Plant Gene and Trait 2024, Vol.15, No.1, 33-43 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/pgt 41 6.3 Impact of policy and financial support on MAS implementation Policy and financial support play a key role in driving the implementation and application of mark-assisted selection (MAS) techniques in cassava breeding. Appropriate policies can stimulate research and technological innovation, especially by supporting basic science research and technology development projects, governments and international organizations can promote gene exploration and marker development for key agronomic traits (Slater et al., 2013). Education and training policies are essential to enhance the professional capacity of breeders and agricultural technicians, which directly affects the success rate of MAS technology from theory to field application. Financial support is also essential for the research, development, dissemination and commercialization of MAS technologies. Research funds can be used to purchase advanced equipment, hire professionals and conduct the necessary field trials, which are the basis for MAS technology development (Slater et al., 2013). Financial support for technology transfer and commercialization ensures that research results can be effectively translated into practical applications, including large-scale production and marketing. Continued financial support is also key to ensuring the long-term application and renewal of MAS technologies, which can fund activities such as continuous improvement of genetic resources and resistance monitoring. 7 Concluding Remarks Marker-assisted selection (MAS) has shown significant promise in the improvement of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz), a staple crop with immense importance in tropical and subtropical regions. The development of molecular genetic markers, particularly simple sequence repeats (SSRs), has been pivotal in advancing cassava breeding programs. SSR markers have been extensively developed and characterized, providing a foundation for the construction of molecular genetic maps of cassava (Mba et al., 2001; Okogbenin et al., 2006; Kunkeaw et al., 2010). These maps facilitate the identification of quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling traits of agronomic interest, thereby reducing the time and cost of mapping and increasing the efficiency of MAS (Okogbenin et al., 2006; Pootakham et al., 2014). The practical application of MAS in cassava breeding has led to the development of varieties with enhanced resistance to cassava mosaic disease through the introgression of the CMD2 gene from Latin American germplasm into African varieties (Okogbenin et al., 2007). This has significantly broadened the genetic base in Africa, improving the potential value of Latin American germplasm for African cassava breeding programs (Okogbenin et al., 2007). Additionally, MAS complements phenotypic screening, increasing the selection efficiency for CMD-resistant genotypes in African cassava populations (Olasanmi et al., 2021). The use of high-density SNP markers has further refined the understanding of genetic diversity and population structure in cassava, which is crucial for germplasm conservation and breeding (Adu et al., 2021). Economic impact analyses have demonstrated that MAS can save at least four years in the breeding cycle for pest-resistant varieties, with potential net benefits ranging from $34 to $800 million, depending on the country and the constraint addressed (Rudi et al., 2010). Despite these advancements, continuous research and collaboration are essential to realize the full potential of MAS in cassava breeding. The integration of novel biotechnological tools, such as doubled haploids and genomic selection, could further enhance the efficiency of cassava improvement (Ceballos et al., 2012). The development of more efficient genotyping approaches, coupled with the cassava genome sequence, promises to increase the impact of biotechnology tools on cassava improvement (Ceballos et al., 2012). Collaborative efforts are also needed to address bottlenecks in cassava breeding, such as the limited investment in research and the challenges in efficient and reliable phenotyping (Ceballos et al., 2012). International collaboration can facilitate the sharing of genetic resources, molecular markers, and breeding techniques, thereby accelerating the development of improved cassava varieties that can meet the growing demands for food security and industrial use.
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