Plant Gene and Trait 2025, Vol.16, No.5, 206-214 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/pgt 209 population (Isagi et al., 2015; Gao, 2021). At present, traditional hybrid breeding is hardly applicable to Phyllostachys edulis, and only natural hybridization that occurs by chance can be relied upon. Some studies have attempted to create new genetic variations by means such as radiation mutagenesis, but they are still limited in practical application, such as the difficulty in obtaining materials and the poor stability of traits (Gao, 2021). 4 Molecular and Genomic Insights 4.1 Genetic resources: genome sequencing and transcriptome studies Phyllostachys edulis is an important bamboo species that can be used as shoot and timber production. However, due to its extremely long flowering period and the rarity of sexual reproduction, traditional hybrid breeding is difficult to carry out. In recent years, the whole genome sequencing of Phyllostachys edulis has been completed, which provides a foundation for molecular breeding and gene editing and greatly expands the available genetic resources (Gao, 2021). Transcriptome analysis revealed that there were many key gene expression changes in Phyllostachys edulis at different growth stages, especially during the rapid growth stage of the bamboo shoot. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to hormone signaling, sugar and starch metabolism were identified as a priority. These results provide important clues for studying the growth regulation mechanism and mining genetic resources (Lan et al., 2020; Li et al., 2022). 4.2 Identification of genes linked to shoot yield, nutritional quality, and timber strength Through transcriptome and small RNA sequencing, researchers identified key genes and miRNAs related to bamboo shoot elongation, lignification and primary thickening. The genes related to bamboo shoot yield and nutrition are mainly concentrated in cell division, hormone signaling and carbon metabolism pathways (Lan et al., 2020; Li et al., 2022). In terms of timber properties, the lignification level of Phyllostachys edulis directly determines the performance of the timber. By using the integrated analysis of transcriptome, miRNA and degradation omics, researchers established a regulatory network of miRNA-transcription factor-enzyme genes and found that genes such as PeLAC20 could significantly increase lignin content, which provided molecular targets for material improvement (Yang et al., 2021; Li et al., 2022). In addition, the AGO family genes have also been proven to play an important role in the tillering and plant type development of bamboo (Yue et al., 2024). 4.3 Marker development for selection of dual-purpose traits With the in-depth research on genomics and functional genes, molecular marker-assisted selection (MAS) of Phyllostachys edulis has become possible. Gene editing tools such as CRISPR/Cas9 and efficient genetic transformation systems have provided new methods for improving target traits (such as high-yield bamboo shoots and high-quality timber) (Huang et al., 2022a). At present, existing studies have combined transcriptome and miRNA analysis to screen out candidate genes and molecular markers related to bamboo shoot traits, laying the foundation for the next step of molecular breeding and rapid selection (Huang et al., 2022a; Li et al., 2022). 5 Breeding Strategies for Shoot Production 5.1 Early sprouting, rapid growth, and yield-related traits The early growth and rapid growth characteristics of bamboo shoots directly determine their yield and economic value. Transcriptome analysis revealed that during the early and rapid growth stage of bamboo shoots, genes related to cell division, hormone signal transduction (such as the cytokinin pathway), and sugar and starch metabolism were all highly expressed. These genes provide potential targets for molecular marker-assisted selection and genetic engineering breeding (Lan et al., 2020). In addition, studies have shown that the Argonaute family gene (PhAGO) can regulate tillers and leaf numbers, thereby affecting the growth rate and external structure of bamboo shoots, which provides a molecular basis for regulating yield and morphology (Yue et al., 2024). 5.2 Nutritional enhancement and flavor-related breeding targets Bamboo shoots, as food, also focus on breeding for their nutritional value and flavor quality. Studies have found that the expression of genes related to carbohydrate metabolism such as sugar and starch is closely related to energy accumulation and flavor formation (Lan et al., 2020). By using genomic and transcriptomic data, key genes regulating nutritional components can be screened out. Combined with gene editing technology, it is expected to achieve nutritional fortification and flavor improvement (Gao, 2021; Huang et al., 2022a).
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