Plant Gene and Trait 2024, Vol.15, No.6, 275-284 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/pgt 280 6.3 Challenges posed by global warming to sweet potato germplasm resources and diversity Global warming poses significant challenges to the genetic diversity and germplasm resources of sweet potato. Increasing temperatures and extreme weather events can negatively impact the productivity and resilience of sweet potato genotypes. For instance, heat stress is a major concern, and studies have identified specific sweet potato cultivars that exhibit heat tolerance, which is crucial for maintaining crop resilience in the face of climate change (Heider et al., 2020). Additionally, drought stress is another critical factor that affects sweet potato cultivation. Breeding programs are focusing on developing drought-tolerant varieties by studying the physiological and biochemical features of different genotypes (Monteros-Altamirano et al., 2023). These efforts are essential to ensure that sweet potato remains a viable crop under changing climatic conditions, thereby preserving its genetic diversity. 7 Utilization of Sweet Potato Germplasm for Breeding and Improvement 7.1 Breeding strategies to enhance yield, disease resistance, and nutritional value using genetic diversity Breeding strategies for sweet potato have increasingly focused on leveraging the extensive genetic diversity present within global germplasm collections. The use of morphological, biochemical, and molecular markers has been pivotal in identifying and selecting genotypes with desirable traits. For instance, the study by Paliwal et al. (2020) demonstrated the use of RAPD markers to assess genetic diversity among 21 sweet potato genotypes, identifying promising candidates for yield improvement and disease resistance. Similarly, the analysis of chloroplast SSR markers in 558 sweet potato accessions highlighted the need for broader genetic diversity in breeding programs to enhance traits such as yield and disease resistance (Lee et al., 2019). Moreover, the integration of advanced genomic tools has revolutionized breeding strategies. Techniques such as marker-assisted selection (MAS) and genomic selection (GS) enable breeders to track and manipulate specific DNA sequences associated with desirable traits, thereby increasing the efficiency of breeding programs (Bethke et al., 2019; Tiwari et al., 2020). These strategies are complemented by traditional breeding methods, which continue to play a significant role in the development of new cultivars with improved nutritional value, such as higher carotene and antioxidant content (Solankey et al., 2015). 7.2 Analysis of successful breeding cases and insights for future breeding Several successful breeding cases underscore the potential of utilizing genetic diversity for sweet potato improvement. For example, the study by (Vargas et al., 2018) highlighted the significant genetic variability among sweet potato accessions collected from traditional communities, which can be harnessed for breeding programs aimed at enhancing yield and disease resistance. The identification of genotypes with high phenolic and antioxidant content, as reported by (Paliwal et al., 2020), provides a foundation for developing nutritionally superior sweet potato varieties. Future breeding efforts can benefit from the insights gained through these studies. The use of high-throughput marker systems, such as retrotransposon-based insertion polymorphism (RBIP) markers, has proven effective in assessing genetic diversity and identifying unique genetic resources for breeding (Meng et al., 2021). Additionally, the application of genomic tools, including genome editing and multi-omics platforms, offers new avenues for the precise manipulation of genetic traits, thereby accelerating the development of improved sweet potato cultivars (Tiwari et al., 2022). 7.3 Challenges faced in breeding processes and potential solutions Despite the advancements in breeding strategies, several challenges persist in the breeding of sweet potato. One major challenge is the limited genetic diversity within certain germplasm collections, which can hinder the development of new varieties with enhanced traits (Lee et al., 2019). To address this, it is crucial to expand germplasm collections by incorporating accessions from diverse geographical regions and traditional farming communities (Vargas et al., 2018). Another challenge is the complexity of sweet potato genetics, which can complicate the identification and manipulation of desirable traits. The use of advanced genomic tools and high-throughput marker systems can
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