Molecular Plant Breeding 2024, Vol.15, No.6, 351-361 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/mpb 351 Research Insight Open Access Exploring the Genetic Basis of Sweet Potato Adaptation Lin Zhao, Letan Luo, Jiang Shi Hangzhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Institute of Crop (Ecology) Research, Hangzhou, 310024, Zhejiang, China Corresponding email: tomatoman@126.com Molecular Plant Breeding, 2024, Vol.15, No.6 doi: 10.5376/mpb.2024.15.0033 Received: 16 Oct., 2024 Accepted: 19 Nov., 2024 Published: 27 Nov., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Zhao et al., 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: Zhao L., Luo L.T., and Shi J., 2024, Exploring the genetic basis of sweet potato adaptation, Molecular Plant Breeding, 15(6): 351-361 (doi: 10.5376/mpb.2024.15.0033) Abstract This study explores the genetic basis of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) adaptation, with a particular focus on drought tolerance mechanisms. Key genes and molecular pathways have been identified that help the plant survive under water stress, thus facilitating the development of more resilient sweet potato varieties. Recent research has made significant progress in understanding the genetic mechanisms underlying drought tolerance in sweet potatoes. Recent studies have provided significant insights into the genetic mechanisms underlying drought tolerance in sweet potato. Transcriptomic analyses have identified thousands of differentially expressed genes in response to drought stress, with many genes being common across different cultivars and enriched for drought response-related functions. Specific genes such as ItfWRKY70 have been shown to enhance drought tolerance by regulating ABA biosynthesis, stomatal aperture, and the ROS scavenging system. Additionally, the overexpression of the IbMIPS1 gene has been linked to improved drought and salt tolerance, as well as resistance to stem nematodes, through the upregulation of stress response pathways and the accumulation of protective metabolites. Furthermore, alternative splicing events and genotype-specific responses have been observed, indicating a complex and multifaceted genetic response to drought stress. The findings from these studies underscore the complexity of drought tolerance mechanisms in sweet potato, involving a wide array of genes and regulatory pathways. The identification of key drought-responsive genes and their functional roles provides valuable resources for geneticists and breeders aiming to develop drought-tolerant sweet potato cultivars. These insights not only enhance our understanding of plant adaptation to abiotic stress but also pave the way for future genetic improvement programs. Keywords Sweet potato; Drought tolerance; Genetic basis; Transcriptomics; Gene expression; Abiotic stress; WRKY transcription factor; IbMIPS1; Alternative splicing; Breeding 1 Introduction Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) is a crucial crop globally, ranking as the sixth most important food crop worldwide (Alam, 2021; Escobar-Puentes et al., 2022). It is particularly significant in regions such as China, which leads its production in a global market valued at USD 45 trillion (Escobar-Puentes et al., 2022). The crop's versatility and nutritional richness make it indispensable for food security, especially in developing countries. Sweet potatoes are rich in essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds, which contribute to their health benefits and their role in preventing malnutrition (Sun et al., 2014; Alam, 2021). Additionally, sweet potatoes are known for their drought tolerance, making them a reliable food source in areas prone to climate variability and water scarcity (Motsa et al., 2015). Understanding the genetic basis of sweet potato adaptation is critical for enhancing its resilience and productivity. Genetic adaptation mechanisms enable the crop to thrive in diverse environmental conditions, which is essential for maintaining food security in the face of climate change (Motsa et al., 2015; Lamaro et al., 2022). Research has shown significant genetic variability in sweet potato genotypes, which affects traits such as yield, disease resistance, and nutritional content. By exploring these genetic factors, scientists can develop improved sweet potato varieties that are more resistant to diseases, such as the sweet potato viral disease (SPVD), and better suited to different agro-climatic zones (Lamaro et al., 2022). This knowledge is vital for breeding programs aimed at increasing the crop’s resilience and nutritional value. This study explores the genetic basis of sweet potato adaptation by reviewing the current knowledge of its genetic diversity and how it influences phenotypic traits. It investigates the mechanisms of sweet potato adaptation to
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