Legume Genomics and Genetics 2024, Vol.15, No.6, 291-302 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/lgg 299 9 Future Perspectives of MAS in Soybean Drought Tolerance Breeding 9.1 Emerging technologies in MAS The integration of emerging technologies such as CRISPR and Genomic Selection (GS) into Marker-Assisted Selection (MAS) holds significant promise for enhancing drought tolerance in soybean. CRISPR technology allows for precise gene editing, enabling the introduction of specific drought-tolerant traits into soybean genomes with high accuracy and efficiency (Rosero et al., 2020). Genomic selection, on the other hand, leverages whole-genome information to predict the performance of breeding lines, thus accelerating the breeding process by selecting the best candidates early in the breeding cycle (Valliyodan et al., 2016; Cerrudo et al., 2018). These technologies, when combined with traditional MAS, can significantly enhance the genetic gain for drought tolerance by targeting multiple genes and pathways involved in stress response (Dubey et al., 2019; Dormatey et al., 2020). 9.2 Integrating MAS with climate-resilient agriculture practices Integrating MAS with climate-resilient agricultural practices is crucial for developing soybean varieties that can withstand the increasing frequency and severity of drought events due to climate change. Practices such as optimized irrigation management, soil health improvement, and the use of drought-tolerant crop rotations can complement the genetic improvements achieved through MAS. For instance, the use of Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) in conjunction with MAS can enhance root system architecture and water-use efficiency, further improving drought resilience (Dubey et al., 2019). Additionally, the introduction of underutilized drought-tolerant crops into existing cropping systems can provide a buffer against water scarcity, ensuring stable yields (Rosero et al., 2020). 9.3 Potential for further research and collaboration The potential for further research and collaboration in the field of MAS for drought tolerance in soybean is vast. Collaborative efforts between geneticists, agronomists, and climate scientists can lead to the development of more robust and resilient soybean varieties. Research should focus on identifying new Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) associated with drought tolerance and understanding the underlying genetic mechanisms (Ren et al., 2020; Singh et al., 2022). Moreover, international collaborations can facilitate the exchange of germplasm and knowledge, accelerating the breeding process and ensuring that the benefits of MAS are realized globally (Torres et al., 2010; Valliyodan et al., 2016). The integration of advanced phenotyping techniques and high-throughput genotyping platforms will also be essential in enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of MAS (Ribaut and Ragot, 2006). 10 Concluding Remarks Marker-Assisted Selection (MAS) has shown significant promise in improving drought tolerance in various crops, including soybean. The application of MAS has led to the identification of Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) and specific markers associated with drought resistance, which can be used to select high-performing genotypes early in the breeding process. For instance, in common bean, MAS was effective in identifying RAPD markers associated with yield under stress conditions, leading to improved performance in specific environments. Similarly, in maize, the introgression of favorable alleles through MAS significantly increased grain yield under drought conditions. In soybean, context-specific MAS (CSM) has been used to detect yield QTL within specific environments, resulting in statistically significant yield gains in selected sublines. These findings underscore the potential of MAS to enhance drought tolerance and yield stability in soybean and other crops. The future role of MAS in addressing drought challenges in soybean is promising, given the advancements in genotyping technologies and the increasing understanding of the genetic basis of drought tolerance. The development of high-density genetic maps and the identification of specific markers linked to drought tolerance traits, such as those found in soybean, will facilitate more precise and efficient selection processes. Additionally, the integration of "omics" technologies, such as transcriptomics and proteomics, can further enhance the identification and characterization of genes involved in drought tolerance, leading to more targeted and effective breeding strategies. As genotyping becomes more cost-effective, the application of MAS in soybean breeding programs is likely to expand, enabling the development of drought-tolerant cultivars that can thrive in water-limited environments.
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