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).
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