The Role of Epigenetics in Plant Breeding Understanding Heritable Changes beyond DNA Sequence

Epigenetics, the study of heritable changes in gene expression without alterations in the DNA sequence, has become a pivotal area in plant breeding, offering novel strategies for crop improvement. This review examines the role of epigenetics in enhancing plant traits and resilience. It explores the mechanisms of epigenetic regulation, including DNA methylation, histone modification, and small RNA interference, and their applications in developing crops with improved stress tolerance, enhanced trait quality, and better adaptation to environmental changes. The integration of epigenetics with traditional breeding methods and genomic technologies provides a powerful framework for advancing plant breeding. Despite the promising benefits, challenges such as the complexity of epigenetic regulation and inheritance patterns need to be addressed. The review underscores the potential of epigenetic approaches to revolutionize plant breeding and contribute to sustainable agricultural practices.