Triticeae Genomics and Genetics, 2024, Vol.15, No.2, 88-99 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/lgg 97 6.2 Enhancing precision and efficiency Advancements in high-throughput sequencing and genotyping technologies have significantly improved the precision and efficiency of QTL mapping. High-resolution genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified numerous QTLs with narrow confidence intervals, facilitating the discovery of candidate genes (Pang et al., 2020). For example, the identification of 395 QTLs for various agronomic traits in wheat (Pang et al., 2020) underscores the potential of GWAS to enhance mapping resolution. Furthermore, the development of high-density genetic maps, such as those containing over 10,000 loci (Guo et al., 2020), allows for more precise localization of QTLs. These technological advancements enable the fine-mapping of QTLs and the identification of causal genes, which can be directly targeted in breeding programs to improve trait performance. 6.3 Expanding to other crops While significant progress has been made in QTL mapping for wheat, expanding these methodologies to other crops can provide broader agricultural benefits. The genetic and genomic tools developed for wheat can be Adapteded for use in other cereal crops, such as rice and maize, which share genomic collinearity with wheat (Shariatipour et al., 2021). For instance, the identification of orthologous MQTLs in wheat, rice, and maize (Shariatipour et al., 2021) highlights the potential for cross-species application of QTL mapping results. Additionally, the domestication and improvement of perennial crops like intermediate wheatgrass (Larson et al., 2019) can benefit from the QTL mapping techniques refined in wheat research. By applying these methods to a wider range of crops, researchers can accelerate the breeding of high-yielding, stress-tolerant varieties, thereby enhancing global food security. 7 Concluding Remarks Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) mapping has revolutionized wheat breeding by providing a detailed understanding of the genetic basis of important agronomic traits. Over the past few decades, significant strides have been made in identifying and utilizing QTLs for grain yield, quality, and stress tolerance. These advancements have been underpinned by methodological improvements, such as the development of high-density genetic maps, the application of advanced statistical methods, and the use of recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations. Despite the successes, QTL mapping in wheat faces challenges such as environmental interactions and genetic background effects, which can complicate the identification and application of QTLs. However, integrative approaches that combine QTL mapping with other genomic tools, such as genomic selection, and the use of advanced technologies, like machine learning and AI, offer promising solutions to these challenges. The future of QTL mapping in wheat looks bright, with opportunities to enhance precision and efficiency in identifying key genetic loci. Moreover, the lessons learned from wheat can be extended to other crops, broadening the impact of these genetic tools on global agriculture. By continuing to refine and apply QTL mapping techniques, researchers can develop more resilient and high-performing wheat varieties, ultimately contributing to global food security. In conclusion, QTL mapping has proven to be a powerful tool in wheat genetics and breeding. The integration of QTL mapping with advanced genomic technologies holds great promise for the future of wheat improvement, enabling the development of high-yielding, high-quality, and stress-tolerant wheat varieties. As the field continues to evolve, the integration of cutting-edge technologies and collaborative efforts across crops will further unlock the genetic potential of wheat, paving the way for a new era of crop improvement. Acknowledgments Thank you to the two anonymous peer reviewers for reviewing the paper. Conflict of Interest Disclosure The author affirms that this research was conducted without any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
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