Molecular Plant Breeding 2025, Vol.16, No.1, 82-92 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/mpb 86 Xgwm190 to fix the alleles in successive generations, resulting in lines with improved heat tolerance and higher grain yield (Bellundagi et al., 2022). Additionally, the development of heat-responsive gene-based SSRs and miRNA-SSR markers has facilitated the genetic diversity analysis of wheat genotypes, further enhancing the MAS-based breeding programs for heat tolerance (Sharma et al., 2021). The efficiency of MAS in improving quantitative traits has been demonstrated through various strategies, including marker-assisted backcrossing, forward breeding, and the use of high-throughput genotyping technologies (Gupta et al., 2010; Song et al., 2023). Figure 2 Marker-assisted backcross breeding process for improving HD2877 with heat tolerance QTLs using WH730 as the donor (Adapted from Bellundagi et al., 2022) Image caption: WH730 is used as the donor to introduce heat tolerance QTLs into the HD2877 background. The backcross breeding process involved multiple generations of selection and background selection to ensure the integration of donor QTLs and the elimination of excess donor genes. Finally, in the BC2F3 andBC1F4generations, a total of 39 BC2F3 and 21BC1F4lines were selected for evaluation and trait characterization under late-sown heat stress conditions (Adapted from Bellundagi et al., 2022) 5.2 Genomic selection (GS) Genomic selection (GS) represents a significant advancement in the breeding of heat-tolerant wheat varieties by utilizing genomic data to predict and select for desirable traits. Unlike MAS, which focuses on specific markers, GS incorporates genome-wide marker information to estimate the breeding values of individuals. This approach has been particularly effective in improving complex polygenic traits, such as heat tolerance, which are controlled by multiple genes with small effects. GS has been widely adopted in animal breeding and is now being explored for crop improvement due to its potential to enhance selection accuracy, reduce phenotyping efforts, and accelerate breeding cycles (Budhlakoti et al., 2022; Paux et al., 2022). The integration of GS in wheat breeding programs has shown promising results in improving yield, biotic and abiotic stress tolerance, and overall genetic gains (He et al., 2014). The use of high-density molecular marker maps and full genome sequences has further facilitated the implementation of GS, enabling breeders to develop climate-resilient wheat varieties more efficiently (Paux et al., 2022). 5.3 Gene editing technology Gene editing technologies, particularly CRISPR/Cas9, have revolutionized the field of plant breeding by allowing precise modifications of specific genes associated with heat tolerance. This technology enables the targeted editing of heat-related genes, thereby enhancing the heat tolerance of wheat varieties. While the provided data does not include specific studies on the application of CRISPR/Cas9 in wheat heat tolerance, the potential of this
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