Fig. 1.

Schematic diagram highlighting the main sequencing and breeding approaches discussed in this article. First (left), by comparing the reference genomes of underutilized crops and staple/main crops, genome variants responsible for superior agronomic traits (such as specific resistance and nutrient quality or quantity) of underutilized crops could be explored. In addition (right), the combination of genome resequencing and phenotyping through genome‐wide association study could help to identify candidate genes responsible for agronomic traits of underutilized crops. Through genetic transformation or genome editing, the function of these candidate genes could be verified. Finally, by associating genomic data to phenotypic information of different accessions, germplasm resources can be effectively screened and bred by means of molecular marker‐assisted breeding and crossing, to improve the resistance and nutritional value of underutilized crops in addition to staple crops.