International Journal of Molecular Evolution and Biodiversity, 2025, Vol.15, No.2, 73-83 http://ecoevopublisher.com/index.php/ijmeb 73 Research Insight Open Access Genetic Diversity and Breeding Potential of Global Sorghum Germplasm Resources Mengting Luo 1,2 1 Cuixi Academy of Biotechnology, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China 2 Hainan Institute of Tropical Agricultural Resources, Sanya, 572000, Hainan, China Corresponding email: mengting.luo@cuixi.org International Journal of Molecular Evolution and Biodiversity, 2025, Vol.15, No.2 doi: 10.5376/ijmeb.2025.15.0007 Received: 25 Jan., 2025 Accepted: 28 Feb., 2025 Published: 16 Mar., 2025 Copyright © 2025 Luo, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Luo M.T., 2025, Genetic diversity and breeding potential of global sorghum germplasm resources, International Journal of Molecular Evolution and Biodiversity, 15(2): 73-83 (doi: 10.5376/ijmeb.2025.15.0007) Abstract This study delves into the genetic diversity of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) worldwide, with a focus on analyzing its significance in crop improvement and addressing climate change. Sorghum exhibits rich genetic variation in different regions. Studies from countries such as Ethiopia, Niger, and Senegal have shown that local varieties carry unique genes that are of great value for cultivating new sorghum varieties that can adapt to harsh climates.Scientists have utilized tools such as genotyping sequencing (GBS), microsatellite markers, and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to identify multiple important gene regions associated with traits such as plant height, flowering time, and drought resistance. Case studies from Africa show that Ethiopian sorghum has a rich gene pool, while West African sorghum exhibits strong adaptability to high temperatures and drought. The research results provide important ideas for sorghum breeding. Keywords Sorghum(Sorghum bicolor); Genetic diversity; Climate change; Molecular breeding; Breeding strategies 1 Introduction In some of the most water scarce and barren areas, sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) actually shows the strongest resilience. The arid regions of Africa and Asia are where it takes root the deepest. People choose it as their staple food not only because it can be eaten, but also because it is drought tolerant, does not pick land, uses less water, and can survive in environments where many crops are powerless (Tao et al., 2021). In addition to satisfying hunger, sorghum can also be fed to livestock and even used to produce biofuels. For many developing countries, this is not only a food issue, but also a matter of survival bottom line (Maina et al., 2018). Moreover, sometimes people overlook its nutritional value. Sorghum contains beneficial components such as polyphenols, which can also help resist free radical damage and alleviate inflammation in the body (Rhodes et al., 2014; Mawouma et al., 2022). Its adaptability is not small, from the dry and hot plateaus of Africa to the great plains of Asia and even the Americas, sorghum can be seen almost everywhere. Different environments have led to an increase in species - not only artificially cultivated but also wild ones (Motlhaodi et al., 2016). The diversity resulting from the combination of natural and artificial factors has left scientists with a valuable genetic resource pool. It is precisely these differences that give people the opportunity to cultivate new varieties that are more drought resistant, nutritious, and disease resistant in the future. In addition to being used as food, sorghum is also used as a traditional fermented food in Africa. It not only nourishes the body, but also carries a part of culture (Adebo, 2020). This study is not just an empty concept. We selected sorghum samples from multiple different climate zones, screened key regions related to drought tolerance, nutrition, and disease resistance in their genes one by one, and further explored how these genetic information can be truly applied to breeding work. Our starting point is very practical: we hope to use diversity wisely while protecting it. If food security is to be more stable in the future, crops like sorghum may have to take on more roles, especially in today's increasingly unstable climate.
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