Triticeae Genomics and Genetics, 2024, Vol.15, No.3, 137-151 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/tgg 147 7.2.2 Systems biology Systems biology approaches, which involve the integration of various biological data to model and understand complex biological systems, are becoming increasingly important in wheat research. These approaches can help in identifying key regulatory networks and pathways that control important agronomic traits. For instance, the use of systems biology in conjunction with high-density genetic maps has provided insights into the recombination landscape and structural diversity in wheat (Gutierrez-Gonzalez et al., 2019). Future research should aim to develop robust systems biology models that can predict the effects of genetic modifications and guide breeding programs. 7.3 Strategic roadmap for wheat genetic mapping The future of wheat genetic mapping requires a strategic roadmap to maximize its impact and utility. First, efforts should be made to encourage the adoption and integration of emerging technologies such as CRISPR, advanced sequencing techniques, and multi-omics approaches into genetic mapping projects. These technologies will significantly enhance the resolution, accuracy, and functional validation of genetic maps, promoting more precise and efficient trait improvement (Appels et al., 2018; Liu et al., 2020; Pang et al., 2020). Developing and maintaining diverse genetic populations, such as recombinant inbred lines (RILs) and doubled haploid (DH) populations, is crucial for facilitating high-resolution mapping (Gutierrez-Gonzalez et al., 2019; Guo et al., 2020). Integrating genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics data will provide a comprehensive understanding of the genetic and molecular basis of important traits (Appels et al., 2018). In addition, capacity building and collaboration are key components of this roadmap. Investment in capacity building, especially in developing countries, is essential to ensure equitable access to advanced genetic mapping technologies. Promoting international collaboration and knowledge exchange will accelerate the adoption of best practices and innovative approaches, creating a more inclusive and efficient global research community. 8 Concluding Remarks High-density genetic mapping has significantly advanced our understanding of the genetic architecture of wheat, particularly in relation to important agronomic traits. The development and utilization of high-density genetic linkage maps, such as those incorporating SNP and SSR markers, have enabled the precise identification of quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with key traits like kernel size, weight, and quality. For instance, the construction of a high-density genetic map with 6312 markers facilitated the detection of 78 putative QTL for kernel-related traits, with several stable QTL identified across multiple environments. Similarly, a high-density genetic map containing 10,739 loci was instrumental in identifying 106 QTL for protein- and starch-related quality traits, highlighting the genetic control of these important attributes. The advent of fully annotated reference genomes has further propelled wheat research by providing a comprehensive framework for gene discovery and functional analysis. The International Wheat Genome Sequencing Consortium's annotated reference genome has revealed the structural organization and gene content of wheat's subgenomes, enabling more targeted breeding efforts and the application of advanced genomic tools like CRISPR. Additionally, genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) and SNP arrays have been pivotal in constructing high-resolution maps that uncover the genetic basis of traits such as productive tiller number and kernel-related characteristics. The achievements in high-density genetic mapping have profound implications for wheat research and breeding. The identification of stable and high-frequency QTL clusters provides valuable targets for marker-assisted selection (MAS), which can accelerate the development of wheat varieties with enhanced yield, quality, and stress resistance. The integration of high-density genetic maps with phenotypic data across multiple environments ensures the robustness of these QTL, making them reliable candidates for breeding programs. The availability of a fully annotated reference genome has opened new avenues for functional genomics and precision breeding. Researchers can now leverage this resource to dissect the molecular mechanisms underlying complex traits and to implement genome editing techniques for trait improvement. The high-resolution mapping of QTL and the identification of candidate genes facilitate the fine mapping and cloning of genes responsible for
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