Plant Gene and Trait 2024, Vol.15, No.1, 23-32 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/pgt 27 The demand for computing resources, especially in low-resource settings, has become a major bottleneck limiting the application of genomic selection. Data processing and storage are expensive, and continuous technological upgrades are required to adapt to new research needs and data processing standards. These technical and data processing challenges require breeding projects to not only invest significant initial funds, but also continue to invest resources during the project to maintain efficient operation of data processing and analysis. 4.3 Cost and resources The cost and resource requirements of implementing genomic selection are another major obstacle to disseminating this technology. Although genomic selection technology can significantly improve breeding efficiency and accuracy, it requires large initial investment and high operating costs. This includes the purchase of high-throughput sequencing equipment, training of professionals, construction of computing resources, and continuous technical support and upgrades. For some developing countries and breeding programs with limited resources, such investment may be unaffordable (Hoarau et al., 2022). In addition, the need for continued investment is also a key consideration. The rapid development of genomic selection technology requires continuous technology follow-up and updating, which involves not only the upgrading of hardware, but also the continuous optimization of software and analytical methods. Resource sustainability has become a major challenge for the implementation of genomic selection, especially in areas with tight economies or insufficient scientific research funds. Although genomic selection technology has brought unprecedented opportunities for sugarcane breeding, the biological complexity, high technical and data processing requirements, and significant cost and resource requirements in its implementation are all important challenges that need to be overcome. Solving these challenges will be the key to promoting the widespread application of genomic selection technology and ultimately realizing its breeding potential. 5 Future Opportunities 5.1 Improve breeding efficiency The development of genomic selection technology provides the opportunity to significantly improve the efficiency of sugarcane breeding (Figure 2). The traditional sugarcane breeding process is long and costly, but genomic selection can optimize the selection process by utilizing whole-genome information, thereby shortening the breeding cycle and reducing costs. Specifically, through genomic selection, the genetic potential of sugarcane can be evaluated at the seedling stage, without waiting until maturity to evaluate its phenotype. This means breeders can identify and eliminate individuals that do not possess the desired genetic traits earlier, allowing them to focus resources on promising candidates. In addition, genomic selection makes it possible to simulate and predict the performance of sugarcane varieties under different environmental conditions, further improving the accuracy of breeding. The application of this method not only saves a lot of field trials and resource investment, but also responds faster to market and environmental changes, promoting the flexibility and response speed of breeding work. 5.2 Rapid development of new varieties Genomic selection technology shows great potential in accelerating the development of new sugarcane varieties. Through this technology, breeders can quickly identify genetic markers with excellent agronomic traits (such as high sugar content, good disease resistance, excellent environmental adaptability, etc.), and then use methods such as directed crossover or gene editing to Rapidly introduce these traits into target varieties (Zan et al., 2020). For example, if certain SNP markers are identified that are closely associated with high sugar accumulation, breeders can prioritize sugarcane carrying these markers for breeding and testing, thereby significantly shortening the time required to develop new high-sugar varieties. The same approach can be applied to other important traits, such as drought tolerance or cold resistance, which will make sugarcane breeding not only faster but also more precise, able to quickly adapt to the challenges posed by global climate change.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzMg==