Plant Gene and Trait 2024, Vol.15, No.6, 305-313 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/pgt 305 CaseStudy Open Access Case Study of Sweet Potato Breeding for Enhanced Agronomic Traits Xiangqun Yu1, NingShen2, JiangShi 1, LinZhao1 , Yueqing Zhu3 1 Crop (Ecology) Research Institute of Hangzhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, 310000, Zhejiang, China 2 Hangzhou Rural Revitalization Service Center, Hangzhou, 310000, Zhejiang, China 3 Agricultural and Rural Bureau of Linan District, Linan, 311300, Zhejiang, China Corresponding email: zhaolin0227@163.com Plant Gene and Trait, 2024, Vol.15, No.6 doi: 10.5376/pgt.2024.15.0030 Received: 10 Nov., 2024 Accepted: 15 Dec., 2024 Published: 23 Dec., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Yu et al., 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: Yu X.Q., Shen N., Shi J., Zhao L., and Zhu Y.Q., 2024, Case study of sweet potato breeding for enhanced agronomic traits, Plant Gene and Trait, 15(6): 305-313 (doi: 10.5376/pgt.2024.15.0030) Abstract This study comprehensively examines the latest advances in sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) breeding to improve agronomic traits such as yield, disease resistance, and nutritional quality. Focus on developing varieties that meet market needs and consumer preferences, using both traditional and modern breeding techniques; Explored genetic diversity and adopted molecular breeding approaches to address biotic and abiotic stresses, highlighting significant increases in yield and nutrient content through targeted breeding programs. The findings highlight the potential of combining phenotypic selection with advanced genomic tools to accelerate the development of high-quality sweet potato varieties that contribute to food security and economic growth, especially in areas vulnerable to climate change and resource constraints. Keywords Sweet potato breeding; Agronomic traits; Genetic diversity; Molecular breeding; Biotic and abiotic stress 1 Introduction Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) is a vital crop globally, ranking as the sixth most important food crop worldwide. It is particularly significant in regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa and Mozambique, where it plays a crucial role in food security and economic stability (Swanckaert et al., 2021). The crop's adaptability to diverse environmental conditions, including drought-prone areas, further underscores its importance (Maquia et al., 2013). Sweet potato is rich in essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds, which contribute to its health benefits and market value (Escobar-Puentes et al., 2022). Sweet potato breeding faces several challenges, primarily due to the crop's high genetic diversity and the complex nature of its hexaploid genome (Swanckaert et al., 2021). Traditional breeding methods, which rely on phenotypic selection and recombination, are time-consuming and often hindered by the variability in quality traits such as color, texture, and taste. Moreover, the need for improved resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, such as pathogens and drought, adds another layer of complexity to breeding programs (Lebot et al., 2021). Despite these challenges, advancements in molecular breeding and biotechnology offer promising avenues for developing high-yielding, disease-resistant, and nutritionally superior sweet potato varieties. This study focuses on the development of new varieties that meet market needs and consumer preferences by utilizing traditional and modern breeding techniques to improve yield, disease resistance, and nutritional quality. It has the potential to make recommendations for food security, especially in areas vulnerable to climate change and resource constraints, while also boosting economic growth through the cultivation of high-value sweet potato varieties. 2 Agronomic Traits and Genetic Basis of Sweet Potato 2.1 Key agronomic traits of sweet potato Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) is a vital crop for food security, particularly in regions prone to drought and other climatic stresses. Key agronomic traits of sweet potato include tuber yield, drought tolerance, and nutritional composition. Tuber yield is influenced by several factors such as vine length, vine weight, biological yield per plant, and harvest index, which have been shown to have positive correlations with tuber yield (Jha, 2014; Qin et
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