Legume Genomics and Genetics 2024, Vol.15, No.6, 315-322 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/lgg 320 6.3 Economic and market constraints Economic and market constraints further complicate the industrialization of carob. Despite its high industrial demand, there has been a significant reduction in the area cultivated for carob, primarily due to economic factors and competition with other crops (Martins-Loução et al., 2024). The lack of established markets and trade networks for carob products limits its commercial potential. Moreover, the development of new carob-based products requires substantial investment in research and marketing to increase consumer awareness and demand. These economic challenges highlight the need for strategic planning and investment to enhance the marketability and profitability of carob as a crop. 7 Future Directions 7.1 Innovations in genomics and breeding Recent advancements in genomics have opened new avenues for the breeding and conservation of the carob tree. The use of genome-wide diversity studies and Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) has provided insights into the genetic structure and domestication patterns of carob, revealing multiple origins of domestication and highlighting the importance of preserving genetic diversity across different regions. These genomic tools can be leveraged to develop breeding programs aimed at enhancing traits such as drought and salinity tolerance, which are crucial for the carob's adaptation to arid environments. Additionally, the establishment of core collections based on genetic diversity analyses can facilitate targeted breeding efforts and conservation strategies (Di Guardo et al., 2019). 7.2 Expanding industrial applications The carob tree has traditionally been valued for its use in food and fodder, but its industrial applications are expanding significantly. The seeds of the carob tree are a source of locust bean gum, a valuable thickening agent in the food industry. Moreover, the carob pod's nutritional profile, rich in fiber and phenolic compounds, presents opportunities for developing health-promoting food products (Gioxari et al., 2022). The carob's potential in reforestation and soil restoration projects also underscores its role in environmental sustainability. Future research should focus on optimizing agronomic practices to enhance fruit yield and quality, thereby meeting the growing industrial demand. 7.3 Enhancing global collaboration To fully realize the potential of carob domestication and industrial applications, enhancing global collaboration is essential. This involves sharing genetic resources and research findings across countries, particularly those in the Mediterranean basin where carob has a long history of cultivation. Collaborative efforts can facilitate the development of standardized protocols for germination and stress tolerance testing, which are critical for selecting resilient genotypes (Cavallaro et al., 2016). Furthermore, international partnerships can drive investment in research and development, addressing knowledge gaps and promoting the sustainable exploitation of carob as a valuable economic and environmental resource. 8 Concluding Remarks The genetic basis of carob domestication reveals a complex history of multiple domestication events across the Mediterranean basin. Studies have shown that carob was domesticated from locally selected wild genotypes, with significant genetic diversity maintained across different regions. The carob tree's genetic structure is characterized by distinct genetic pools, particularly in northeastern Spain and other Mediterranean regions, which are crucial for conservation and breeding efforts. Additionally, carob's resilience to drought and salinity stress, as well as its adaptability to various agro-environmental conditions, underscores its potential as a sustainable crop for arid regions. Future research should focus on expanding the genetic and phenotypic characterization of carob germplasm to enhance breeding programs aimed at developing stress-tolerant cultivars. There is also a need for comprehensive studies on the carob tree's ecological role and its potential in carbon sequestration, which could contribute to climate change mitigation strategies. Policymakers should prioritize the conservation of carob genetic resources,
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