Molecular Plant Breeding 2024, Vol.15, No.6, 379-390 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/mpb 387 8.2 Breeding and agronomic challenges Breeding programs face several agronomic challenges, including the complexity of polyploidy in crops like sweet potato and potato, which complicates genetic analysis and breeding efforts. The hexaploid nature of sweet potato presents difficulties in developing high-quality integrated genetic maps, which are essential for effective molecular breeding (Swanckaert et al., 2021). Additionally, the autotetraploid nature of potato poses challenges for traditional breeding due to inbreeding depression and the need for extensive time to introgress desirable traits from wild relatives (Martínez-Prada et al., 2021). The development of new breeding technologies, such as CRISPR/Cas9, offers potential solutions but also introduces new challenges related to regulatory and consumer acceptance (Hameed et al., 2018; Nahirñak et al., 2022). 8.3 Adoption and market challenges The adoption of new crop varieties is often hindered by market preferences and consumer acceptance. For example, despite the introduction of high-yield and pest-resistant sweet potato varieties, consumer preferences for specific color, texture, and taste can lead to low adoption rates. Market challenges also include the need for improved marketing strategies to promote the health benefits of new varieties, as seen with the orange-fleshed sweet potato in Sub-Saharan Africa (Swanckaert et al., 2021). Additionally, the commercialization of genetically modified crops faces significant hurdles due to regulatory restrictions and public concerns about the safety and ethics of genetic engineering (Martínez-Prada et al., 2021; Nahirñak et al., 2022). 9 Future Directions in Sweet Potato Breeding 9.1 Innovations in breeding technologies The future of sweet potato breeding lies in the adoption and integration of advanced breeding technologies. Techniques such as CRISPR/Cas9 and TALENs have shown promise in other crops like potatoes, enabling precise and efficient genetic modifications without introducing foreign DNA, which can help in overcoming regulatory and consumer acceptance hurdles (Hameed et al., 2018; Nahirñak et al., 2022). These technologies can be employed to enhance nutritional content, improve resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, and increase overall yield. Additionally, the use of molecular marker-assisted selection can accelerate the introgression of desirable traits from wild species into cultivated varieties, thereby enhancing the genetic base of sweet potatoes (Martínez-Prada et al., 2021). 9.2 Expanding the genetic resource pool Expanding the genetic resource pool is crucial for the continued improvement of sweet potato varieties. The genetic diversity within sweet potato accessions offers significant opportunities for breeding programs. Studies have shown that there is high genetic variability in sweet potato populations, which can be harnessed to achieve substantial genetic gains (Vargas et al., 2020). Utilizing both wild and cultivated species can introduce new traits and enhance existing ones, thereby improving the crop's adaptability to various environmental conditions. Moreover, the development of core collections that retain the genetic diversity of larger populations can facilitate long-term conservation and efficient utilization of genetic resources (Pandey et al., 2021). 9.3 Potential impact of genetic diversity on global agriculture The exploitation of genetic diversity in sweet potato breeding has the potential to significantly impact global agriculture. Sweet potato is a key crop for food security, especially in developing countries where it can thrive under suboptimal conditions and provide essential nutrients. By developing varieties that are more resilient to climate change, such as drought-tolerant genotypes, breeding programs can help mitigate the adverse effects of global environmental changes on agriculture (Sapakhova et al., 2023). Furthermore, breeding programs that focus on market segment needs, including poverty alleviation, nutrition, and gender responsiveness, can ensure that the benefits of improved sweet potato varieties reach the most vulnerable populations (Ojwang et al., 2023). This approach not only enhances food security but also promotes sustainable agricultural practices and socio-economic development.
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