Triticeae Genomics and Genetics, 2024, Vol.15, No.4, 185-195 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/tgg 190 4.2 Enhancing crop resilience Enhancing crop resilience is a critical goal in Triticeae breeding, especially in the face of climate change and increasing biotic pressures. MAS plays a pivotal role in this endeavor by enabling the precise selection of traits that contribute to resilience, such as drought tolerance, disease resistance, and pest resistance (Mohan et al., 1997; Collard and Mackill, 2008). The identification and incorporation of QTLs associated with these traits into breeding programs can significantly improve the resilience of Triticeae crops. For instance, the use of MAS has facilitated the identification of QTLs for drought tolerance in wheat, allowing breeders to develop varieties that can thrive in water-limited environments (Song et al., 2023). Similarly, MAS has been employed to enhance disease resistance in barley by incorporating QTLs for resistance to powdery mildew and other pathogens (Miedaner and Korzun, 2012). These efforts are crucial for ensuring food security and sustainability in agriculture. Moreover, the development of high-throughput genotyping platforms, such as SNP arrays and GBS, has further enhanced the ability to select for resilience traits. These technologies allow for the rapid and cost-effective screening of large populations, making it feasible to identify and select for multiple traits simultaneously (He et al., 2014). This holistic approach to breeding can lead to the development of Triticeae varieties that are not only high-yielding but also resilient to a range of environmental stresses. 4.3 Improving yield and quality traits Improving yield and quality traits is a primary objective in Triticeae breeding, and MAS has proven to be a valuable tool in achieving this goal. The identification and selection of QTLs associated with yield components, such as grain size, number, and weight, have been facilitated by the use of molecular markers (Lande and Thompson, 1990; Hasan et al., 2021). By incorporating these QTLs into breeding programs, breeders can develop varieties with enhanced yield potential. In addition to yield, quality traits such as protein content, milling quality, and baking quality are also important targets for MAS in Triticeae breeding. For example, the use of MAS has enabled the selection of wheat varieties with improved protein content and gluten strength, which are critical for bread-making quality (Song et al., 2023). Similarly, MAS has been used to enhance malting quality in barley by selecting for QTLs associated with enzyme activity and grain plumpness (Miedaner and Korzun, 2012). The integration of MAS with traditional breeding methods has also allowed for the simultaneous improvement of multiple traits. This is particularly important in Triticeae breeding, where trade-offs between yield and quality traits often exist. By using MAS to select for favorable alleles at multiple loci, breeders can develop varieties that achieve a balance between high yield and superior quality (Lande and Thompson, 1990; Collard et al., 2008). In conclusion, the application of MAS in Triticeae breeding has significant implications for improving yield and quality traits. The ability to precisely select for desirable traits at an early stage, combined with the use of high-throughput genotyping technologies, has the potential to accelerate the development of high-performing Triticeae varieties. As the field of molecular genetics continues to advance, the role of MAS in Triticeae breeding is expected to become even more prominent, driving further improvements in crop productivity and quality. 5 Challenges and Limitations 5.1 Complexity of quantitative traits Quantitative traits are inherently complex due to their polygenic nature and the influence of environmental factors. These traits result from the combined effects of multiple genes, known as quantitative trait loci (QTL), and their interactions with the environment. This complexity poses significant challenges in identifying and mapping the individual genes responsible for these traits. For instance, the phenotypic variation observed in quantitative traits is often due to the segregation of alleles at multiple QTLs, which are sensitive to genetic, sexual, and external environments (Mackay, 2001). The intricate interplay between these factors makes it difficult to pinpoint the exact genetic loci responsible for the traits.
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