Plant Gene and Trait 2024, Vol.15, No.6, 305-313 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/pgt 310 International Potato Center (CIP) highlighted the importance of developing varieties that cater to specific market segments, focusing on poverty alleviation, nutrition, and gender responsiveness (Ojwang et al., 2023). Similarly, research conducted in Mozambique identified genotypes with high drought tolerance, which are crucial for regions frequently experiencing drought. The agronomic characterization of sweet potato accessions collected from diverse regions has provided valuable insights into the genetic diversity and potential for breeding programs (Vargas et al., 2017). These comprehensive analyses underscore the effectiveness of targeted breeding strategies in enhancing the agronomic performance of sweet potatoes. 7.2 Cost-benefit analysis of breeding projects The cost-benefit analysis of sweet potato breeding projects reveals a favorable return on investment, particularly when breeding efforts are aligned with specific agronomic and environmental challenges. For example, the development of drought-tolerant varieties not only improves yield stability but also reduces the economic risks for smallholder farmers in drought-prone areas (Sapakhova et al., 2023). The integration of genetic, morphological, and agronomic data in breeding programs has proven to be cost-effective, as it allows for the selection of high-performing genotypes with desirable traits (Maquia et al., 2013). The use of advanced breeding techniques, such as clonal selection and molecular characterization, has streamlined the breeding process, reducing the time and resources required to develop new varieties (Kai et al., 2013). Overall, the economic benefits of these breeding projects are substantial, contributing to increased productivity and resilience in sweet potato cultivation. 7.3 Impact of breeding effectiveness on industry development The effectiveness of sweet potato breeding programs has had a profound impact on the development of the sweet potato industry. The introduction of high-yielding and stress-tolerant varieties has significantly boosted production, thereby enhancing food security and economic stability in many regions (Ebem et al., 2021). The focus on traits such as high starch yield and improved nutritional content has also opened new market opportunities, particularly in the food processing and biofuel industries. Additionally, the emphasis on gender-responsive breeding programs has promoted greater inclusivity and equity within the agricultural sector, empowering women farmers and contributing to broader social development goals (Ojwang et al.,2023). The cumulative effect of these breeding efforts has been the transformation of the sweet potato industry, making it more resilient, productive, and inclusive. 8 Conclusion The case study on sweet potato breeding for enhanced agronomic traits has yielded several significant findings. The use of multi-trait selection indices, such as the CropInd tool, has proven effective in identifying superior genotypes by incorporating variables like total and commercial fresh root yield and survival percentage across multiple environments. Additionally, the study highlighted the importance of targeting market segment needs, emphasizing the necessity for breeding programs to be demand-driven and responsive to changing customer preferences, poverty alleviation, nutrition, and gender considerations. The agronomic characterization of sweet potato accessions collected from traditional communities revealed specific accessions suitable for various uses, including human consumption, industrial applications, and animal feed. Furthermore, the evaluation of experimental white-fleshed sweet potato genotypes demonstrated the potential of certain genotypes, such as UZBD-L1-04, to perform well in commercial fields. The application of new breeding technologies, such as CRISPR/Cas9, has also been identified as a promising approach for improving the nutritional value and overall agronomic profile of sweet potatoes. Future breeding efforts should continue to leverage multi-trait selection indices and stability analyses to identify and develop genotypes with superior agronomic traits across diverse environmental conditions. It is also recommended that breeding programs adopt a more market-oriented approach, focusing on the specific needs of different market segments, including those related to poverty alleviation, nutrition, and gender equity. The genetic variability observed in sweet potato accessions should be further explored to enhance root production and dual-aptitude traits, with particular attention to accessions like VR13-61, VR13-11, and VR13-22. Additionally, the integration of new breeding technologies, such as CRISPR/Cas9, should be prioritized to achieve precise and
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