Tree Genetics and Molecular Breeding 2024, Vol.14, No.6, 286-294 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/tgmb 289 Figure 2 Stem apex tissue at different stages and flower organ tissue of loquat (Adopted from Li et al., 2023) Image caption: (A) Vegetative bud. (B) Flower bud differentiation begins. (C) Visible flower bud. (D) The first flowering stage (the period when about 25% of the flowers of the whole tree are open). (E) Full-bloom stage (a period when about 75% of the flowers of the whole tree are open). (F) Paraffin section of vegetative bud. (G) Paraffin section of visible flower bud. (H) Flower organ tissue of loquat. The four flower organ tissues are sepals, petals, stamens, and pistils in the picture. The red bar represents 1 cm. The blue bar represents 200 μm (Adopted from Li et al., 2023) 5 Molecular Breeding in Loquat Molecular breeding in loquat has seen significant advancements with the integration of genomic tools and technologies, enhancing the efficiency and precision of breeding programs. The application of molecular markers and genome editing technologies has revolutionized the way breeders can select and improve loquat cultivars, focusing on traits such as disease resistance, fruit quality, and yield. 5.1 Marker-assisted selection (MAS) and its applications Marker-Assisted Selection (MAS) has become a cornerstone in loquat breeding, allowing for the precise selection of desirable traits by using molecular markers linked to specific phenotypic characteristics. Functional markers (FMs), which are closely associated with phenotypic traits, have been particularly useful in this regard. They enable breeders to directly select genes associated with important agronomic traits, thereby increasing the efficiency of developing new loquat varieties. This approach not only accelerates the breeding process but also enhances the accuracy of selecting traits related to biotic and abiotic stress resistance, ultimately contributing to the development of elite loquat cultivars (Salgotra and Stewart, 2020). 5.2 CRISPR-Cas9 and other genome editing tools The advent of CRISPR-Cas9 and other genome editing tools has opened new avenues for precision breeding in loquat. These technologies allow for targeted modifications in the loquat genome, enabling the introduction of desirable traits with high precision and predictability (Varshney et al., 2016). CRISPR-Cas9, in particular, has been highlighted for its ability to create site-specific double-stranded DNA breaks, facilitating the rapid and precise editing of plant genomes. This technology surpasses traditional methods like zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs) and transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) in terms of ease and efficiency. The use of CRISPR-Cas9 in loquat breeding holds promise for improving traits such as disease resistance and fruit quality, and it is expected to play a crucial role in future breeding strategies (Bortesi and Fischer, 2015; Chen et al., 2019). 5.3 Integration of genomics with phenomics for breeding efficiency Integrating genomics with phenomics represents a significant advancement in enhancing breeding efficiency for loquat. This integration involves combining genomic data with phenotypic information to better understand the genetic basis of complex traits. By leveraging high-throughput sequencing and functional genomics approaches, breeders can identify functional markers that are highly associated with phenotypic variation. This comprehensive approach allows for more informed selection decisions, ultimately leading to the development of superior loquat cultivars. The synergy between genomics and phenomics not only accelerates the breeding process but also improves the accuracy of trait selection, ensuring that new varieties meet the desired agronomic and quality standards (Hasan et al., 2021).
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