International Journal of Molecular Evolution and Biodiversity 2024, Vol.14, No.5, 241-251 http://ecoevopublisher.com/index.php/ijmeb 248 Moreover, the carob tree study demonstrated the importance of preserving genetic resources from both wild and cultivated populations to maintain genetic diversity and support future breeding efforts (Baumel et al., 2021). This approach is equally relevant for figs, where ex situ collections and conservation of diverse germplasm are essential for long-term sustainability. 9 Future Directions in Fig Genomics 9.1 Potential genetic technologies and breeding strategies for future fig improvement The future of fig improvement lies in the integration of advanced genetic technologies and innovative breeding strategies. Genome editing technologies, such as CRISPR/Cas9, offer promising avenues for the de novo domestication of figs by allowing precise modifications to the genome, bypassing the limitations of traditional breeding methods that rely on random mutagenesis or intraspecific diversity (Bartlett et al., 2022). This approach can accelerate the domestication process and enhance desirable traits in figs, such as disease resistance, fruit quality, and yield. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies have revolutionized our understanding of plant genomes and can be leveraged to identify key genetic loci responsible for important agronomic traits in figs (Singh et al., 2020; Ashraf et al., 2022). By combining NGS with genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping, researchers can pinpoint specific genes and genomic regions that control traits of interest, facilitating marker-assisted selection (MAS) and genomic selection (GS) in fig breeding programs (Tang et al., 2010; Turner-Hissong et al., 2019). Meanwhile, the integration of bioinformatics tools and molecular techniques, such as de novo genome assembly and pan-genome analysis, can provide a comprehensive understanding of the genetic diversity within fig populations. This knowledge can be used to develop breeding strategies that optimize the accumulation of beneficial alleles while purging deleterious ones, ultimately leading to the creation of superior fig cultivars (Brozynska et al., 2016; Varshney et al., 2021). 9.2 Integration of biotechnological tools for enhanced cultivation and production The integration of biotechnological tools into fig cultivation and production systems holds significant potential for enhancing productivity and sustainability. Genomic-assisted breeding (GAB) has already shown its effectiveness in other crops and can be adapted for figs to fast-track the development of climate-smart cultivars with improved nutritional value. This approach involves the use of high-throughput genotyping and precision editing to create novel genetic diversity and incorporate it efficiently into breeding programs. Biotechnological innovations, such as metabolomics and transcriptomics, can also play a crucial role in understanding the metabolic pathways and gene expression profiles associated with stress tolerance and fruit quality in figs. By identifying key metabolites and regulatory genes, researchers can develop strategies to enhance fig resilience to biotic and abiotic stresses, thereby improving overall yield and quality (Wang et al., 2023). The application of genome editing technologies, such as CRISPR/Cas9, in combination with traditional breeding methods, can facilitate the rapid development of figs with enhanced traits. This integrated approach can lead to more efficient and targeted breeding efforts, ultimately resulting in the production of high-quality figs that meet the demands of both growers and consumers (Østerberg et al., 2017). 10 Concluding Remarks This study summarizes the domestication history, genetic diversity, and genomics progress of the fig (Ficus carica L.). As one of the early fruits domesticated in the Near East, figs exhibit a transition from sexual reproduction in the wild to asexual propagation under cultivation, a process that has facilitated the rapid accumulation of genetic variation. Regarding genetic diversity, research has revealed that, despite the constraints of traditional breeding methods, fig populations have maintained significant genetic variation. Additionally, advances in genomics, particularly the assembly of high-quality genomes and the study of epigenetic markers, have provided new perspectives on understanding the genetic and phenotypic characteristics of figs.
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