with the host.

For this BMC Genomics Collection, we welcome submissions generating or analyzing omics data (including, but not limited to, genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic data) or combining them to shed light on parasites’ biology and the molecular basis of host-parasite interactions. The scope of this Collection is wide and submissions on any kind of parasites are welcome.

If you have a data note to submit, please submit to our sister collection Omics of parasites data notes in BMC Genomic Data.

All manuscripts submitted to this journal, including those submitted to collections and special issues, are assessed in line with our editorial policies and the journal’s peer-review process. Reviewers and editors are required to declare competing interests and can be excluded from the peer review process if a competing interest exists.