Molecular Plant Breeding 2024, Vol.15, No.6, 417-428 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/mpb 423 the genetic improvement of wheat, particularly in developing resistance against major diseases (Jabran et al., 2023). The integration of MAS and gene editing technologies is anticipated to significantly enhance the efficiency and precision of wheat breeding programs (Hussain et al., 2023; Jabran et al., 2023). 5.2 Application of transgenic and gene editing technologies in wheat trait improvement Transgenic and gene editing technologies have made significant strides in improving wheat traits such as disease resistance and yield (Xu and Su, 2024). The CRISPR/Cas9 system has been utilized to develop wheat varieties with enhanced resistance to fungal and nematode diseases, addressing major factors responsible for yield losses. This system, along with other molecular markers, has been instrumental in developing broad-spectrum disease resistance in wheat (Jabran et al., 2023). The advent of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies has further accelerated the application of transgenic and gene editing technologies in wheat breeding. The release of a fully annotated reference wheat-genome assembly has facilitated the identification and cloning of candidate genes linked to key traits, enabling precise modifications through gene editing. These technological advances have opened new opportunities for marker-assisted selection (MAS) and genomic selection (GS) in wheat, enhancing the efficiency of breeding programs aimed at improving yield and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses (Hussain et al., 2023). 5.3 Integration of omics technologies The integration of omics technologies, including genomics, phenomics, and metabolomics, plays a crucial role in wheat germplasm innovation. Genomics provides a comprehensive understanding of the wheat genome, enabling the identification of genes and QTLs associated with important traits such as drought tolerance and disease resistance. The use of advanced molecular techniques, such as genotype by sequencing, has facilitated the identification of QTLs for drought tolerance, aiding in the development of drought-tolerant wheat varieties (Khadka et al., 2020a). Phenomics, which involves the high-throughput phenotyping of plant traits, complements genomics by providing detailed phenotypic data that can be correlated with genetic information. This integration enhances the accuracy of selection and accelerates the breeding process. Metabolomics, which involves the comprehensive analysis of metabolites, provides insights into the biochemical pathways underlying important traits, further aiding in the identification of candidate genes for breeding (Sinha et al., 2023). The combined use of genomics, phenomics, and metabolomics in an integrated approach, known as integrated genomic selection (IGS), has been highlighted for its potential to develop climate-smart crops that can endure abiotic stresses while maintaining high yield and quality. This integrated approach leverages advanced technologies such as speed breeding, machine learning, and environmental data to enhance the efficiency and precision of wheat breeding programs (Sinha et al., 2023). 6 Success Stories of Germplasm Innovation in Wheat Breeding 6.1 Development and promotion of high-yield, disease-resistant wheat varieties The development of high-yield, disease-resistant wheat varieties has been a cornerstone of modern wheat breeding programs. One notable success story is the Indian Wheat Genomics Initiative, which has harnessed the potential of wheat germplasm resources to breed disease-resistant, nutrient-dense, and climate-resilient cultivars. This initiative has focused on exploring the genetic diversity available in gene banks and utilizing advanced breeding technologies like genomic selection to enhance climate resilience and maximize yield potential (Kumar et al., 2022). Another significant effort is the use of synthetic hexaploid, hybrid, and transgenic wheats to expand genetic variability and select for recombinants. These methods, combined with molecular approaches such as quantitative trait locus (QTL) and association mapping, have been instrumental in improving yield potential and resistance to new pests and diseases, particularly in Asian countries (Rauf et al., 2015). 6.2 Commercial application of stress-tolerant wheat The commercial application of stress-tolerant wheat varieties has shown promising results in various regions. For instance, the development of drought-tolerant wheat genotypes has been a priority due to the increasing frequency
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