Molecular Plant Breeding 2025, Vol.16, No.2, 133-145 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/mpb 133 Feature Review Open Access Sweet Potato Genomics: Key Genes for Nutrient Composition and Yield Dandan Huang , Zhen Li Hainan Institute of Biotechnology, Haikou, 570206, Hainan, China Corresponding email: dandan.huang@hibio.org Molecular Plant Breeding, 2025, Vol.16, No.2 doi: 10.5376/mpb.2025.16.0014 Received: 12 Mar., 2025 Accepted: 15 Apr., 2025 Published: 23 Apr., 2025 Copyright © 2025 Huang and Li, 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: Huang D.D., and Li Z., 2025, Sweet potato genomics: key genes for nutrient composition and yield, case study, Molecular Plant Breeding, 16(2): 133-145 (doi: 10.5376/mpb.2025.16.0014) Abstract Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) is known for its high nutritional value and adaptability to diverse environments. This study comprehensively examines the genetic basis of key traits influencing nutrient composition and yield in sweet potato. Recent advances in genomics have identified pivotal genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism, beta-carotene biosynthesis, protein synthesis, and stress resilience. Emphasis is placed on polyploidy, gene expression regulation, and the integration of multi-omics approaches to enhance the understanding of genetic mechanisms underlying these traits. Epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation and histone changes, are highlighted for their role in regulating stress responses and phenotypic traits. Case studies illustrate the application of genomic tools in improving beta-carotene content, drought tolerance, and yield stability. The study underscores the potential of genomic breeding strategies, such as CRISPR/Cas9 and marker-assisted selection, to develop high-yielding, nutrient-rich sweet potato varieties. This research contributes to advancing sweet potato breeding programs, addressing food security challenges, and promoting sustainable agriculture. Keywords Sweet potato; Genomics; Nutrient composition; Polyploidy; Breeding strategies 1 Introduction Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) is a globally important root crop, ranking as the sixth most significant food crop worldwide (Escobar-Puentes et al., 2022). It is cultivated extensively due to its adaptability to diverse environmental conditions and its high nutritional value. Sweet potato is a staple food in many developing countries and is increasingly recognized for its potential in food security and economic development (Maquia et al., 2013; Mohanraj and Sivasankar, 2014). The crop is rich in essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds, which contribute to its status as a valuable medicinal food (Mohanraj and Sivasankar, 2014). The nutrient composition and yield of sweet potato are critical factors in its cultivation. High yield and superior nutritional quality are essential to meet the growing demand and to address malnutrition issues, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (Drapal and Fraser, 2019). Sweet potato varieties exhibit significant variability in yield and nutrient content, including dry matter, protein, and antioxidant levels, which are influenced by genotype and environmental conditions (Maquia et al., 2013; Karan and Şanli, 2021). Enhancing these traits through breeding and cultivation practices can significantly impact food security and health outcomes (Karan and Şanli, 2021; Escobar-Puentes et al., 2022). Recent advances in genomics have provided valuable insights into the genetic basis of important agronomic traits in sweet potato. Genomic studies have identified key genes and regulatory networks involved in nutrient composition, yield, and stress responses (Yang et al., 2020; Sun et al., 2022a). For instance, the identification and characterization of SPL genes have shed light on their role in storage root development and stress tolerance (Sun et al., 2022a). Additionally, the study of microRNAs has revealed their significant role in regulating gene expression under abiotic stress conditions, such as salinity (Yang et al., 2020). These genomic tools and resources are crucial for developing improved sweet potato varieties with enhanced yield and nutritional quality (Yang et al., 2020; Sun et al., 2022a).
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNA==