Bioscience Methods 2024, Vol.15, No.6, 348-355 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/bm 352 genetic resources and assist in the selection of parents for breeding (Pandey et al., 2021). The use of morphological, biochemical, and molecular markers to characterize germplasm and identify promising genotypes with high yield and stress tolerance traits can further improve breeding outcomes (Paliwal et al., 2020). By incorporating genetic diversity data into breeding strategies, programs can develop more resilient and productive sweet potato varieties, thereby contributing to global food security and climate change adaptation efforts (Karan and Şanli, 2021; Spanoghe et al., 2022). 5 Case Study 5.1 Overview of the regional sweet potato breeding programs Regional sweet potato breeding programs have been established to address the specific needs of local farmers and consumers (Winnicki et al., 2021). These programs often focus on improving yield, disease resistance, and nutritional content. For instance, the international potato center (CIP) and its partners have been actively involved in breeding programs aimed at poverty alleviation, nutrition improvement, and gender responsiveness (Ojwang' et al., 2023). Additionally, the national agrobiodiversity center (NAC) has been working on conserving and managing sweet potato germplasm, which is crucial for maintaining genetic diversity and supporting breeding efforts. 5.2 Application of meta-analysis findings to regional breeding strategies The findings from meta-analyses of genetic diversity studies can significantly enhance regional breeding strategies. For example, understanding the genetic diversity and population structure of sweet potato genotypes can help breeders select parents with desirable traits and avoid genetic bottlenecks. Studies have shown that there is substantial genetic variability in sweet potato genotypes, which can be harnessed for crop improvement (Otoboni et al., 2020). By integrating molecular markers and diversity analysis, breeders can develop more efficient selection indices and improve the genetic gains from breeding programs (Hirsch et al., 2013). 5.3 Successes and challenges in breeding for improved varieties Breeding programs have achieved notable successes in developing sweet potato varieties with improved traits. For instance, genotypes with high beta-carotene content have been identified, which are crucial for addressing vitamin A deficiency. Additionally, the use of morphological, biochemical, and molecular markers has facilitated the identification of promising genotypes with high yield and disease resistance (Paliwal et al., 2020). However, challenges remain, such as the need for more diverse germplasm collections and the integration of advanced breeding techniques to accelerate the development of new varieties (Solankey et al., 2015). 5.4 Recommendations for future breeding efforts in the region Future breeding efforts should focus on expanding germplasm collections to include more diverse genetic material, which will enhance the genetic base of breeding programs (Lee et al., 2019). Additionally, the use of advanced molecular techniques, such as genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and marker-assisted selection (MAS), should be prioritized to improve the efficiency and accuracy of breeding efforts. Breeding programs should also be more demand-driven, taking into account the preferences and needs of local farmers and consumers to ensure the adoption of new varieties. Finally, collaborative efforts between regional and international breeding programs can facilitate the exchange of germplasm and knowledge, further strengthening breeding initiatives. 6 Future Perspectives 6.1 Emerging technologies for assessing genetic diversity Emerging technologies are revolutionizing the assessment of genetic diversity in sweet potato. Techniques such as DNA fingerprinting and retrotransposon-based insertion polymorphism (RBIP) markers have proven to be powerful tools for plant diversity studies, cultivar identification, and germplasm conservation (Bali et al., 2018; Meng et al., 2021). Additionally, the use of specific length amplified fragment (SLAF) sequencing and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers has enabled genome-wide assessments of genetic diversity, providing detailed insights into the population structure and genetic relationships among sweet potato accessions (Su et al., 2018). These high-throughput genotyping methods facilitate the identification of genetic variability and the development of core germplasm sets, which are crucial for future breeding programs (Pandey et al., 2021).
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