Plant Gene and Traits 2024, Vol.15, No.4, 207-219 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/pgt 215 9.3 Need for better phenotyping and environmental data for precision breeding Precision breeding in Camellia species requires high-quality phenotypic and environmental data to accurately predict and select for desirable traits. However, the collection of phenotypic data is often a limiting factor due to the complexity and inaccessibility of certain traits, such as root characteristics. High-throughput phenotyping platforms have been developed, but their efficiency in increasing genetic gain is still under evaluation. Moreover, the integration of phenotypic data with genomic information is crucial for improving the accuracy of selection models, yet this remains a challenging task (Eeuwijk et al., 2019). Better phenotyping methods and comprehensive environmental data are essential to enhance the precision and effectiveness of breeding strategies (Crossa et al., 2017; Merrick et al., 2022). 10 Future Prospects and Strategies for CamelliaBreeding 10.1 Emerging trends in genomics and breeding Recent advancements in genomics and breeding technologies are paving the way for significant improvements in Camellia breeding strategies. The integration of multi-omics approaches, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, is becoming increasingly important. These technologies allow for a comprehensive understanding of the genetic and molecular bases of key traits, such as flower and fruit development and stress tolerance (Yan et al., 2018; Mahmood et al., 2022). High-throughput genotyping and phenotyping technologies are also enabling the screening of large germplasm collections, which helps in identifying novel alleles from diverse sources, thus expanding the genetic variation available for breeding. Additionally, the use of genomic selection (GS) and speed breeding (SB) techniques can accelerate the breeding cycle and enhance genetic gains by allowing for the rapid selection of superior genotypes (Crossa et al., 2017; Jighly et al., 2019). 10.2 Opportunities to accelerate breeding cycles and improve genetic gains through modern tools Modern breeding tools offer numerous opportunities to accelerate breeding cycles and improve genetic gains in Camellia. Genomic selection (GS) and speed breeding (SB) are particularly promising. GS uses genome-wide markers to predict complex phenotypes, which can significantly reduce the time required for breeding cycles and increase selection intensity and accuracy (Grattapaglia et al., 2018). Speed breeding, on the other hand, involves optimizing growth conditions to shorten the generation time, thereby allowing for more breeding cycles per year. The combination of GS and SB, known as SpeedGS, has shown to result in higher genetic gains per year, especially for traits with low heritability (Jighly et al., 2019). Moreover, integrating omics data with phenotypic information can lead to the identification of genes and pathways responsible for important agronomic traits, further enhancing the efficiency of selection and accelerating genetic gains (Mahmood et al., 2022). 10.3 Recommendations for future research and policy support to enhance genomic applications in Camellia breeding To fully harness the potential of genomic applications in Camellia breeding, several recommendations for future research and policy support are essential. First, there is a need for comprehensive genomic and phenotypic databases that can be used to identify key genetic markers and candidate genes for important traits (Yan et al., 2018). Second, investment in high-throughput genotyping and phenotyping infrastructure is crucial to enable large-scale screening and selection (Cobb et al., 2019). Third, breeding programs should adopt a culture of continuous optimization and improvement, focusing on reducing breeding cycle times and enhancing selection accuracy (Cobb et al., 2019). Fourth, policies should support collaborative research efforts and data sharing among breeding institutions to maximize the use of available resources and knowledge. Finally, there should be a focus on developing and implementing strategies to mitigate inbreeding and maintain genetic diversity within breeding populations, ensuring long-term sustainability and genetic gains (Grattapaglia et al., 2018; Jighly et al., 2019).
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