Molecular Plant Breeding 2024, Vol.15, No.5, 269-281 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/mpb 273 crop and the extensive phenotyping required (Mahadevaiah et al., 2021). Genomic selection, which uses genome-wide markers to predict the genetic value of breeding candidates, can significantly reduce the breeding cycle length and increase the accuracy of selection for complex traits (Figure 1) (Yadav et al., 2020; Sandhu et al., 2022; Liang, 2024). Figure 1 Various approaches which could be integrated in genomic selection in sugarcane for accelerated genetic gain (Adopted from Sandhu et al., 2022) Marker-assisted selection (MAS) has been used to map and introgress genes for economically important traits, but its application in sugarcane has been limited by the crop’s large and complex genome. However, the integration of high-throughput phenotyping and genotyping with GS can enhance the efficiency of breeding programs by enabling the rapid selection of superior genotypes and accelerating the breeding cycle (Sandhu et al., 2022). This integrated approach has the potential to overcome the challenges posed by the sugarcane genome’s complexity and improve the rate of genetic gain (Sandhu et al., 2022; Luo et al., 2023). 6.2 Role of molecular tools Molecular tools such as quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping and gene editing have become essential in modern sugarcane breeding. QTL mapping helps identify genomic regions associated with important agronomic traits, facilitating the development of molecular markers for MAS (Barreto et al., 2019; Zan et al., 2020). For instance, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified several markers linked to traits such as cane yield, sugar content, and disease resistance, which can be used to enhance breeding efficiency. Gene editing technologies, such as CRISPR/Cas9, offer precise and targeted modifications of the sugarcane genome, enabling the introduction of desirable traits and the elimination of undesirable ones. These technologies can be used to improve sugarcane’s tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses, enhance sugar content, and increase biomass production (Shabbir et al., 2021). The combination of QTL mapping and gene editing provides a powerful toolkit for the genetic improvement of sugarcane, allowing breeders to achieve significant gains in a shorter time frame (Meena et al., 2022). 6.3 Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and its application in sugarcane improvement Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have become a valuable tool in sugarcane breeding, enabling the identification of genetic variants associated with key agronomic traits. GWAS leverages the genetic diversity within sugarcane populations to detect marker-trait associations, providing insights into the genetic architecture of complex traits (Barreto et al., 2019; Zan et al., 2020). In sugarcane, GWAS has been used to identify loci
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