Molecular Plant Breeding 2024, Vol.15, No.6, 379-390 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/mpb 379 Research Insight Open Access Utilizing Sweet Potato Genetic Diversity and Molecular Breeding Techniques for Resistance Breeding and Quality Improvement Gongkai Chen, Hong Wang , Lingli Wang, Yong’an Liu, Fanglei Hong, Hongshuang Yang Wenzhou Vocational College of Science and Technology, Wenzhou, 325006, Zhejiang, China Corresponding email: 1850076351@qq.com Molecular Plant Breeding, 2024, Vol.15, No.6 doi: 10.5376/mpb.2024.15.0036 Received: 03 Nov., 2024 Accepted: 05 Dec., 2024 Published: 13 Dec., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Chen 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: Chen G.K., Wang H., Wang L.L., Liu Y.A., Hong F.L., and Yang H.S., 2024, Utilizing sweet potato genetic diversity and molecular breeding techniques for resistance breeding and quality improvement, Molecular Plant Breeding, 15(6): 379-390 (doi: 10.5376/mpb.2024.15.0036) Abstract This study comprehensively explores the importance of genetic diversity in sweet potato breeding and crop improvement. As a globally significant crop, sweet potato offers abundant genetic resources for developing high-yielding, stress-tolerant, and nutritionally enhanced varieties. By evaluating genetic variation and population structure in sweet potato germplasm across different geographical regions, the study identifies key traits associated with yield, disease resistance, and nutritional quality. Modern breeding techniques, including marker-assisted selection and gene editing, were applied to accelerate the development of superior sweet potato varieties. Additionally, case studies, such as the identification of disease-resistant germplasm and the development of biofortified varieties, demonstrate the critical role of genetic diversity in addressing food security and sustainable agriculture. The findings highlight that integrating advanced molecular techniques with traditional breeding approaches can maximize the genetic potential of sweet potato, effectively tackling agricultural challenges posed by climate change, and support global agricultural innovation and socio-economic development. Keywords Sweet potato; Genetic diversity; Molecular breeding; Disease resistance; Biofortification; Climate adaptability; Genetic resource utilization 1 Introduction Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) is a vital crop globally, known for its adaptability to diverse environmental conditions and its high nutritional value. The genetic diversity within sweet potato is extensive, providing a rich resource for breeding and crop improvement efforts. Genetic diversity is crucial for the success of breeding programs as it provides the raw material for selection and improvement (Zhou and Chen, 2024). In sweet potato, genetic variability has been shown to influence key traits such as tuber yield, carotene content, and disease resistance (Mohammed et al., 2015; Solankey et al., 2015; Vargas et al., 2018). Understanding and utilizing this diversity can lead to the development of superior cultivars that meet the demands of food security and nutritional needs (Rodríguez-Bonilla et al., 2014; Vargas et al., 2020). Moreover, the genetic diversity within sweet potato populations can help in the conservation of genetic resources, ensuring the sustainability of breeding programs (Hardigan et al., 2017; Vargas et al., 2018). Crop improvement in sweet potato has traditionally relied on the selection of superior genotypes from diverse populations. Studies have demonstrated significant genetic variation among sweet potato accessions, which can be harnessed for breeding purposes (Mohammed et al., 2015; Solankey et al., 2015; Vargas et al., 2018). For instance, genetic diversity assessments in Ethiopia and Puerto Rico have revealed substantial variability in agro-morphological and physicochemical traits, indicating the potential for selecting high-performing genotypes (Rodríguez-Bonilla et al., 2014; Mohammed et al., 2015). Additionally, modern breeding technologies, such as genome sequencing and marker-assisted selection, have facilitated the identification of key loci associated with desirable traits, further enhancing the efficiency of breeding programs (Springer and Schmitz, 2017; Hameed et al., 2018). This study will assess the genetic variation and population structure of sweet potato germplasm resources in different geographical regions, identify key genetic traits associated with high yield, nutritional quality and disease resistance, develop breeding strategies incorporating genetic diversity to develop high-quality sweet
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