Molecular Plant Breeding 2025, Vol.16, No.1, 73-81 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/mpb 79 7.3 Use of molecular markers in field trials The use of molecular markers in field trials is a powerful tool for accelerating the breeding process of drought-resistant varieties. Marker-assisted selection (MAS) allows for the identification and selection of plants with desired traits based on their genetic markers rather than solely on phenotypic traits. This method is cheaper, faster, and reduces classification errors caused by non-controlled environmental effects 1. For example, in potato breeding, metabolite and transcript markers have been used to predict drought tolerance with high accuracy, significantly reducing the prediction error when combined (Sprenger et al., 2017). Similarly, next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies, such as GWAS and RNA-seq, have been employed to identify markers associated with drought tolerance, facilitating the genetic improvement of crops under drought stress conditions (Saidi and Hajibarat, 2020). These molecular tools can be applied to sweet potato breeding programs to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of selecting drought-resistant varieties. 8 Concluding Remarks This study has provided significant insights into the molecular breeding of drought-resistant sweet potato varieties. Key findings include the identification of physiological, biochemical, and genetic traits that contribute to drought tolerance in sweet potatoes. Various studies have highlighted the importance of osmotic stress responses, including the activation of antioxidants, accumulation of suitable solutes, and stress proteins, which are critical for selecting drought-tolerant genotypes. Transcriptomic analyses have revealed differentially expressed genes and alternative splicing events that play crucial roles in drought response mechanisms. The study has identified specific genes and pathways, such as those involved in flavonoid and carbohydrate metabolism, that are pivotal for drought tolerance. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the genetic basis of drought tolerance and provide valuable resources for breeding programs aimed at developing drought-resistant sweet potato varieties. By leveraging the identified genetic markers and physiological traits, breeders can more effectively select and develop drought-resistant varieties. This is particularly important for regions prone to drought, where sweet potatoes are a staple food crop. The development of drought-resistant varieties can significantly enhance food security by ensuring stable yields under adverse climatic conditions. Moreover, the integration of molecular breeding techniques, such as marker-assisted selection and genomic selection, can accelerate the breeding process, making it more efficient and cost-effective. This approach not only improves the resilience of sweet potato crops but also supports the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in drought-affected regions. Advancing molecular breeding for climate resilience in sweet potatoes requires a multifaceted approach. Future research should focus on expanding the genetic diversity of breeding programs by incorporating wild relatives and landraces that possess natural drought tolerance traits. The use of advanced genomic tools, such as CRISPR technology, can further enhance the precision and efficiency of breeding efforts. It is essential to develop comprehensive phenotyping platforms to accurately assess drought tolerance traits in diverse environmental conditions. Collaborative efforts between researchers, breeders, and policymakers are crucial to ensure the successful implementation of these strategies. Through continuous innovation and application of molecular breeding techniques, sweet potato varieties that are not only drought tolerant but also high-yield and nutrient rich can be developed, thereby contributing to global food security and sustainable agriculture. Acknowledgments Thanks to the reviewers for their valuable feedback, which helped improve the manuscript. Funding This study was funded by Lin’an Tianmu Xiaoxiang Potato New Variety Research and Transformation Project, Hangzhou Science and Technology Commissioner Special Project-Variety Comparison Test and Demonstration Promotion of Fresh Sweet Potato New Varieties. 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.
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