Tree Genetics and Molecular Breeding 2024, Vol.14, No.1, 22-31 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/tgmb 27 5.2 International cooperation and resource sharing Across the globe, several research institutions and projects are dedicated to the improvement and development of cassava. The International Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) and the International Institute for Agricultural Biotechnology (IITA) are leaders in cassava research and breeding. These institutions have not only made significant progress in genetic improvement, but also conducted extensive research in agronomic management, pest control, and aftercare. In addition, the Global Cassava Partnership 21st Century (GCP21) conference focused on various aspects of cassava research, including addressing the challenge of climate change (Hyman et al., 2012). One successful example of cassava improvement is the promotion in Nigeria of improved varieties with high yields and disease resistance, combined with efficient processing techniques. This strategy has significantly increased farmers' productivity and income, further boosting local and national economies. The National Research and Extension Project, in collaboration with IITA, has widely disseminated these varieties and technologies, increasing the processing capacity of farmers and improving market acceptance and competitiveness of cassava products (Table 2) (Abdoulaye et al., 2014). Table 2 Average reported cassava yields among farmers (Adopted from Abdoulaye et al., 2014) Variable Adopter Non-adopter Difference Participating villages Non-participating villages Difference Yield (ton/ha) 16.1±4 11±5 4.9**(114) 15.0±4 13.0±8 2**(5.2) Note: Figures in the bracket are t-values; **means significant at 1 and 5%, respectively; Source: Survey data (2012) 6 Future Research Direction 6.1 Further exploitation and utilization of genetic resources Cassava is an important crop, and its abundant genetic resources provide a broad space for scientific research. In the future research, further mining and utilization of cassava genetic resources will become one of the important directions. The study of cassava genetic diversity is the basis of exploiting and utilizing genetic resources. By collecting and sorting out cassava germplasm resources in different regions and under different ecological conditions, a comprehensive germplasm resource bank can be established, which can provide rich materials for subsequent research. At the same time, the use of molecular biology technology, in-depth study of cassava genome, reveal the rules and mechanisms of genetic variation, will help to find more favorable genes. Through the combination of traditional breeding and modern biotechnology, the effective utilization of cassava genetic resources can be realized. Traditional breeding methods, such as cross breeding and selective breeding, can further improve cassava yield, quality and resistance on the basis of maintaining excellent characteristics. Modern biotechnology, such as gene editing and gene transfer, can achieve accurate transformation and optimization of cassava genes, thereby creating cassava varieties that are more adaptable to different environments andneeds. For the utilization of cassava genetic resources, it is also necessary to pay attention to its practical application value. For example, the efficient use of cassava genetic resources on small-scale farms using ECobiology can not only improve cassava yield and quality, but also bring economic benefits to local farmers. At the same time, through the excavation and utilization of cassava genetic resources, it can also provide strong support for the improvement and development of cassava industry chain and promote the sustainable development of cassava industry. 6.2 Application of precision agronomy and intelligent agricultural technology in cassava production In the development process of modern agriculture, the application of precision agronomy and smart agricultural technology is gradually becoming a key driver for improving the efficiency and sustainability of crop production. For cassava, an important tropical crop, the introduction of these advanced technologies is also important. Through the application of precision agronomy and smart agriculture technologies, cassava producers can better manage land and resources and optimize planting schemes, thereby improving cassava yield and quality. The core of precision agronomy is to develop personalized management strategies based on the specific environment and conditions in which crops are grown. In cassava production, this means the need to precisely adjust the planting time, fertilizer application, irrigation frequency and other production links according to soil properties, climatic
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