Bioscience Method 2024, Vol.15, No.2, 66-75 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/bm 73 thereby accelerating the development of improved varieties (Bhowmik and Bilichak, 2021; Mabuza et al., 2023). The use of viral vectors for delivering CRISPR components directly into plant cells, bypassing the need for in vitro culture, is a particularly promising development for recalcitrant species like cassava (Mabuza et al., 2023). 7.2 Integrating traditional and modern breeding approaches The integration of traditional breeding methods with modern biotechnological tools is essential for the sustainable improvement of cassava. Traditional methods, such as sequential self-pollination, have been the cornerstone of cassava breeding but are time-consuming and labor-intensive (Lentini et al., 2020). By incorporating DH technology, breeders can achieve homozygosity in a single generation, thus expediting the breeding process (Sen et al., 2020; Srividya et al., 2023). Additionally, marker-assisted selection (MAS) and genomic selection (GS) can be combined with DH technology to enhance the precision and efficiency of breeding programs. These approaches allow for the early identification of desirable traits, reducing the time and resources required for field evaluations (Li et al., 2020; Lantos et al., 2022). The integration of these technologies can lead to the development of superior cassava varieties with improved yield, disease resistance, and adaptability to changing environmental conditions. 7.3 Global collaboration and research priorities Global collaboration is crucial for advancing cassava breeding research and addressing the challenges posed by climate change, pests, and diseases. Collaborative efforts can facilitate the sharing of knowledge, resources, and technologies, thereby accelerating the development and dissemination of improved cassava varieties (Sen et al., 2020; Patial et al., 2022). International research networks and partnerships can also help in standardizing protocols and methodologies, ensuring the reproducibility and scalability of breeding innovations. Research priorities should focus on optimizing DH induction protocols for cassava, exploring novel chromosome doubling agents, and integrating genome editing tools with traditional breeding methods. Additionally, efforts should be directed towards understanding the genetic mechanisms underlying important agronomic traits and developing robust phenotyping platforms for large-scale screening (Hooghvorst and Nogués, 2020a; Bhowmik and Bilichak, 2021). By aligning research priorities with global collaboration, the cassava breeding community can effectively address the challenges and harness the full potential of emerging technologies for crop improvement. 8 Concluding Remarks Innovative breeding techniques such as doubled haploids (DH) and genetic engineering have shown significant potential in enhancing cassava breeding. The doubled haploid technique, which involves generating haploid plants followed by chromosome doubling, has been extensively studied and optimized in various crops. Despite the challenges, recent advancements in DH technology, including the use of new antimitotic compounds and CRISPR/Cas9 genome-editing systems, have improved the efficiency of haploid induction and chromosome doubling. In cassava, efforts to induce doubled haploids through gynogenesis have provided valuable insights, although successful regeneration of DH plants remains limited. The integration of DH technology with genomic selection and other biotechnological tools has the potential to accelerate breeding cycles and enhance genetic gains in cassava. The application of doubled haploid technology in cassava breeding could revolutionize the development of new varieties by significantly reducing the time required to achieve homozygosity. Traditional methods of self-pollination to produce inbred lines are time-consuming and labor-intensive, often taking over a decade. The successful implementation of DH technology in cassava would enable the rapid production of homozygous lines, facilitating the incorporation of desirable traits and improving genetic diversity. Additionally, the use of genome editing tools such as CRISPR/Cas9 in conjunction with DH technology could further enhance the precision and efficiency of cassava breeding programs. However, the challenges associated with haploid induction and chromosome doubling in cassava need to be addressed through continued research and optimization of protocols.
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