Bioscience Method 2024, Vol.15, No.2, 66-75 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/bm 72 increasing the efficiency of producing genetically modified cassava plants (Hooghvorst and Nogués, 2020a). 6.2 Advantages and disadvantages 6.2.1 Doubled haploids: Advantages: 1) Rapid generation of homozygous lines, significantly reducing breeding cycles (Lentini et al., 2020; Srividya et al., 2023). 2) Facilitates the exposure of recessive traits and enhances the breeding value of progenitors (Lentini et al., 2020). 3) Potential to integrate with other biotechnological advancements for improved efficiency (Srividya et al., 2023). Disadvantages: 1) Technical challenges in haploid induction and chromosome doubling, especially in cassava (Baguma et al., 2019a). 2) Limited success rates in regenerating viable doubled haploid plants from cassava (Baguma et al., 2019a). 3) Requires extensive optimization and adaptation for different species (Hooghvorst and Nogués, 2020a). 6.2.2 Genetic engineering: Advantages: 1) Precision in gene editing allows for targeted trait improvement (Hooghvorst and Nogués, 2020a). 2) Can introduce new traits that are not present in the existing gene pool, such as enhanced nutritional content or resistance to specific diseases (Hooghvorst and Nogués, 2020a). 3) Potential to combine with DH technology for rapid and precise breeding outcomes (Hooghvorst and Nogués, 2020a). Disadvantages: 1) Regulatory and public acceptance issues surrounding genetically modified organisms (GMOs) (Hooghvorst and Nogués, 2020a). 2) Potential off-target effects and unintended consequences of gene editing (Hooghvorst and Nogués, 2020a). 3) Requires sophisticated infrastructure and expertise (Hooghvorst and Nogués, 2020a). 6.3 Synergistic potential The integration of DH technology with genetic engineering holds significant promise for cassava breeding. By combining the rapid generation of homozygous lines through DH with the precision of genetic engineering, breeders can achieve faster and more targeted improvements in cassava varieties. For instance, the haploid inducer-mediated CRISPR/Cas9 system can be used to introduce specific genetic modifications in haploid plants, which are then doubled to produce homozygous lines with the desired traits (Hooghvorst and Nogués, 2020a). This synergistic approach can enhance the efficiency of breeding programs, reduce the time required to develop new varieties, and address the challenges posed by climate change and evolving pest and disease patterns (Hooghvorst and Nogués, 2020a; Lentini et al., 2020; Srividya et al., 2023). In conclusion, while both DH technology and genetic engineering have their unique advantages and challenges, their combined application offers a powerful strategy for the rapid and precise improvement of cassava. Continued research and optimization in both fields are essential to fully realize their potential and address the specific needs of cassava breeding programs. 7 Future Directions and Prospects 7.1 Emerging technologies in cassava breeding The future of cassava breeding is poised to benefit significantly from emerging technologies, particularly doubled haploid (DH) technology and genetic engineering. DH technology, which has already revolutionized breeding programs in crops like maize and barley, offers a promising avenue for cassava improvement by enabling the rapid production of homozygous lines. This technique can significantly shorten the breeding cycle, which traditionally takes 10-15 years through successive self-pollination (Lentini et al., 2020; Srividya et al., 2023). Recent advancements in DH technology, such as the development of novel haploid induction methods and chromosome doubling techniques, are expected to enhance the efficiency and applicability of this approach in cassava (Chaikam et al., 2019; Hooghvorst and Nogués, 2020a). Moreover, the integration of genome editing tools like CRISPR/Cas9 with DH technology holds great potential. This combination can facilitate precise genetic modifications and the rapid fixation of desirable traits in cassava,
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