Molecular Plant Breeding 2024, Vol.15, No.4, 155-166 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/mpb 155 Review Article Open Access Advances in Sugarcane Genomics: Navigating Through Complex Polyploid Genomes Lijun Zhang, Xiping Yang College of Agricultural, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530005, Guangxi, China Corresponding email: xipingyang@gxu.edu.cn Molecular Plant Breeding, 2024, Vol.15, No.4 doi: 10.5376/mpb.2024.15.0016 Received: 01 Jun., 2024 Accepted: 03 Jul., 2024 Published: 14 Jul., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Zhang and Yang, 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: Zhang L.J., and Yang X.P., 2024, Advances in sugarcane genomics: navigating through complex polyploid genomes, Molecular Plant Breeding, 15(4): 155-166 (doi: 10.5376/mpb.2024.15.0016) Abstract This study summarizes the latest advancements in sugarcane genomics, with a particular focus on the development of emerging genome sequencing and assembly technologies and their impact on deciphering complex genetic structures. It discusses the progress in high-throughput sequencing technologies and innovative assembly strategies, which have significantly enhanced the resolution and completeness of sugarcane genomes. The study reviews functional genomics studies based on these genomic advancements, emphasizing their role in uncovering the gene functions and regulatory mechanisms associated with key traits such as disease resistance, sucrose accumulation, and environmental stress adaptation. Furthermore, it explores the implications of these genetic insights on breeding strategies, particularly through marker-assisted selection and genomic selection, to accelerate the development of high-yield and stress-resistant sugarcane varieties. Despite the significant progress made, challenges remain in fully deciphering the sugarcane genome. This study highlights the potential of the dynamic field of sugarcane genomics and its possibilities for revolutionizing sugarcane breeding and cultivation practices. Keywords Sugarcane (Saccharumspp.); Complex polyploid genomes; High-throughput sequencing; Genome assembly; Breeding strategies 1 Introduction Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) is a globally significant crop, primarily cultivated for sugar production and increasingly for bioenergy. It accounts for more than 70% of the world’s sugar consumption and serves as a vital source of bio-based fuels, especially in tropical and subtropical regions (Setta et al., 2014; Garsmeur et al., 2018; Yadav et al., 2020). This crop significantly contributes to the economies of numerous countries, providing raw materials for both the food and energy sectors. The demand for sugarcane is driven by its applications in the production of sugar, ethanol, and various by-products which are integral to numerous industrial processes, including the production of bioplastics and pharmaceuticals (Garsmeur et al., 2018). This multifaceted utility underscores the global reliance on sugarcane, highlighting the necessity for ongoing improvements in crop yield and processing efficiency through advanced breeding and genetic research. However, the genetic improvement of sugarcane is challenged by its highly complex genomic structure. Sugarcane is characterized by an extreme level of polyploidy and exhibits aneuploidy within its chromosomal set, making it one of the most genetically complex crops. Its genome is a mosaic of multiple copies of each chromosome, which are contributed by its progenitor species, Saccharum officinarumand Saccharum spontaneum, which add layers of genetic redundancy (Souza et al., 2011). This complexity not only complicates genetic mapping and trait association studies but also hinders the efficient manipulation of its genome for breeding purposes. Additionally, the high genetic diversity within Saccharum spp. presents both a challenge and an opportunity, providing a rich reservoir of genetic traits that can be harnessed to improve stress tolerance, disease resistance, and crop yield. In light of these challenges, this study attempts to explore the recent advancements in genomic technologies that have significantly enhanced our understanding of the sugarcane genome. Over the past decade, breakthroughs in next-generation sequencing (NGS) and bioinformatics have begun to unravel the intricacies of the sugarcane genome, providing new tools for genomic selection and genetic modification. This study will synthesize findings
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzMg==