International Journal of Molecular Evolution and Biodiversity 2024, Vol.14, No.5, 229-240 http://ecoevopublisher.com/index.php/ijmeb 236 6.3 Policy recommendations for genetic resource management To effectively manage the genetic resources of Myanmar’s rice varieties, several policy recommendations can be made. A national framework should be established for systematically collecting and conserving rice landraces, integrating both in-situ and ex-situ strategies. This will ensure the preservation of genetic diversity and promote the sustainable use of rice germplasm for future breeding initiatives (Lin et al., 2023). Policies should encourage the use of traditional landraces in breeding programs to enhance the genetic base of modern cultivars and improve their resilience to environmental stresses (Ao et al., 2016; Zahra et al., 2020). There should be support for research initiatives aimed at characterizing the genetic diversity and population structure of rice varieties using advanced molecular markers, as this information is crucial for effective breeding and conservation efforts (Kumbhar et al., 2015; Thant et al., 2021). Collaboration with international organizations and research institutions can facilitate the exchange of knowledge and resources, thereby strengthening the overall genetic resource management framework. By implementing these strategies, Myanmar can safeguard its rich genetic heritage in rice and leverage it to develop improved rice varieties that meet future agricultural challenges. These policy measures will ensure that the genetic diversity of Myanmar’s rice is not only preserved but also effectively utilized for the benefit of current and future generations. 7 Challenges and Future Directions 7.1 Limitations of current studies The exploration of genetic diversity within Myanmar’s core landrace rice varieties has faced several notable challenges. One primary limitation is the lack of comprehensive, high-resolution genomic data. Many studies rely on traditional phenotypic assessments and limited genetic markers, which may not capture the full extent of genetic variability. Additionally, there is a significant gap in the geographic and ecological coverage of sampled populations. Many landrace varieties, especially those from remote or less accessible regions, remain underrepresented in genetic analyses (Win et al., 2019). Another critical issue is the inconsistency in methodological approaches, making it difficult to compare findings across different studies. Variability in DNA extraction techniques, marker systems, and data analysis methods can lead to discrepancies in results and interpretations (Tun et al., 2021). Furthermore, there is often limited collaboration and data sharing between local researchers and international research communities, which hampers the integration of local knowledge and resources into broader genetic studies (Aung et al., 2020). 7.2 Emerging technologies and approaches Recent advancements in genomic technologies offer promising avenues to overcome these limitations. High-throughput sequencing technologies, such as whole-genome sequencing and genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS), provide detailed insights into genetic diversity at a much finer scale than traditional methods (He et al., 2019). These technologies can uncover rare alleles and structural variations that significantly contribute to the adaptability and resilience of rice landraces. The integration of phenomic tools, including high-throughput phenotyping platforms and remote sensing technologies, can enhance our understanding of the genotype-phenotype relationship in diverse environments (Yang et al., 2021). Bioinformatics advancements, such as machine learning algorithms, are also pivotal in managing and analyzing large-scale genomic data, facilitating the identification of key genetic loci associated with desirable traits (Wang et al., 2020). The implementation of participatory breeding programs, where farmers and local communities are actively involved in the selection and breeding process, has shown great potential. This approach ensures that the developed varieties meet the specific needs and preferences of local farmers while preserving genetic diversity (Khush et al., 2018). 7.3 Future research priorities Future research should prioritize the collection and conservation of landrace varieties from underrepresented regions to ensure a comprehensive genetic repository. Establishing a centralized, accessible database for genetic information and associated phenotypic data will be crucial for fostering collaboration and data sharing among researchers globally.
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