Maize Genomics and Genetics 2024, Vol.15, No.5, 247-256 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/mgg 252 trait loci (QTL) and specific genes associated with disease resistance. This technology allows for the detailed mapping of resistance genes across the maize genome, providing a robust foundation for breeding programs aimed at enhancing disease resistance (Miedaner et al., 2020). Several case studies have demonstrated the efficacy of HTS in disease resistance breeding. For instance, HTS has been employed to identify resistance genes against Northern corn leaf blight (NCLB) and Fusarium ear rot (FER) in maize. These studies have revealed that quantitative disease resistances are often controlled by multiple QTL scattered across the genome, which can be effectively targeted using HTS. Additionally, the integration of HTS with genomic selection has accelerated the breeding process by predicting the genomic estimated breeding values of untested genotypes, thereby enhancing the efficiency of resistance breeding programs(Figure 3) (Miedaner et al., 2020). Figure 3 Number of QTLs for resistance to NCLB according to the literature; the intensity of color represents the number of QTLs found in the same bin (Adopted from Miedaner et al., 2020) 5.2 Environmental stress resistance studies HTS plays a crucial role in studying maize resistance to various environmental stresses such as drought and salinity. By enabling the comprehensive analysis of the maize genome, HTS helps identify key genes and regulatory networks involved in stress responses. This technology has facilitated the discovery of beneficial QTL and alleles that contribute to abiotic stress tolerance, thereby providing valuable insights for developing stress-resistant maize varieties (Farooqi et al., 2022). HTS has been instrumental in analyzing gene expression and regulatory networks in maize under stress conditions. By employing transcriptomic approaches, researchers can identify differentially expressed genes and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of stress tolerance. This information is critical for pinpointing specific genes that confer resistance to environmental stresses, which can then be targeted in breeding programs to develop more resilient maize varieties (Farooqi et al., 2022). 5.3 Development of molecular markers for insect resistance HTS technology has revolutionized the development of molecular markers associated with insect resistance in maize. By enabling the high-throughput genotyping of large populations, HTS facilitates the identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and other genetic markers linked to insect resistance traits. These markers can be used in marker-assisted selection (MAS) to accelerate the breeding of insect-resistant maize varieties (Guo et al., 2019). A notable example of HTS application in insect resistance breeding is the development of SNP marker panels through genotyping by target sequencing (GBTS). This approach has been used to create affordable and high-quality marker panels that are highly consistent and reliable for MAS. The integration of these marker panels
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