Molecular and systems approaches towards drought‐tolerant canola crops

Summary Modern agriculture is facing multiple challenges including the necessity for a substantial increase in production to meet the needs of a burgeoning human population. Water shortage is a deleterious consequence of both population growth and climate change and is one of the most severe factors limiting global crop productivity. Brassica species, particularly canola varieties, are cultivated worldwide for edible oil, animal feed, and biodiesel, and suffer dramatic yield loss upon drought stress. The recent release of the Brassica napus genome supplies essential genetic information to facilitate identification of drought‐related genes and provides new information for agricultural improvement in this species. Here we summarize current knowledge regarding drought responses of canola, including physiological and ‐omics effects of drought. We further discuss knowledge gained through translational biology based on discoveries in the closely related reference species Arabidopsis thaliana and through genetic strategies such as genome‐wide association studies and analysis of natural variation. Knowledge of drought tolerance/resistance responses in canola together with research outcomes arising from new technologies and methodologies will inform novel strategies for improvement of drought tolerance and yield in this and other important crop species. Contents Summary 1169 I. Introduction 1170 II. Physiological complexity of responses to drought stress in canola crops 1170 III. Translational biology: iterating between A. thaliana and B. napus 1172 IV. Systems biology of Brassica under drought stress 1176 V. Natural variation in drought tolerance for informing breeding 1181 VI. Conclusions/hurdles/perspectives 1182 Acknowledgements 1183 References 1183