Bioscience Method 2025, Vol.16 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/bm © 2025 BioSci Publisher, registered at the publishing platform that is operated by Sophia Publishing Group, founded in British Columbia of Canada. All Rights Reserved.
Bioscience Method 2025, Vol.16 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/bm © 2025 BioSci Publisher, registered at the publishing platform that is operated by Sophia Publishing Group, founded in British Columbia of Canada. All Rights Reserved. BioSci Publisher is an international Open Access publisher specializing in bioscience methods, including technology, lab tool, statistical software and relative fields registered at the publishing platform that is operated by Sophia Publishing Group (SPG), founded in British Columbia of Canada. Publisher BioSci Publisher Edited by Editorial Team of Bioscience Methods Email: edit@bm.bioscipublisher.com Website: http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/bm Address: 11388 Stevenston Hwy, PO Box 96016, Richmond, V7A 5J5, British Columbia Canada Bioscience Methods (ISSN 1925-1920) is an open access, peer reviewed journal published online by BioSci Publisher. The journal publishes all the latest and outstanding research articles, letters and reviews in all areas of bioscience, the range of topics including (but are not limited to) technology review, technique know-how, lab tool, statistical software and known technology modification. Case studies on technologies for gene discovery and function validation as well as genetic transformation. All the articles published in Bioscience Methods are Open Access, and are distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. BioSci Publisher uses CrossCheck service to identify academic plagiarism through the world’s leading plagiarism prevention tool, iParadigms, and to protect the original authors’ copyrights.
Bioscience Methods (online), 2025, Vol.16, No.2 ISSN 1925-1920 https://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/bm © 2025 BioSci Publisher, registered at the publishing platform that is operated by Sophia Publishing Group, founded in British Columbia of Canada. All Rights Reserved. Latest Content Meta-Analysis of Sweet Potato's Nutritional Value and Its Role in Disease Prevention Lina Zhou Bioscience Methods, 2025, Vol.16, No.2, 52-59 Case Study on Genetic Resource Utilization for Sweet Potato Breeding in China Fang Wang, Yuxu Zhang, Shijun Zhu, Jinbo Zhou, Chengqi Yan Bioscience Methods, 2025, Vol.16, No.2, 60-69 Innovative Approaches in Wheat Starch and Gluten Separation: Techniques, Functional Modifications, and Emerging Applications Li Ao, Guoyun Ling, Meiqin Xue Bioscience Methods, 2025, Vol.16, No.2, 70-82 Single-Cell Multi-Omics Analysis of Epigenetic and Transcriptional Regulatory Mechanisms of Goat Skeletal Muscle Development Xuezhong Zhang, Xiaofang Lin Bioscience Methods, 2025, Vol.16, No.2, 83-99 Key Bottlenecks and Breakthrough Strategies in Modern Durian Breeding: From Hybridization to Precision Genomic Selection Mengting Luo, Zhonggang Li Bioscience Methods, 2025, Vol.16, No.2, 100-107
Bioscience Methods 2025, Vol.16, No.2, 60-69 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/bm 60 Case Study Open Access Case Study on Genetic Resource Utilization for Sweet Potato Breeding in China FangWang1, Yuxu Zhang2, Shijun Zhu1, Jinbo Zhou1, Chengqi Yan 1 1 Ningbo Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Ningbo 315040, China 2 Zhejiang Wanli College, Ningbo 315100, China Corresponding email: yanchengqi651203@163.com Bioscience Methods, 2025, Vol.16, No.2 doi: 10.5376/bm.2025.16.0007 Received: 10 Feb., 2025 Accepted: 21 Mar., 2025 Published: 30 Mar., 2025 Copyright © 2025 Wang et al., This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Wang F., Zhang Y.X., Zhu S.J., Zhou J.B., Yan C.Y., 2025, Case study on genetic resource utilization for sweet potato breeding in China, Bioscience Methods, 16(2): 60-69 (doi: 10.5376/bm.2025.16.0007) Abstract Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) is a globally significant crop valued for its versatility, nutritional benefits, and resilience. In China, the development of improved sweet potato varieties plays a vital role in addressing food security, economic sustainability, and agricultural productivity. This study provides a comprehensive review of the genetic resources available for sweet potato breeding, including landraces, wild relatives, and modern breeding lines, with a focus on their collection, preservation, and utilization. We further analyze breeding programs in China, highlighting efforts to enhance yield, stress tolerance, and nutritional value through traditional and molecular breeding approaches. A dedicated case study demonstrates the practical application of local genetic resources in a regional breeding program, detailing the selection of parental lines, hybridization techniques, field trials, and multi-environment evaluations. Challenges related to resource access, intellectual property, and environmental adaptation are discussed, along with opportunities for collaboration and innovation. This research underscores the importance of genetic diversity and biotechnology in advancing sweet potato breeding, with recommendations to expand the genetic base and integrate cutting-edge techniques. The findings aim to support sustainable breeding strategies that meet the evolving needs of agriculture and consumers. Keywords Ipomoea batatas [L.] Lam; Antioxidants; Chronic disease; Nutritional composition; Disease prevention 1 Introduction Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) is a vital food crop globally, ranking as the sixth most important food crop worldwide. Originating from America, sweet potatoes have become a staple in many countries due to their rich nutritional profile and versatility in various culinary applications (Lee et al., 2019). This crop is particularly valued for its high content of sugars, slowly digestible/resistant starch, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds such as carotenoids and polyphenols, which contribute to its health benefits, including the prevention of certain cancers and cardiovascular diseases. The global market for sweet potatoes is substantial, with China leading in production, reflecting the crop's significant economic and nutritional impact (Escobar-Puentes et al., 2022; Istri et al., 2023). In China, sweet potato breeding is of paramount importance due to the country's leading role in global production and the crop's contribution to food security and economic stability. The diverse phenotypic and genotypic traits of domesticated sweet potato varieties in China allow for the development of cultivars that are tailored to specific environmental conditions and consumer preferences. This genetic diversity is crucial for enhancing yield, disease resistance, and nutritional quality (Shen et al., 2019). For instance, studies have shown significant genetic variability among sweet potato genotypes, which can be harnessed to improve resistance to diseases such as sweet potato viral disease (SPVD) and to optimize yield under various climatic conditions (Lamaro et al., 2022). This breeding effort is essential for sustaining the crop's productivity and meeting the nutritional needs of the population (Swanckaert et al., 2021). The study aims to explore the genetic resources available for sweet potato breeding in China and evaluate their utilization in developing improved sweet potato varieties. Specifically, the study aims to assess the genetic diversity of sweet potato cultivars in China and identify key phenotypic and genotypic traits that contribute to yield, disease resistance, and nutritional quality. Additionally, the study evaluates the performance of various sweet potato genotypes under different environmental conditions. It also provides recommendations for breeding
Bioscience Methods 2025, Vol.16, No.2, 60-69 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/bm 61 strategies that can enhance the productivity and resilience of sweet potato crops in China. By achieving these objectives, the study seeks to contribute to the sustainable development of sweet potato breeding programs in China, ensuring the crop's continued role in food security and economic development. 2 Genetic Resources for Sweet Potato Breeding 2.1 Types of genetic resources available Landraces and traditional cultivars are crucial genetic resources for sweet potato breeding in China. These varieties have been cultivated over long periods and are well-adapted to local environmental conditions. They often possess unique traits such as disease resistance, drought tolerance, and specific taste or nutritional qualities. For instance, the study on Kam Sweet Rice highlights the importance of landraces in maintaining genetic diversity and unique traits that are absent in modern cultivars (Liu et al., 2022). Similarly, sweet potato landraces can provide a rich source of genetic variation that is essential for breeding programs aimed at improving crop resilience and productivity. Wild relatives of sweet potatoes are another valuable genetic resource. These plants often contain genes that confer resistance to pests, diseases, and environmental stresses, which can be introgressed into cultivated varieties. The importance of wild relatives is underscored by research on potato genetic diversity, where wild relatives contributed new and unique alleles to the gene pool, enhancing genetic diversity and breeding potential (Wang et al., 2019). Utilizing wild relatives in sweet potato breeding can similarly introduce beneficial traits that are not present in cultivated varieties. Modern breeding lines and hybrids represent the forefront of sweet potato breeding efforts. These lines are developed through systematic breeding programs that combine desirable traits from various genetic resources. The study on plant breeding history emphasizes the role of modern breeding techniques in developing high-yielding, disease-resistant cultivars (Bradshaw, 2017). In sweet potato breeding, modern lines and hybrids can be used to rapidly incorporate beneficial traits from landraces and wild relatives, leading to the development of superior cultivars. 2.2 National and international gene banks National and international gene banks play a critical role in the conservation and utilization of sweet potato genetic resources. These institutions collect, preserve, and provide access to a wide range of genetic materials, including landraces, wild relatives, and modern breeding lines. The research on potato genetic diversity in China highlights the importance of gene banks in maintaining a diverse genepool for future breeding programs (Wang et al., 2019). Similarly, gene banks for sweet potatoes ensure that valuable genetic resources are available for breeding efforts aimed at improving crop resilience and productivity (Bethke et al., 2017). 2.3 Challenges in genetic resource collection and preservation Despite the importance of genetic resources, there are several challenges in their collection and preservation. One major challenge is the loss of genetic diversity due to the replacement of traditional cultivars with modern high-yielding varieties, as noted in the study on plant breeding history (Bradshaw, 2017; Guan et al., 2021). Additionally, the natural habitats of many wild relatives are threatened by environmental changes and human activities, which complicated in situ conservation difficult. Ex situ conservation in gene banks also faces challenges such as maintaining the viability and genetic integrity of stored materials over long periods. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts to document, conserve, and utilize genetic resources effectively, ensuring their availability for future breeding programs (Hao et al., 2020). 3 Sweet Potato Breeding Programs in China 3.1 Overview of breeding objectives The primary objective of sweet potato breeding programs in China is to enhance both yield and quality. This involves selecting varieties that not only produce higher yields but also possess desirable traits such as improved taste, texture, and nutritional content. For instance, the development of transgenic sweet potatoes has shown promise in increasing yield and nutritional value, with varieties like 'Xushu 18' and 'Kokei' demonstrating enhanced resistance to pests and environmental stresses, thereby contributing to higher productivity (Imbo et al., 2016).
Bioscience Methods 2025, Vol.16, No.2, 60-69 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/bm 62 Stress tolerance is a critical focus area of breeding, especially in response to challenges such as drought, salinity, and pests. Breeding programs aim to develop varieties that can withstand these stresses to ensure stable production. For example, transgenic sweet potato lines expressing genes such as cry8Db and cry7A1 have shown reduced weevil infestation, while those expressing the oryzacystatin-1 (OC1) gene have demonstrated enhanced resistance to nematodes and viruses (Imbo et al., 2016). Additionally, the study of drought tolerance mechanisms and the identification of drought-tolerant genotypes are essential for breeding programs targeting regions prone to water scarcity (Laurie et al., 2022; Sapakhova et al., 2023). Nutritional enhancement and biofortification are increasingly important objectives. Breeding efforts are focused on increasing the content of essential micronutrients, such as iron, zinc, and vitamins, in sweet potato varieties. For instance, orange-fleshed sweet potato cultivars like Bophelo have been identified for their superior nutritional content, including higher levels of Fe, Zn, and dietary fiber, which are crucial for addressing malnutrition (Laurie et al., 2022). Biofortification through both conventional breeding and genetic engineering is being pursued to develop varieties with enhanced nutritional profiles (Diepenbrock and Gore, 2015; Garg et al., 2018; Medina-Lozano and Díaz, 2022). 3.2 Key Institutions Involved in Breeding Efforts Several key institutions are at the forefront of sweet potato breeding in China. These include the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), which leads research and development in crop improvement, including sweet potato breeding. The International Potato Center (CIP) collaborates with Chinese institutions to enhance sweet potato varieties for better yield, stress tolerance, and nutritional value. Local Agricultural Research Institutes also play a significant role by conducting region-specific breeding programs to address local agricultural challenges and improve sweet potato production. 3.3 Advances in breeding techniques Conventional breeding methods remain a cornerstone of sweet potato improvement. These methods involve selecting parent plants with desirable traits and cross-breeding them to produce offspring with enhanced characteristics. This approach has been instrumental in developing high-yielding and stress-tolerant varieties (Obidiegwu et al., 2015; Tiwari et al., 2022). Molecular breeding and marker-assisted selection (MAS) have revolutionized sweet potato breeding by enabling the precise identification and incorporation of beneficial traits. Techniques such as genomic selection and the use of molecular markers linked to stress tolerance and nutritional traits have accelerated the development of improved varieties (Lau et al., 2018; Medina-Lozano and Díaz, 2022). Genomic selection and CRISPR/Cas genome editing are cutting-edge technologies being applied in sweet potato breeding. Genomic selection involves using genome-wide markers to predict the performance of breeding lines, thereby speeding up the selection process. CRISPR/Cas technology allows for precise editing of the sweet potato genome to introduce or enhance specific traits, such as drought tolerance and pest resistance (Imbo et al., 2016; Lau et al., 2018). These advanced techniques hold great promise for the future of sweet potato breeding, enabling the development of varieties that can meet the growing demands for food security and nutritional quality. 4 Utilization of Genetic Resources in Sweet Potato Breeding 4.1 Strategies for genetic diversity utilization The utilization of genetic diversity is crucial for improving sweet potato breeding programs. Genetic diversity provides a pool of traits that can be harnessed to enhance crop resilience, yield, and nutritional quality. In sweet potato breeding, strategies to utilize genetic diversity include the assessment of population structure and genetic diversity using molecular markers (Zhu et al., 2024). For instance, a study on sweet potato accessions in China used 62,363 SNPs to evaluate genetic diversity, revealing significant within-group diversity and identifying a core germplasm set that can be used for future breeding efforts (Figure 1) (Su et al., 2017). This approach ensures a broad genetic base and is essential for the long-term sustainability of the breeding programs.
Bioscience Methods 2025, Vol.16, No.2, 60-69 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/bm 63 Figure 1 Location of the sweet potato accessions from around the world, highlighting China (Adopted from Su et al., 2017) 4.2 Crossbreeding and hybridization efforts Crossbreeding and hybridization are fundamental techniques in sweet potato breeding aimed at combining desirable traits from different parent lines. These methods have been employed to improve various traits such as starch quality and disease resistance. For example, crossbreeding efforts in potatoes have shown that hybridization can create wider genetic variation than the parent lines, leading to the selection of progenies with improved starch properties (Ahmed et al., 2019). Similarly, hybridization in sweet potatoes can be used to combine traits such as high yield, disease resistance, and improved nutritional content, thereby enhancing the overall performance of new cultivars (Zhang et al., 2021). 4.3 Role of biotechnology in genetic resource use Biotechnology plays a pivotal role in the utilization of genetic resources for sweet potato breeding. Techniques such as genome-wide assessment and molecular marker analysis facilitate the identification of valuable genetic traits and their incorporation into breeding programs. The use of specific length amplified fragment (SLAF) sequencing in sweet potato has enabled a detailed analysis of genetic diversity and the development of a core germplasm set, which serves as a valuable resource for breeding (Su et al., 2017). Additionally, molecular tools have been instrumental in identifying genes that control important traits, thereby accelerating the breeding process and improving the precision of trait selection (Machida-Hirano, 2015). 4.4 Integration of wild relatives into breeding programs The integration of wild relatives into sweet potato breeding programs is a strategy to introduce new genetic variations and desirable traits that are not present in cultivated varieties. Wild relatives often possess traits such as disease resistance, drought tolerance, and improved nutritional content, which can be beneficial for breeding programs. The genetic diversity present in wild relatives of potato, for example, has been successfully utilized to enhance the genetic base of cultivated varieties (Machida-Hirano, 2015; Pandey et al., 2021). By incorporating wild relatives into sweet potato breeding programs, breeders can tap into a wider genetic pool, thereby improving the adaptability and resilience of new cultivars to various environmental stresses. In conclusion, the effective utilization of genetic resources in sweet potato breeding involves a combination of strategies, including the assessment of genetic diversity, crossbreeding, the application of biotechnology, and the integration of wild relatives. These approaches collectively contribute to the development of improved sweet potato varieties that meet the demands of food security, nutrition, and sustainable agriculture (Ojwang' et al., 2023). 5 Case Study: Application of Local Genetic Resources in a Regional Breeding Program 5.1 Background and selection of genetic materials Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) is a crucial crop in China, playing a significant role in food security and agricultural sustainability. The selection of genetic materials for breeding programs is pivotal to enhancing crop yield, disease resistance, and adaptability to various environmental conditions. Recent studies have
Bioscience Methods 2025, Vol.16, No.2, 60-69 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/bm 64 highlighted the genetic diversity and population structure of sweet potato accessions in China, which are essential for effective breeding strategies. For instance, a genome-wide assessment using specific length amplified fragment (SLAF) sequencing identified three major genetic groups among 197 sweet potato accessions, providing a valuable resource for breeding programs (Su et al., 2017). Additionally, retrotransposon-based insertion polymorphism (RBIP) markers have been utilized to analyze the genetic diversity of sweet potato germplasm, revealing significant intergroup genetic variation (Meng et al., 2021). 5.2 Breeding process and methodology The selection of parental lines is based on their genetic diversity and desirable traits. Studies have shown that sweet potato accessions in China exhibit considerable genetic variability, which can be harnessed for breeding purposes. For example, the use of RBIP markers has facilitated the identification of genetically diverse parental lines, which are crucial for creating hybrids with improved traits (Meng et al., 2021). Hybridization involves crossing selected parental lines to combine their desirable traits, such as high yield, disease resistance, and environmental adaptability. Field trials are conducted to evaluate the performance of hybrid progenies under different environmental conditions. Traits such as yield, disease resistance, and stress tolerance are assessed. The evaluation process involves phenotypic and genotypic analyses to ensure the selection of superior hybrids. For instance, phenotypic evaluation and molecular biotechnology have been employed to assess the genetic diversity and trait performance of sweet potato cultivars, providing insights into their adaptability and potential for improvement (Hu et al., 2022). Multi-environment testing is essential to determine the stability and adaptability of new sweet potato hybrids across different regions. This involves testing the hybrids in various agro-ecological zones to evaluate their performance under diverse environmental conditions. Genetic diversity studies have shown that sweet potato accessions exhibit varying levels of adaptability, which can be leveraged to develop region-specific cultivars (Su et al., 2017; Meng et al., 2021). 5.3 Challenges encountered and solutions implemented Several challenges are encountered in the breeding process, including biotic stresses such as diseases and pests, and abiotic stresses like drought and poor soil conditions. Recent research has focused on understanding the mechanisms of resistance to biotic stress in sweet potato, identifying stress-related genes, and employing genetic engineering to enhance resistance (Figure 2) (Yang et al., 2023). Additionally, the genetic variability of sweet potato viruses poses a significant challenge, necessitating comprehensive studies to identify and control viral diseases (Wang et al., 2021). 5.4 Outcomes and impact on local agriculture The application of local genetic resources in sweet potato breeding has led to the development of new cultivars with improved yield, disease resistance, and environmental adaptability. These advancements have had a positive impact on local agriculture by enhancing food security and providing farmers with resilient crop varieties. The development of a core germplasm set for sweet potato has also facilitated future breeding efforts, ensuring the continuous improvement of sweet potato cultivars (Su et al., 2017). 5.5 Lessons learned and recommendations for future breeding The case study emphasizes the importance of utilizing genetic diversity and advanced molecular techniques in sweet potato breeding. Future breeding programs should focus on expanding the genetic base by incorporating diverse germplasm resources and employing modern biotechnological tools for precise trait selection and improvement. Conducting extensive multi-environment testing is essential to ensure the adaptability and stability of new cultivars. Additionally, addressing biotic and abiotic stresses through integrated pest management and genetic engineering approaches will be crucial. By implementing these strategies, future breeding programs can develop superior sweet potato cultivars that meet the growing demands of both local and global agriculture (Vargas et al., 2020).
Bioscience Methods 2025, Vol.16, No.2, 60-69 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/bm 65 Figure 2 The mechanism of resistance to Fusarium wilt in sweet potato (Adopted from Yang et al., 2023) 6 Challenges and Opportunities in Genetic Resource Utilization 6.1 Limitations in genetic resource access and use One of the primary challenges in the utilization of genetic resources for sweet potato breeding in China is the limited access to diverse germplasm. This limitation is often due to administrative and legal barriers that restrict the exchange of genetic materials across national borders. Public breeders face significant hurdles in obtaining the necessary genetic diversity to enhance their breeding programs, which is crucial for developing climate-resilient crops (Galluzzi et al., 2020). Additionally, the lack of appropriate technologies to exploit germplasm sets, such as crop wild relatives and landraces, further exacerbates this issue. 6.2 Intellectual property and germplasm exchange policies Intellectual property rights and germplasm exchange policies present another significant challenge. International agreements like the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Nagoya Protocol have recognized the sovereign rights of countries over their genetic resources, leading to more restrictive and cumbersome access to plant genetic resources (PGR) (Ebert et al., 2023). Although the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) attempted to ease this situation by establishing a globally harmonized multilateral system, it remains limited to only a few crops. This restriction hampers the continuous and easy access to genetic diversity, which is essential for breeding new, resilient varieties. 6.3 Opportunities from climate-resilient breeding Despite these challenges, there are significant opportunities in breeding sweet potatoes that are resilient to climate change. The development of drought-tolerant varieties is particularly crucial, as osmotic stress negatively impacts the productivity of sweet potato cultivation. By employing physiological, metabolic, and genetic modifications, breeders can select and improve genotypes that are better adapted to drought conditions. This approach not only enhances food security but also supports smallholder farmers by making the creation of drought-resistant varieties more cost-effective (Sapakhova et al., 2023).
Bioscience Methods 2025, Vol.16, No.2, 60-69 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/bm 66 6.4 Prospects for Collaboration with Global Breeding Programs Collaborating with global breeding programs offers promising prospects for overcoming some of the challenges in genetic resource utilization. Integrating genomic selection (GS) and emerging technologies, such as high-throughput genotyping, phenotyping, and gene editing, can accelerate the development of cultivars with improved yields and enhanced resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses (He and Li, 2020). Furthermore, increased sharing of genetic resources, genomic data, and bioinformatics expertise between developed and developing economies can help meet the challenges posed by climate change and the growing demand for food. Such collaborations can also facilitate the exchange of best practices and innovative breeding techniques, ultimately contributing to the global effort to enhance crop resilience and productivity. By addressing these challenges and leveraging the opportunities, the utilization of genetic resources for sweet potato breeding in China can be significantly improved, leading to more resilient and productive crop varieties (Cooper and Messina, 2022). 7 Future Directions for Sweet Potato Breeding in China 7.1 Expanding the genetic base for breeding To enhance the genetic diversity of sweet potato breeding programs in China, it is crucial to incorporate a wide range of genetic resources. This includes local landraces, wild relatives, and elite lines from international breeding programs. By broadening the genetic base, breeders can introduce new traits that improve yield, disease resistance, and nutritional quality. For instance, studies on potatoes have shown that incorporating diverse genotypes can lead to the discovery of unique alleles that are beneficial for breeding (Wang et al., 2019). Similar strategies can be applied to sweet potatoes to ensure a robust and resilient breeding program. 7.2 Leveraging advances in genomics and biotechnology The integration of modern genomics and biotechnological tools can significantly accelerate sweet potato breeding efforts. Techniques such as CRISPR/Cas9 and TALENs have been successfully used in other crops like potato to enhance nutritional content and remove anti-nutritional compounds (Hameed et al., 2018). These technologies can be employed to develop transgene-free sweet potato varieties with improved traits. Additionally, the availability of sweet potato genome sequences can facilitate marker-assisted selection and genomic selection, making the breeding process more precise and efficient. 7.3 Strengthening breeding-research partnerships Collaborative efforts between breeding programs and research institutions are essential for the continuous improvement of sweet potato varieties. Partnerships with international organizations like the International Potato Center (CIP) can provide access to advanced breeding techniques and genetic resources (Ojwang' et al., 2023). Moreover, multidisciplinary workshops and the use of tools like the G+ tools can help evaluate and enhance the gender-responsiveness of breeding programs, ensuring that the developed varieties meet the needs of all stakeholders (Swanckaert et al., 2021). 7.4 Addressing consumer preferences and market needs Future sweet potato breeding programs in China should be increasingly demand-driven, focusing on consumer preferences and market needs. This involves developing varieties that not only have high yield and disease resistance but also meet the nutritional and culinary preferences of consumers. For example, breeding strategies that target market segments with high rates of malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies can have a significant impact on public health (Ojwang' et al., 2023). Additionally, understanding and addressing consumer preferences can help overcome challenges related to the commercialization of new varieties, ensuring that they are well-received in the market. By focusing on these future directions, sweet potato breeding programs in China can achieve greater success in developing varieties that are not only high-yielding and resilient but also meet the nutritional and market demands of the population (Lebot, 2020; Markel and Shih, 2021). 8 Concluding Remarks The utilization of genetic resources in sweet potato breeding in China has shown significant potential in addressing both agronomic and environmental challenges. Key findings from the reviewed studies highlight the importance of genetic diversity and phenotypic variability in crop improvement. For instance, the study on cultivated potatoes in China demonstrated a high level of genetic variation, which is crucial for breeding programs
Bioscience Methods 2025, Vol.16, No.2, 60-69 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/bm 67 aimed at improving crop traits such as tuber starch content and growth period. Similarly, sweet potato has been identified as a critical crop for food security, especially under conditions of global climate change. The physiological and biochemical adaptations of sweet potato to drought stress are essential for developing drought-tolerant varieties. Additionally, the genetic divergence among sweet potato genotypes for silage production underscores the potential for selecting and breeding high-performance varieties. To maximize the benefits of genetic resource utilization in sweet potato breeding, several policy and research recommendations are proposed. Enhanced funding for genetic research is essential, with increased investment needed to develop high-yielding, stress-tolerant sweet potato varieties. This includes support for both traditional breeding methods and modern biotechnological approaches. The development of genomic resources is also critical. Establishing comprehensive genomic databases for sweet potato, including genome sequencing, trait mapping, and the use of genomics-assisted breeding techniques, can facilitate more efficient breeding programs. Climate-resilient breeding programs should be a priority, focusing on the development of sweet potato varieties with superior drought tolerance and other stress resistance traits. These efforts are crucial for sustainable agriculture in the face of climate change. Finally, collaboration and knowledge sharing among research institutions, government agencies, and farmers are essential. This collaborative approach can enhance the exchange of knowledge and resources, thereby accelerating the development and adoption of improved sweet potato varieties. The role of genetic resource utilization in sustainable agriculture cannot be overstated. By leveraging genetic diversity and advanced breeding techniques, it is possible to develop sweet potato varieties that are not only high-yielding but also resilient to environmental stresses. This is particularly important in the context of global climate change, where the demand for food security and sustainable agricultural practices is ever-increasing. The integration of traditional breeding methods with modern genomic technologies offers a promising pathway to achieve these goals. Ultimately, the successful utilization of genetic resources in sweet potato breeding will contribute significantly to sustainable agriculture and food security in China and beyond. Acknowledgments We express our heartfelt gratitude to the two anonymous reviewers for their valuable comments on the manuscript. Funding This reserach received funding from the Ningbo Public Welfare Research Technology Project (2024S014). 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. References Ahmed S., Ru W., Cheng L., Bian X., Zhang L., Jin L., and Bao J., 2019, Genetic diversity and stability in starch physicochemical property traits of potato breeding lines, Food Chemistry, 290: 201-207. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2019.03.130 Arisanti C., Wirasuta I., Musfiroh I., Ikram E., and Muchtaridi M., 2023, Mechanism of anti-diabetic activity from sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas): a systematic review, Foods, 12(14): 2810. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12142810 Bethke P., Halterman D., and Jansky S., 2017, Are we getting better at using wild potato species in light of new tools, Crop Science, 57(3): 1241-1258. https://doi.org/10.2135/CROPSCI2016.10.0889 Bradshaw J., 2017, Plant breeding: past, present and future, Euphytica, 213: 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10681-016-1815-y Cooper M., and Messina C., 2022, Breeding crops for drought-affected environments and improved climate resilience, The Plant Cell, 35(1): 162-186. https://doi.org/10.1093/plcell/koac321 Diepenbrock C., and Gore M., 2015, Closing the divide between human nutrition and plant breeding, Crop Science, 55(4): 1437-1448. https://doi.org/10.2135/CROPSCI2014.08.0555 Ebert A., Engels J., Schafleitner R., Hintum T., and Mwila G., 2023, Critical review of the increasing complexity of access and benefit-sharing policies of genetic resources for genebank curators and plant breeders–a public and private sector perspective, Plants, 12(16): 2992. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12162992
Bioscience Methods 2025, Vol.16, No.2, 60-69 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/bm 68 Escobar-Puentes A., Palomo I., Rodríguez L., Fuentes E., Villegas-Ochoa M., González-Aguilar G., Olivas-Aguirre F., and Wall-Medrano A., 2022, Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) phenotypes: from agroindustry to health effects, Foods, 11(7): 1058. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11071058 Galluzzi G., Seyoum A., Halewood M., Noriega I., and Welch E., 2020, The role of genetic resources in breeding for climate change: the case of public breeding programmes in eighteen developing countries, Plants, 9(9): 1129. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9091129 Garg M., Sharma N., Sharma S., Kapoor P., Kumar A., Chunduri V., and Arora P., 2018, Biofortified crops generated by breeding, agronomy, and transgenic approaches are improving lives of millions of people around the world, Frontiers in Nutrition, 5: 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2018.00012 Guan R., Yu L., Liu X., Li M., Chang R., Gilliham M., and Qiu L., 2021, Selection of the salt tolerance gene GmSALT3 during six decades of soybean breeding in China, Frontiers in Plant Science, 12: 794241. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2021.794241 Hameed A., Zaidi S., Shakir S., and Mansoor S., 2018, Applications of new breeding technologies for potato improvement, Frontiers in Plant Science, 9: 925. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2018.00925 Hao C., Jiao C., Hou J., Li T., Liu H., Wang Y., Zheng J., Liu H., Bi Z., Xu F., Zhao J., Ma L., Wang Y., Majeed U., Liu X., Appels R., Maccaferri M., Tuberosa R., Lu H., and Zhang X., 2020, Resequencing of 145 cultivars reveals asymmetric sub-genome selection and strong founder genotype effects on wheat breeding in China, Molecular Plant, 13(12): 1733-1751. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molp.2020.09.001 He T., and Li C., 2020, Harness the power of genomic selection and the potential of germplasm in crop breeding for global food security in the era with rapid climate change, The Crop Journal, 8(5): 688-700. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cj.2020.04.005 Hu J., Mei M., Jin F., Xu J., Duan S., Bian C., Li G., Wang X., and Jin L., 2022, Phenotypic variability and genetic diversity analysis of cultivated potatoes in China, Frontiers in Plant Science, 13: 954162. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2022.954162 Imbo M., Budambula N., Mweu C., Muli J., and Anami S., 2016, Genetic transformation of sweet potato for improved tolerance to stress: a review, Advances in Life Science and Technology, 49: 67-76. Lamaro G., Tsehaye Y., and Girma A., 2022, Orange-fleshed sweet potato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam] genotype by environment interaction for yield and yield components and SPVD resistance under arid and semi-arid climate of northern Ethiopia, Ethiopian Journal of Science and Technology, 15(3): 255-276. https://doi.org/10.4314/ejst.v15i3.3 Lau K., Herrera M., Crisovan E., Wu S., Fei Z., Khan M., Buell C., and Gemenet D., 2018, Transcriptomic analysis of sweet potato under dehydration stress identifies candidate genes for drought tolerance, Plant Direct, 2(10): e00092. https://doi.org/10.1002/PLD3.92 Laurie S., Bairu M., and Laurie R., 2022, Analysis of the nutritional composition and drought tolerance traits of sweet potato: selection criteria for breeding lines, Plants, 11(14): 1804. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11141804 Lebo V., 2020, Sweet potato: breeding and genetics, In: Tropical Root and Tuber Crops: Cassava, Sweet Potato, Yams and Aroids, pp. 120-143. https://doi.org/10.1079/9781789243369.0120 Lee K., Lee G., Lee J., Sebastin R., Shin M., Cho G., and Hyun D., 2019, Genetic diversity of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L. Lam) germplasms collected worldwide using chloroplast SSR markers, Agronomy, 9(11): 752. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy9110752 Liu C., Cui D., Jiao A., Ma X., Li X., Han B., Chen H., Ruan R., Wang Y., and Han L., 2022, Kam sweet rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a special ecotypic rice in southeast Guizhou, China as revealed by genetic diversity analysis, Frontiers in Plant Science, 13: 830556. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2022.830556 Machida-Hirano R., 2015, Diversity of potato genetic resources, Breeding Science, 65(1): 26-40. https://doi.org/10.1270/jsbbs.65.26 Markel K., and Shih P., 2021, From breeding to genome design: a genomic makeover for potatoes, Cell, 184(15): 3843-3845. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2021.06.027 Medina-Lozano I., and Díaz A., 2022, Applications of genomic tools in plant breeding: crop biofortification, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 23(6): 3086. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23063086 Meng Y., Su W., Ma Y., Liu L., Gu X., Wu D., Shu X., Lai Q., Tang Y., Wu L., and Wang Y., 2021, Assessment of genetic diversity and variety identification based on developed retrotransposon-based insertion polymorphism (RBIP) markers in sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.), Scientific Reports, 11(1): 17116. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-95876-w Obidiegwu J., Bryan G., Jones H., and Prashar A., 2015, Coping with drought: stress and adaptive responses in potato and perspectives for improvement, Frontiers in Plant Science, 6: 542. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2015.00542
Bioscience Methods 2025, Vol.16, No.2, 60-69 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/bm 69 Ojwang' S., Okello J., Otieno D., Mutiso J., Lindqvist-Kreuze H., Coaldrake P., Mendes T., Andrade M., Sharma N., Gruneberg W., Makunde G., Ssali R., Yada B., Mayanja S., Polar V., Oloka B., Chelangat D., Ashby J., Hareau G., and Campos H., 2023, Targeting market segment needs with public-good crop breeding investments: A case study with potato and sweetpotato focused on poverty alleviation, nutrition and gender, Frontiers in Plant Science, 14: 1105079. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2023.1105079 Pandey J., Scheuring D., Koym J., Coombs J., Novy R., Thompson A., Holm D., Douches D., Miller J., and Vales M., 2021, Genetic diversity and population structure of advanced clones selected over forty years by a potato breeding program in the USA, Scientific Reports, 11(1): 8344. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-87284-x Sapakhova Z., Raissova N., Daurov D., Zhapar K., Daurova A., Zhigailov A., Zhambakin K., and Shamekova M., 2023, Sweet potato as a key crop for food security under the conditions of global climate change: a review, Plants, 12(13): 2516. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12132516 Shen S., Xu G., Li D., Jin G., Liu S., Clements D., Yang Y., Rao J., Chen A., Zhang F., Zhu X., and Weston L., 2019, Potential use of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) to suppress three invasive plant species in agroecosystems (Ageratum conyzoides L., Bidens pilosa L., and Galinsoga parviflora Cav.), Agronomy, 9(6): 318. https://doi.org/10.3390/AGRONOMY9060318 Su W., Wang L., Lei J., Chai S., Liu Y., Yang Y., Yang X., and Jiao C., 2017, Genome-wide assessment of population structure and genetic diversity and development of a core germplasm set for sweet potato based on specific length amplified fragment (SLAF) sequencing, PLoS ONE, 12(2): e0172066. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0172066 Swanckaert J., Gemenet D., Anglin N., and Grüneberg W., 2021, Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) breeding, In: Advances in Plant Breeding Strategies: Vegetable Crops, Volume 8: Bulbs, Roots and Tubers, pp.513-546. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-66965-2_12 Tiwari J., Buckseth T., Zinta R., Bhatia N., Dalamu D., Naik S., Poonia A., Kardile H., Challam C., Singh R., Luthra S., Kumar V., and Kumar M., 2022, Germplasm, breeding, and genomics in potato improvement of biotic and abiotic stresses tolerance, Frontiers in Plant Science, 13: 805671. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2022.805671 Vargas P., Otoboni M., Lopes B., and Pavan B., 2020, Prediction of genetic gains through selection of sweet potato accessions, Horticultura Brasileira, 38: 387-393. https://doi.org/10.1590/s0102-0536202004008 Wang Y., Qin Y., Wang S., Zhang D., Tian Y., Zhao F., Wang Y., Lv H., Qiao Q., and Zhang Z., 2021, Species and genetic variability of sweet potato viruses in China, Phytopathology Research, 3: 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1186/s42483-021-00097-8 Wang Y., Rashid M., Li X., Yao C., Lu L., Bai J., Li Y., Xu N., Yang Q., Zhang L., Bryan G., Sui Q., and Pan Z., 2019, Collection and evaluation of genetic diversity and population structure of potato landraces and varieties in China, Frontiers in Plant Science, 10: 139. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2019.00139 Yang Y., Chen Y., Bo Y., Liu Q., and Zhai H., 2023, Research progress in the mechanisms of resistance to biotic stress in sweet potato, Genes, 14(11): 2106. https://doi.org/10.3390/genes14112106 Zhang C., Yang Z., Tang D., Zhu Y., Wang P., Li D., Zhu G., Xiong X., Shang Y., Li C., and Huang S., 2021, Genome design of hybrid potato, Cell, 184(15): 3873-3883, e12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2021.06.006 Zhu Q., Zhang X.L., Ni Naing N.N.Z., Li J.Q., Chen L.J., and Lee D.S., 2024, Strategies for rice improvement: utilizing genetic resources from wild and cultivated Oryza species, Rice Genomics and Genetics, 15(3): 106-120. https://doi.org/10.5376/rgg.2024.15.0012
Bioscience Methods 2025, Vol.16, No.2, 70-82 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/bm 70 Research Insight Open Access Innovative Approaches in Wheat Starch and Gluten Separation: Techniques, Functional Modifications, and Emerging Applications Li Ao, Guoyun Ling, Meiqin Xue Changxing County General Station of Agricultural Technology Extension and Service, Changxing, 313100, Zhejiang, China Corresponding email: 1004938994@qq.com Bioscience Methods, 2025, Vol.16, No.2 doi: 10.5376/bm.2025.16.0008 Received: 15 Feb., 2025 Accepted: 25 Mar., 2025 Published: 04 Apr., 2025 Copyright © 2025 Ao et al., This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Ao L., Ling G.Y., and Xue M.Q., 2025, Innovative approaches in wheat starch and gluten separation: techniques, functional modifications, and emerging applications, Bioscience Methods, 16(2): 70-82 (doi: 10.5376/bm.2025.16.0008) Abstract This study analyzes the separation technologies of wheat starch and gluten, including wet separation, dry separation, and emerging technologies such as ultrasound-assisted separation, enzymatic separation, microfluidic separation, and the synergistic separation of electric and magnetic fields. The advantages and limitations of different methods are discussed in detail. Additionally, the impact of separation processes on the functional properties of starch and gluten is explored. The study finds that combining ultrasound and enzymatic methods can effectively improve separation efficiency while reducing damage to the protein and starch structures. Furthermore, the study summarizes functional modification technologies, such as physical (microwave, γ-rays), chemical (esterification, oxidation), and biological (enzymatic hydrolysis) modifications, and their role in optimizing the functionality of wheat starch and gluten. The emerging applications of these modifications in fields such as food, environmental materials, and biomedicine are also analyzed, including low-GI foods, biodegradable packaging, and biomaterial scaffolds. This study provides scientific evidence and necessary references for the separation and high-value utilization of wheat starch and gluten. Keywords Wheat starch; Gluten; Separation technologies; Functional modification; Green processing 1 Introduction Wheat is one of the most widely planted food crops in the world, not only a staple food for people, but also an important industrial raw material. In the process of wheat processing, the two key components separated - wheat starch and gluten (gluten protein) - are widely used in various fields such as food, medicine, and even construction. High purity wheat starch, with thickening, gel and stabilization functions, is an important source of food thickeners, as well as an important raw material for bioplastics and pharmaceutical excipients. The unique viscoelasticity of gluten allows it to play a critical role in baking, plant-based foods, and functional protein products (Van Der Borght et al., 2005; Day et al., 2006). At present, with the increasing application of wheat starch in food thickeners, bioplastics, adhesives, and pharmaceutical excipients, the demand for high-purity starch in the market is also continuing to grow. At the same time, improving separation efficiency can not only obtain purer starch, but also minimize gluten contamination. The efficient separation and purification of starch and gluten has become an important step in enhancing the processing value of wheat and achieving product customization (Peigabardost et al., 2008). However, traditional separation techniques such as wet grinding are not efficient and the separation effect is not ideal. Therefore, researchers are gradually turning their attention to more advanced and intelligent new separation technologies. In recent years, some innovative separation technologies have gradually entered people's vision, such as the "shear flow migration technology", which can greatly improve separation efficiency and product purity (Peigabardost et al., 2008). In addition, new treatment methods such as "water phase ozone modification" have also shown the potential to change the structure and function of gluten, and can be customized to meet the needs of different industries (Fan et al., 2024). Not limited to wheat, Al-Hakkak and Al-Hakkak (2007) also proposed a method for extracting starch and gluten from non wheat plants, which provides new ideas for the cross species application of separation technology and the comprehensive utilization of plant resources.
Bioscience Methods 2025, Vol.16, No.2, 70-82 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/bm 71 With the continuous advancement of technology, separation efficiency and product functionality are gradually improving, and the economic value of starch and gluten is also increasing. This study will systematically review the development history and latest achievements of these new technologies, with a focus on innovation in separation processes, new ideas for functional modification, and emerging applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and new materials industries. I hope that through these analyses, we can provide reference for the industry on the current challenges, technological breakthroughs, and future trends related to wheat separation, and help promote the sustainable and high value-added development of wheat processing. 2 Composition and Structural Characteristics of Wheat Starch and Gluten 2.1 Structural characteristics of wheat starch Wheat starch is the primary carbohydrate component in wheat flour, and its granules are mainly composed of a mixture of two polysaccharides: amylose and amylopectin. The ratio of these two polysaccharides affects the functional properties of starch, such as water absorption, swelling power, and gelatinization. Li et al. (2020a) found that high amylose wheat starch (HAWS) has a higher content of amylose and a lower degree of branched starch chain branching. It has a more linear molecular structure compared to ordinary wheat starch, manifested by stronger HAWS viscosity and stability. Due to the looser arrangement of polymers within the granules, HAWS also shows stronger water absorption capacity. The crystalline structure of wheat starch is generally classified as A-type, which is characteristic of amylose. This structure is marked by relatively weak crystallinity and poor water solubility; however, it remains stable even under treatments such as ultrasonication (Karwasra et al., 2020). Karwasra et al. (2020) suggested that the A-type crystalline structure of wheat starch contributes to its relatively high gelatinization temperature and distinct pasting properties, which ultimately affect the quality of wheat-based products. During processing, the surface properties of wheat starch granules - including surface lipids and proteins - influence the ease of starch separation. Furthermore, after processing, the relative crystallinity of starch may change, which further affects its functional properties such as swelling power and oil absorption capacity (Wang et al., 2021). 2.2 Composition and functional properties of wheat gluten Wheat gluten is a protein complex primarily composed of two types of proteins: glutenin and gliadin. It also forms the viscoelastic network essential for the unique dough properties of wheat flour. Gliadin and glutenin provide complementary functional properties, jointly determining the extensibility and elasticity of the dough. Meanwhile, their ratio significantly influences the pasting properties, thermal stability, and structural characteristics of gluten-starch mixtures. Furthermore, changes in the glutenin-to-gliadin ratio also alter the viscosity and thermal stability of the mixture, ultimately affecting the quality of wheat-based products (Li et al., 2020b). The functional properties of gluten, including extensibility and elasticity, largely depend on its protein structure. For example, the disulfide bonds within gluten and the secondary structures of its proteins, such as α-helices and β-sheets, together determine its ability to form a network. This protein structure can be modified through mechanical, chemical, or enzymatic treatments. Liu et al. (2021) found that physical modification methods, such as planetary ball milling, can disrupt the natural structure of gluten, reducing its particle size and decreasing its crystallinity. These structural changes further alter the surface hydrophobicity and foaming capacity of gluten, expanding its potential applications in food products. 2.3 Interfacial binding mechanism between starch and gluten Starch granules are embedded within the gluten network, forming a complex structural matrix that ultimately affects the physical properties of the dough. Therefore, the interaction between starch granules and gluten proteins is one of the key factors determining dough properties. The particle size distribution of starch granules, particularly the ratio of A-type to B-type granules, significantly influences this interaction. Studies have shown that the higher the B/A/porosity ratio (i.e., the greater the proportion of B-type granules), the more stable the dough tends to be, which is attributed to the closer binding between starch granules and the gluten network (Gao et al., 2020; Yu et al., 2021). Figure 1 compares the starch granule morphology and gluten network formation characteristics of three wheat varieties: Xinong 979, Zhengmai 7698, and Xinong 836. When the starch granules
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNA==