Epigenetic variations are involved in the control of plant developmental processes and participate in shaping phenotypic plasticity to the environment. Intense breeding has eroded genetic diversity, and epigenetic diversity now emerge as a new source of phenotypic variations to improve adaptation to changing environments and ensure the yield and quality of crops. Here, we review how the characterization of the stability and heritability of epigenetic variations is required to drive breeding strategies, which can be assisted by process-based models. We propose future directions to hasten the elucidation of complex epigenetic regulatory networks that should help crop modelers to take epigenetic modifications into account and assist breeding strategies for specific agronomical traits.

表观遗传变异参与植物发育过程的控制，并参与塑造对环境的表型可塑性。强烈的育种侵蚀了遗传多样性，表观遗传多样性现已成为表型变异的新来源，以改善对变化的环境的适应性并确保作物的产量和质量。在这里，我们回顾了如何需要表观遗传变异的稳定性和遗传性来驱动育种策略，这可以通过基于过程的模型来辅助。我们提出了未来的方向，以加快阐明复杂的表观遗传调控网络，这应有助于作物建模者考虑表观遗传修饰，并协助特定农艺性状的育种策略。