Molecular Plant Breeding 2024, Vol.15, No.6, 351-361 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/mpb 357 7 Future Directions and Challenges 7.1 Potential of CRISPR and other gene-editing tools in sweet potato breeding The advent of CRISPR/Cas9 and other gene-editing technologies has revolutionized plant breeding, offering precise and efficient methods to modify genetic material. In sweet potato breeding, CRISPR/Cas9 has shown promise in improving starch quality by targeting specific genes involved in starch biosynthesis, such as IbGBSSI and IbSBEII (Wang et al., 2019). This technology allows for the introduction of desirable traits without the integration of foreign DNA, which is crucial for regulatory approval and public acceptance (Hameed et al., 2019; Veillet et al., 2019). Additionally, CRISPR/Cas9 can be used to enhance resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, thereby improving crop resilience and yield (Biswas et al., 2021; Nascimento et al., 2023). The potential of CRISPR and other gene-editing tools in sweet potato breeding is vast, offering opportunities to accelerate the development of improved cultivars with enhanced nutritional quality and stress tolerance. 7.2 Challenges in translating genetic insights into practical breeding solutions Despite the potential of gene-editing technologies, several challenges remain in translating genetic insights into practical breeding solutions. One major challenge is the genotype-dependency of transformation protocols, which affects the efficiency and success rate of gene editing in different sweet potato varieties (Nahirñak et al., 2022). Additionally, the regulatory landscape for gene-edited crops is complex and varies across regions, posing hurdles for the commercialization of gene-edited sweet potatoes (Hameed et al., 2019; Dev et al., 2021). Another challenge is the need for robust and efficient delivery systems for CRISPR/Cas9 components, as well as the development of marker-free strategies to avoid the integration of foreign DNA (Veillet et al., 2019; Tussipkan and Manabayeva, 2021). Furthermore, public perception and acceptance of gene-edited crops remain critical issues that need to be addressed through transparent communication and education (Chen et al., 2019). 7.3 Opportunities for integrating genomic data with traditional breeding methods Integrating genomic data with traditional breeding methods presents a significant opportunity to enhance sweet potato breeding programs. By combining genomic selection with conventional breeding techniques, breeders can more accurately predict and select for desirable traits, thereby accelerating the breeding process (Dangol et al., 2019; Nascimento et al., 2023). The use of high-throughput sequencing and genotyping technologies enables the identification of genetic markers associated with important traits, facilitating marker-assisted selection (Chen et al., 2019; Biswas et al., 2021). Additionally, integrating genomic data with phenotypic data can improve the understanding of complex trait architectures and gene-environment interactions, leading to more targeted and efficient breeding strategies (Wang et al., 2019; Tussipkan and Manabayeva, 2021). This integrative approach holds the potential to develop sweet potato cultivars with improved yield, quality, and stress resilience, ultimately contributing to food security and sustainable agriculture. 8 Conclusion Recent studies have significantly advanced our understanding of the genetic basis of sweet potato adaptation. High-throughput sequencing technologies have provided comprehensive genomic resources, revealing gene expression patterns across different tissues and developmental stages. Genome-wide analyses have identified numerous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) that regulate gene expression in sweet potato storage roots, highlighting key regulatory genes such as IbMYB1-2 involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis. Additionally, the identification and characterization of SWEET family genes and R2R3-MYB gene family members have elucidated their roles in sugar transport, stress responses, and anthocyanin accumulation. Studies on the wild ancestor, Ipomoea trifida, have further contributed to understanding the genetic diversity and evolutionary history of sweet potato. The insights gained from these genetic studies have significant implications for sustainable sweet potato production. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying stress tolerance and nutrient accumulation can inform breeding programs aimed at developing more resilient and nutritious sweet potato varieties. The identification of key regulatory genes and pathways involved in biotic and abiotic stress responses can lead to the development of sweet potato cultivars with enhanced resistance to pests, diseases, and environmental stresses.
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