Field Crop 2025, Vol.8, No.2, 61-71 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/fc 65 which are often difficult to score using traditional methods. MAS has been particularly effective in improving simple traits that are economically important, such as disease resistance and yield components. The integration of MAS in breeding strategies, including marker-assisted backcrossing and forward breeding, has shown significant promise in enhancing wheat varieties suitable for mechanized farming (Gupta et al., 2010). Moreover, MAS is not only limited to simple traits but is also being adapted to tackle complex polygenic traits. The development of high-throughput genotyping technologies, such as diversity arrays technology (DArT) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays, has expanded the potential of MAS. These advancements allow for more comprehensive mapping and selection strategies, such as marker-assisted recurrent selection and genome-wide selection, which are crucial for the development of wheat varieties that can thrive in mechanized farming environments (Table 1) (Gupta et al., 2010; Song et al., 2023). 5.2 Advances in genomic selection and CRISPR-Cas9 technologies Genomic selection represents a significant advancement in wheat breeding, offering a more holistic approach compared to traditional MAS. This method uses genome-wide markers to predict the performance of breeding lines, thereby accelerating the breeding cycle and improving the accuracy of selection. Genomic selection is particularly beneficial for complex traits that are influenced by multiple genes, making it a valuable tool for developing wheat varieties that are optimized for mechanized farming (Gupta et al., 2010). In parallel, CRISPR-Cas9 technology has revolutionized the field of genetic engineering by enabling precise genome editing. This technology allows for the targeted modification of specific genes, providing breeders with the ability to introduce or enhance traits such as drought tolerance and disease resistance. The combination of genomic selection and CRISPR-Cas9 offers a powerful toolkit for the rapid development of wheat varieties that meet the demands of modern agriculture, including mechanization (Song et al., 2023). 5.3 The use of high-throughput phenotyping to accelerate breeding efficiency High-throughput phenotyping (HTP) is transforming the landscape of wheat breeding by enabling the rapid and accurate assessment of phenotypic traits. This technology utilizes advanced imaging and sensor systems to collect data on plant characteristics, such as growth rate, biomass, and stress responses, at a scale and speed that were previously unattainable. HTP is particularly valuable in mechanized farming, where the ability to quickly evaluate large populations of wheat is essential for efficient breeding programs (Gupta et al., 2010; Wang and Li, 2024). The integration of HTP with other modern breeding technologies, such as MAS and genomic selection, further enhances breeding efficiency. By providing detailed phenotypic data, HTP supports the identification of trait-marker associations and the validation of genomic predictions. This synergy accelerates the breeding process, enabling the development of wheat varieties that are not only high-yielding but also well-suited to the mechanized farming systems of the future (Song et al., 2023). 6 The Role of Biotechnology in Wheat Breeding 6.1 Applications of genetic engineering in enhancing resistance and quality traits Genetic engineering has significantly advanced the development of wheat varieties with enhanced resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Techniques such as CRISPR-Cas9, TALENs, and ZFNs have been employed to introduce specific genetic modifications that improve wheat's resilience to diseases and environmental stresses like drought and salinity (Shrawat and Armstrong, 2018; Trono and Pecchioni, 2022). These technologies allow for precise editing of the wheat genome, enabling the introduction of beneficial traits without the lengthy process of traditional breeding. The use of transgenic approaches has also facilitated the development of wheat lines with improved nutritional quality and yield potential, addressing the growing global demand for food (Shrawat and Armstrong, 2018; Trono and Pecchioni, 2022). Moreover, the optimization of transformation systems, including Agrobacterium-mediated and microprojectile bombardment methods, has enhanced the efficiency of genetic engineering in wheat. These systems have been
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