The Epigenetic Regulation of Agronomic Traits and Environmental Adaptability in Brassicas.

As essential sources of vegetables, oilseeds, and forage, Brassica crops exhibit complex epigenetic regulation mechanisms involving histone modifications, DNA modifications, RNA modifications, noncoding RNAs, and chromatin remodelling. The agronomic traits and environmental adaptability of crops are regulated by both genetic and epigenetic mechanisms, while epigenetic variation can affect plant phenotypes without changing gene sequences. Furthermore, the impact of epigenetic modifications on plant phenotype has accelerated the crop breeding process. This review highlights the epigenetic mechanisms underlying agronomic and stress-related traits in Brassica crops, while systematically identifying and categorising RNA modification-associated proteins within these species. We further propose an innovative strategy for improving Brassica crops yield through epigenome editing technology. Finally, we discuss the prospects and challenges for the future application of epigenetics-mediated crop breeding (epibreeding) strategies in Brassica crops.