Insights from the annotated wheat genome: Wheat is one of the major sources of food for much of the world. However, because bread wheat's genome is a large hybrid mix of three separate subgenomes, it has been difficult to produce a high-quality reference sequence. Using recent advances in sequencing, the International Wheat Genome Sequencing Consortium presents an annotated reference genome with a detailed analysis of gene content among subgenomes and the structural organization for all the chromosomes. Examples of quantitative trait mapping and CRISPR-based genome modification show the potential for using this genome in agricultural research and breeding. Ramírez-Gonzálezet al.exploited the fruits of this endeavor to identify tissue-specific biased gene expression and coexpression networks during development and exposure to stress. These resources will accelerate our understanding of the genetic basis of bread wheat.Science, this issue p.eaar7191; see also p.eaar6089

Significance: A precise regulation of flowering time is critical for plant reproductive success and for cereal crops to maximize grain production. In wheat, barley, and other temperate cereals, vernalization genes play an important role in the acceleration of reproductive development after long periods of low temperatures during the winter (vernalization). In this study, we identified VERNALIZATION 4 ( VRN-D4 ), a vernalization gene that was critical for the development of spring growth habit in the ancient wheats from South Asia. We show that mutations in regulatory regions of VRN-D4 are shared with other VRN-A1 alleles and can be used to modulate the vernalization response. These previously unknown alleles provide breeders new tools to engineer wheat varieties better adapted to different or changing environments.