Genomics and Applied Biology 2024, Vol.15, No.3, 162-171 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/gab 169 8 Concluding Remarks The research on the genetic basis and breeding strategies for hybrid kelp and cultivated microalgae has highlighted several critical aspects. Firstly, the potential of kelp and macroalgae in providing food, feed, bioenergy, and raw materials for various industries is immense, but currently, only a few species are cultivated, primarily in Asia. The development of hybrid cultivars, such as Saccharina japonica, has shown promise in improving yield and quality through photoperiodic control and hybrid vigor. Additionally, the genetic improvement of microalgae through mutagenesis and synthetic biology offers significant potential for biotechnological applications. The genetic and phenotypic diversity in natural populations of kelp, such as Macrocystis pyrifera, underscores the importance of selecting appropriate source populations for breeding programs. Moreover, the challenges in kelp breeding in China, including germplasm diversity and management, highlight the need for strategic breeding programs and technological innovations. The findings from these studies have several implications for aquaculture and biotechnology. The successful breeding and cultivation of hybrid kelp can lead to higher productivity and better quality of farmed products, which is crucial for meeting the growing demand for seaweed-based products. The ability to control the reproductive cycle of hybrid kelp through photoperiodic manipulation can enhance the efficiency of hatchery operations and ensure a steady supply of seedlings. Furthermore, the genetic improvement of microalgae through non-GMO methods can accelerate the development of strains with desirable traits, thereby expanding their use in various biotechnological applications. The preservation of genetic diversity through cryopreservation techniques can support sustainable breeding programs and help mitigate the impacts of climate change on natural populations. Future research should focus on several key areas to advance the breeding and cultivation of hybrid kelp and microalgae. Firstly, there is a need to develop and optimize breeding protocols for a wider range of kelp species to enhance their cultivation potential in different regions. Investigating the genetic basis of important traits, such as thermal tolerance and disease resistance, can inform the selection of parent strains for hybridization. Additionally, integrating advanced genomic tools and bioinformatics can facilitate the identification of trait-associated markers and the development of DNA-based breeding technologies. Research should also explore the ecological interactions between kelp and their associated microbiomes to develop cultivars with enhanced performance and adaptability. Finally, expanding the use of cryopreservation techniques for the long-term conservation of genetic resources will be crucial for maintaining genetic diversity and supporting future breeding efforts. Acknowledgments We sincerely thank our colleagues, for their professional advice and technical support on the manuscript. Your knowledge and experience helped me solve many critical issues and facilitated the smooth progress of the study. 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 Camus C., Faugeron S., and Buschmann A., 2018, Assessment of genetic and phenotypic diversity of the giant kelp, Macrocystis pyrifera, to support breeding programs, Algal Research-Biomass Biofuels and Bioproducts, 30: 101-112. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.algal.2018.01.004 Chen K., Wang Y., Zhang R., Zhang H., and Gao C., 2019, CRISPR/Cas genome editing and precision plant breeding in agriculture, Annual Review of Plant Biology, 70: 667-697. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-arplant-050718-100049 Darmanov M., Makamov A., Ayubov M., Khusenov N., Buriev Z., Shermatov S., Salakhutdinov I., Ubaydullaeva K., Norbekov J., Kholmuradova M., Narmatov S., Normamatov I., and Abdurakhmonov I., 2022, Development of superior fibre quality upland cotton cultivar series 'ravnaq' using marker-assisted selection, Frontiers in Plant Science, 13: 906472. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2022.906472
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