Tree Genetics and Molecular Breeding 2024, Vol.14, No.6, 295-303 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/tgmb 301 For researchers and breeders, the findings underscore the importance of utilizing genetic markers such as ISSR to assess and exploit the genetic diversity within dragon fruit populations. The identification of specific genetic clusters and the correlation between morphological and genetic data can guide the selection of parent plants for breeding programs, aiming to develop new varieties with improved traits such as higher yield, better quality, and increased resistance to environmental stresses. Additionally, the study suggests that integrating molecular markers with traditional breeding methods could accelerate the development of superior dragon fruit cultivars. This meta-analysis highlights the potential of genetic markers in advancing dragon fruit breeding efforts. By leveraging the genetic diversity and understanding the genetic architecture of yield and quality traits, breeders can make informed decisions to enhance the productivity and quality of dragon fruit. The study's findings provide a foundation for future research and breeding strategies, emphasizing the need for continued exploration of genetic resources to meet the growing demand for this nutritious and economically important fruit. Acknowledgments The authors sincerely thank Dr. Ni for carefully reviewing the initial draft of the manuscript and providing detailed revision suggestions. The authors also extend deep gratitude to the two anonymous peer reviewers for their valuable comments and suggestions on the manuscript of this study. Conflict of Interest Disclosure The authors affirm that this research was conducted without any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. Reference Abirami K., Swain S., Baskaran V., Venkatesan K., Sakthivel K., and Bommayasamy N., 2021, Distinguishing three Dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp.) species grown in Andaman and Nicobar Islands of India using morphological, biochemical and molecular traits, Scientific Reports, 11: 2894. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-81682-x PMid:33536453 PMCid:PMC7859243 Capel C., Del Carmen F., Alba J., Lima-Silva V., Hernández-Gras F., Salinas M., Boronat A., Angosto T., Botella M., Fernández-Muñoz R., Granell A., Capel J., and Lozano R., 2015, Wide-genome QTL mapping of fruit quality traits in a tomato RIL population derived from the wild-relative species Solanum pimpinellifoliumL., Theoretical and Applied Genetics, 128: 2019-2035. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00122-015-2563-4 PMid:26163766 Chen Z.F., and Zhang D.P., 2024, Genome editing and rice improvement: the role of CRISPR/Cas9 in developing superior yield traits, Genomics and Applied Biology, 15(4): 182-190. https://doi.org/10.5376/gab.2024.15.0020 Chen J.Y., Xie F.F., Cui Y.Z., Chen C.B., Lu W.J., Hu X.D., Hua Q.Z., Zhao J., Wu Z.J., Gao D., Zhang Z.K., Jiang W.K., Sun Q.M., Hu G.B., and Qin Y.H., 2021, A chromosome-scale genome sequence of pitaya (Hylocereus undatus) provides novel insights into the genome evolution and regulation of betalain biosynthesis, Horticulture Research, 8: 164. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41438-021-00612-0 PMid:34230458 PMCid:PMC8260669 Cockerton H., Karlström A., Johnson A., Li B., Stavridou E., Hopson K., Whitehouse A., and Harrison R., 2021, Genomic informed breeding strategies for strawberry yield and fruit quality traits, Frontiers in Plant Science, 12: 724847. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2021.724847 PMid:34675948 PMCid:PMC8525896 De Mori G., and Cipriani G., 2023, Marker-assisted selection in breeding for fruit trait improvement: a review, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24(10): 8984. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24108984 PMid:37240329 PMCid:PMC10219056 Fernández-López J.A., Fernández-Lledó V., and Angosto J.M., 2020, New insights into red plant pigments: more than just natural colorants, RSC Advances, 10: 24669-24682. https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA03514A PMid:35516216 PMCid:PMC9055186
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