Tree Genetics and Molecular Breeding 2024, Vol.14, No.4, 206-217 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/tgmb 207 varieties that are well-suited to specific climates and soil conditions. The process typically involves selecting parent plants with desirable traits and cross-breeding them to produce offspring that inherit these traits. This approach has been instrumental in developing many of the grapevine varieties that are popular today, such as Vitis vinifera, which is widely cultivated for wine production (Costa et al., 2019; Wang et al., 2021). However, the traditional breeding process is time-consuming, often taking decades to produce a new variety due to the long generation intervals and the need for extensive field testing to evaluate the performance of new cultivars (Gaspero and Cattonaro, 2010; Brault et al., 2024). 2.2 Limitations of traditional selection methods Despite their historical success, traditional methods of grapevine selection have several limitations. One major drawback is the lengthy time required to develop new varieties, which can be a significant barrier in responding to rapidly changing environmental conditions and market demands. Additionally, traditional breeding methods often involve a degree of uncertainty, as the inheritance of traits can be complex and influenced by multiple genetic and environmental factors (Bharati et al., 2023; Magon et al., 2023). This complexity can make it difficult to predict the outcome of breeding efforts, leading to a trial-and-error approach that is both time-consuming and resource-intensive. Furthermore, traditional methods may not effectively address the challenges posed by climate change, such as increased susceptibility to pests and diseases, which require the development of more resilient grapevine varieties (Wang et al., 2021; Gómez et al., 2024). 2.3 Examples of regionally adapted grapevine varieties Regionally adapted grapevine varieties have been developed through traditional breeding methods to thrive in specific environmental conditions. For instance, the variety "Ecolly" was bred using intraspecific recurrent selection and minor-polygenes substitution and accumulation (MPSA) to enhance its resistance to cold, drought, and diseases, making it suitable for cultivation in areas with harsh winter conditions without the need for protective measures like soil burial (Wang et al., 2021). Similarly, other varieties have been developed to withstand the unique challenges of their growing regions, such as resistance to local pests or adaptation to specific soil types. These regionally adapted varieties are crucial for maintaining the sustainability and productivity of vineyards in diverse climates and are a testament to the effectiveness of traditional breeding methods in addressing local agricultural needs (Wang et al., 2021; Bharati et al., 2023). 3 Advances in Genomic Technologies 3.1 Overview of genomic tools in grapevine research Recent advancements in genomic technologies have significantly enhanced grapevine research, providing new insights into the genetic basis of important traits. Precision breeding, which involves the use of genomic resources to improve elite cultivars, has become more feasible with the advent of various "omics" databases. These databases allow researchers to identify genetic elements and genes associated with key agronomic and enological traits, although the complexity of these traits often involves multiple genes and regulatory networks (Gray et al., 2014). The development of molecular marker-based methods has also been crucial for proper cultivar identification, enabling more accurate genotyping and trait mapping (Butiuc-Keul and Coste, 2023). Furthermore, the manipulation of the grapevine genome through biotechnologies has been refined over the years, with genome editing technologies offering precise modifications without altering the phenotype of existing cultivars (Costa et al., 2019). 3.2 Application of next-generation sequencing (NGS) Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has revolutionized grapevine genomics by providing high-throughput capabilities for genotyping and trait mapping. NGS technologies have facilitated the development of genomic selection methods, allowing breeders to select plants based on DNA sequences rather than phenotypic traits, which can be influenced by environmental factors (Gaspero and Cattonaro, 2010). This approach enhances the efficiency of breeding programs by enabling the selection of elite genotypes with desirable traits, such as disease resistance and improved fruit quality (Butiuc-Keul and Coste, 2023). The integration of NGS with other genomic tools has also allowed for the saturation of loci with targeted genetic markers, providing unprecedented
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzMg==