Molecular Plant Breeding 2024, Vol.15, No.6, 417-428 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/mpb 425 the genetic basis of complex traits like heat tolerance and yield. The integration of these technologies can facilitate the development of high-yielding, stress-tolerant wheat varieties by enabling more precise selection and breeding decisions (Ahmed et al., 2022a). Furthermore, the use of phenotypic markers, such as peduncle length and tillers per plant, can aid in the selection of disease-resistant and high-yielding genotypes (Saeed et al., 2022). By leveraging the power of precision agriculture and digital breeding, future research can significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of wheat germplasm innovation. 8 Concluding Remarks Germplasm innovation plays a pivotal role in enhancing wheat's yield, disease resistance, and stress tolerance. The exploration and utilization of genetic diversity within wheat germplasm collections, including landraces, wild relatives, and breeding lines, are fundamental to developing cultivars that can withstand various biotic and abiotic stresses. For instance, the Indian Wheat Genomics Initiative highlights the significance of harnessing genetic resources to breed disease-resistant, nutrient-dense, and climate-resilient wheat varieties, which is crucial for ensuring food security in stress-prone environments. Similarly, the identification and deployment of alleles associated with desirable agronomic traits through genome-wide approaches have been shown to enhance crop productivity and resilience, particularly in drought-prone environments. The integration of advanced breeding technologies, such as genomic selection and genome editing, further accelerates the improvement of wheat by combining multiple traits, including yield potential, phenology, and stress adaptation. Studies have demonstrated the identification of quantitative trait loci (QTL) and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with yield-related traits and stress tolerance, which are instrumental in developing high-yielding and stress-tolerant wheat varieties. Moreover, the evaluation of genetic variation and drought stress tolerance in different wheat genotypes underscores the importance of germplasm resources in breeding programs aimed at improving drought tolerance and yield stability. The broad application of germplasm innovation in future agriculture holds immense potential for addressing global food security challenges. As climate change exacerbates the frequency and intensity of abiotic stresses such as drought and heat, the development of stress-tolerant wheat varieties becomes increasingly critical. The utilization of diverse germplasm collections, coupled with advanced molecular techniques, enables the identification of valuable genetic resources for breeding programs. This approach not only enhances the genetic gain of multigenic traits but also ensures the rapid and efficient development of resilient wheat cultivars. The integration of genome engineering/editing technologies, such as CRISPR-Cas9, offers promising avenues for fine-tuning the expression of genes controlling adaptive traits, thereby improving drought tolerance and overall crop performance. Additionally, high throughput phenotyping (HTP) techniques can accelerate the selection process, facilitating the development of wheat varieties with superior stress tolerance and yield potential. The collaborative efforts of researchers, breeders, and stakeholders in managing and utilizing genetic resources will be instrumental in addressing the global challenge of ensuring food security amidst growing resource demands and climate change-induced stresses. Acknowledgments Thank you to the anonymous peer review for reading the manuscript and providing constructive suggestions for revisions. Funding This study was funded by the Henan Modern Agricultural Industry Technology System Construction Special Project (HARS-22-1-Z7). Conflict of Interest Disclosure The authors affirm that this research was conducted without any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzMg==