Bioscience Methods 2025, Vol.16, No.1, 1-10 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/bm 8 7.2 Technological and funding challenges The development of abiotic stress-tolerant sweet potato varieties is also constrained by technological and funding challenges. Advanced biotechnological approaches, such as CRISPR-Cas9 and transgenic techniques, hold promise for improving stress tolerance but require significant investment in infrastructure and expertise (Anwar and Kim, 2020). Moreover, the regulatory landscape for genetically modified organisms (GMOs) varies globally, posing additional hurdles for the commercialization of transgenic sweet potato varieties. Funding for research in this area is often limited, with a significant portion allocated to staple crops like rice and wheat, leaving root crops like sweet potato underfunded (Fan et al., 2012). Increased investment in research and development, along with streamlined regulatory processes, is crucial to harness the full potential of these technologies. 7.3 Future prospects in abiotic stress research Future research in abiotic stress tolerance in sweet potato should focus on several key areas. First, the identification and functional characterization of stress-responsive genes, such as IbBBX24, IbTOE3, and IbPRX17, can provide valuable targets for genetic engineering. The overexpression of these genes has shown to enhance tolerance to salt and drought stresses by improving ROS scavenging and maintaining cellular homeostasis (Zhang et al., 2021). The integration of omics technologies, including genomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics, can offer a holistic understanding of the stress response mechanisms and identify novel candidate genes for breeding programs (Zhai et al., 2016; Demirel et al., 2020). The development of high-throughput phenotyping platforms, such as X-ray CT imaging, can facilitate the non-invasive monitoring of tuber growth and stress responses, thereby accelerating the selection of stress-tolerant genotypes. Lastly, collaborative efforts between public and private sectors, along with increased funding, are essential to translate research findings into practical applications and develop resilient sweet potato varieties capable of withstanding the challenges posed by climate change. 8 Conclusion The review of recent studies on abiotic stress tolerance in sweet potato highlights several key mechanisms that enhance the plant's resilience to adverse environmental conditions. The overexpression of genes such as Spinacia oleracea betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase (SoBADH) has been shown to improve tolerance to salt, oxidative stress, and low temperatures by increasing glycine betaine (GB) accumulation, which helps maintain cell membrane integrity and reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Similarly, the IbBBX24-IbTOE3-IbPRX17 module enhances stress tolerance by scavenging ROS, thereby improving the plant's resistance to salt and drought. The introduction of the AtNHX1 gene, which encodes a vacuolar Na+/H+ antiporter, has also been effective in improving salt and cold stress tolerance by enhancing Na+ compartmentalization and maintaining high K+/Na+ ratios. Additionally, the IbMYB73-IbGER5 module regulates root growth and stress tolerance through the abscisic acid (ABA) pathway, further contributing to the plant's resilience. The application of effective microorganisms (EMs) and nanomagnesium has also been shown to boost agronomic and physiological traits, enhancing the plant's defense mechanisms against salt stress. Future research should focus on the integrative and multi-gene approaches to enhance abiotic stress tolerance in sweet potato. Studies should explore the combined effects of multiple gene overexpressions, such as combining SoBADHwith IbBBX24 and AtNHX1, to create transgenic lines with broad-spectrum stress tolerance. Additionally, the role of non-tandem CCCH-type zinc-finger proteins like IbC3H18in regulating stress-responsive genes should be further investigated to understand their potential in improving stress resilience. The application of bio- and nanofertilizers, such as EMs and MgO nanoparticles, should be expanded to other stress conditions and crop varieties to validate their efficacy and optimize their use in sustainable agriculture. Moreover, the molecular mechanisms underlying the interaction between different stress pathways, such as the ABA signaling pathway and ROS scavenging systems, should be elucidated to develop more effective stress mitigation strategies. Enhancing abiotic stress tolerance in sweet potato is crucial for ensuring stable yield production under increasingly unpredictable climatic conditions. The integration of genetic engineering, molecular biology, and sustainable agricultural practices offers promising avenues for developing stress-resilient sweet potato varieties. By leveraging the synergistic effects of multiple stress-responsive genes and innovative agronomic practices, it is possible to create robust sweet potato cultivars capable of thriving in marginal lands and under various environmental stresses. Continued research and collaboration among scientists, agronomists, and farmers will be
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