Bioscience Methods 2024, Vol.15, No.5, 226-236 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/bm 234 7 Concluding Remarks The integration of genetic markers in maize breeding programs has shown significant promise in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of breeding efforts. The development of high-throughput genotyping platforms, such as genotyping by target sequencing (GBTS), has made marker-assisted breeding more affordable and accessible, particularly for small- and medium-sized enterprises and developing countries. The identification of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and meta-QTLs (MQTLs) associated with grain quality and yield-related traits has provided valuable insights into the genetic framework of maize, enabling the selection of breeding-friendly MQTLs for future breeding programs. Genomic selection (GS) has emerged as a powerful tool, leveraging genome-wide marker data to estimate breeding values and accelerate genetic gains. The characterization of functional genes and their integration into breeding programs has further enhanced the ability to improve important agronomic traits. Additionally, the modernization of breeding programs through the integration of molecular and conventional breeding techniques has shown potential in addressing the challenges faced by maize production in regions such as West and Central Africa. The long-term impact of integrating genetic markers in maize breeding programs is profound. The use of molecular markers has enabled more precise and efficient selection processes, leading to the development of superior maize varieties with enhanced yield, quality, and stress tolerance. The ability to identify and utilize specific genetic regions associated with desirable traits has accelerated the breeding cycle, reducing the time required to develop new varieties. Furthermore, the integration of genomic tools and high-throughput phenotyping has facilitated the understanding of complex traits and their genetic architecture, enabling the development of maize varieties that are better adapted to diverse environmental conditions. The continuous improvement of genotyping platforms and the increasing availability of genomic data will further enhance the ability to achieve genetic gains and address future challenges in maize production. Future research should focus on expanding the catalog of functional genes and QTLs associated with important agronomic traits in maize. This includes the identification and characterization of new genetic markers and the development of high-throughput genotyping platforms to reduce the cost and increase the efficiency of MAS and GS. Additionally, integrating advanced genomic tools such as genome editing and genetic engineering with traditional breeding methods will enable the precise manipulation of target genes, further enhancing the genetic improvement of maize. Collaborative efforts between public and private sectors will be crucial in translating these advancements into practical breeding applications, ultimately leading to the development of superior maize varieties that can meet the growing demands of the global population. Acknowledgments The authors extend sincere thanks to two anonymous peer reviewers for their feedback on the manuscript. Conflict of Interest Disclosure The authors affirm that this research was conducted without any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. Reference Amegbor I., Biljon A., Shargie N., Tarekegne A., and Labuschagne M., 2022, Heritability and associations among grain yield and quality traits in quality protein maize (QPM) and non-QPM hybrids, Plants, 11(6): 713. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11060713 Babu R., Nair S., Kumar A., Venkatesh S., Sekhar J., Singh N., Srinivasan G., and Gupta H., 2005, Two-generation marker-aided backcrossing for rapid conversion of normal maize lines to quality protein maize (QPM), Theoretical and Applied Genetics, 111: 888-897. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00122-005-0011-6 Badu‐Apraku B., Annor B., Oyekunle M., Akinwale R., Fakorede M., Talabi A., Akaogu I., Melaku G., and Fasanmade Y., 2015, Grouping of early maturing quality protein maize inbreds based on SNP markers and combining ability under multiple environments, Field Crops Research, 183: 169-183. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.FCR.2015.07.015 Badu‐Apraku B., Garcia-Oliveira A., Petroli C., Hearne S., Adewale S., and Gedil M., 2021, Genetic diversity and population structure of early and extra-early maturing maize germplasm adapted to sub-Saharan Africa, BMC Plant Biology, 21: 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12870-021-02829-6 Bantte K., and Prasanna B., 2003, Simple sequence repeat polymorphism in quality protein maize (QPM) lines, Euphytica, 129: 337-344. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1022257021205
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