Legume Genomics and Genetics 2025, Vol.16, No.5, 215-224 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/lgg 221 in the future, it is possible to make lentils more composed when facing various weeds by superimposing multiple resistance genes, and it will also help reduce the probability of weeds "becoming smarter", delaying the emergence of drug-resistant weeds. 7.2 Integration with marker-assisted and genomic selection Gene editing is not a solitary battle. When used in combination with tools such as marker-assisted selection (MAS) and genomic selection (GS), it can significantly accelerate the breeding speed of herbicide-resistant varieties. Recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified some SNPS and QTL loci related to herbicide tolerance (Balech et al., 2024; Cao et al., 2024). These markers are like "signal lights", which can help breeders pick out potential players from a large pile of materials. The addition of gene editing can directly modify the target site, achieving precise "patching" (Roy et al., 2023). Even better, this method can also simultaneously optimize other traits, such as increasing production and enhancing stress resistance, achieving multiple benefits at once. 7.3 Addressing climate and sustainability challenges Things can't be settled once and for all. Although the herbicide-resistant varieties of lentils seem to have a promising future, their performance varies significantly under different climatic conditions. Multiple environmental tests have shown that some varieties grow well in humid environments but not so well in arid areas. The reverse is also true (Balech et al., 2022). Therefore, in the future, breeding should not only focus on "drug resistance", but also take into account "adaptability". Especially in the context of increasingly unstable global climate, developing varieties that can grow stably and maintain stable yields in various complex environments is the key. Moreover, if herbicide resistance can be combined with traits such as drought tolerance, heat tolerance and disease resistance, it might truly support a sustainable and intensive production system for lentils. 8 Concluding Remarks The progress in lentil breeding, especially those in recent years, cannot be attributed solely to the technology itself. Indeed, tools like CRISPR/Cas offer us the opportunity to precisely manipulate and modify those key genes, thereby enhancing lentils' tolerance to herbicides, their disease resistance, and even improving the stability of their yields. But the real breakthrough was brought about by the "superposition" of a series of technologies: such as the establishment of high-density genetic maps, the discovery of linkage markers, and the wide application of sequencing technology. All these have significantly accelerated the improvement process and made it possible to develop varieties that are more adaptable to climate change. Of course, relying solely on technology is not enough. For these resistant varieties to truly enter the fields and farmlands, it still depends on supporting policies, responsibility mechanisms and international cooperation to provide a safety net. For instance, standardized genetic resource databases, cross-border sharing mechanisms, and even public communication strategies are all indispensable components. Without these supports, even if the laboratory achievements are excellent, it will be difficult to go far. A policy environment for fair access to new technologies is even more crucial for researchers and farmers in developing countries (not just a matter of biosecurity). In the future, lentil breeding may not rely solely on a single tool. What it requires is a "team battle"-gene editing, genome selection, and genetic diversity from wild and local breeds, all working together. Only in this way can there be hope to cultivate new varieties that are truly suitable for different agricultural areas and are both high-yielding and stress-resistant. To make all this come true, relying on just one or two research teams is far from enough. Continuous investment, accumulation of capabilities, and cross-border coordination and collaboration are the true cornerstones that can support the future of Bian Dou. Acknowledgments We are very grateful to Ms. Yang for reviewing the first draft of the paper and providing revisions that enhanced the integrity of the theoretical framework.
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