Tree Genetics and Molecular Breeding 2025, Vol.15, No.1, 9-17 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/tgmb 15 excellent traits such as high saponin content and strong stress resistance are not lost, providing stable genetic resource support for future breeding improvement, basic research and industrial promotion (Mahar et al., 2011b; Ba, 2014). Sun et al. (2018a) and Liu et al. (2022) demonstrated that superior genes related to key traits such as saponin yield and stress resistance have been able to be identified more efficiently with the development of molecular breeding techniques. The promotion of technology has enhanced the breeding efficiency and provided the possibility for the rapid selection and breeding of new Sapindus mukorossi varieties. The new variety has stronger application potential in fields such as detergents, biomedicine and ecological restoration, and has higher industrial and ecological value. Liu et al. (2021a) and Xue et al. (2022) hold that continuously strengthening related research and investment in molecular breeding is beneficial for ensuring the sustainable utilization of Sapindus mukorossi germplasm resources and promoting their development in multiple fields. 7 Challenges and Future Directions 7.1 Technical bottlenecks in genetic diversity research Xue et al. (2022) held that the genomic structure of Sapindus mukorossi is relatively complex, with chromosome-level genomic assembly covering approximately 391 Mb, requiring powerful computing tools and efficient data analysis processes to handle the huge amount of information. Although many candidate genes related to important agronomic traits such as saponin content and stress resistance have been found, whether these genes truly play a role still needs to be verified. The functional verification process is rather complex, with a long experimental period and high technical requirements (Sun et al., 2018a). 7.2 Promotion challenges in utilizing superior genes Although many genetic markers have been developed and core germplasm banks have been gradually established, the truly high-yield and stable varieties suitable for commercial promotion are still limited (Liu et al., 2021a). How to effectively utilize the genetic differences and trait variations in local populations in actual breeding still requires more systematic assessment and technical means to promote the selection and promotion of high-quality germplasm (Mahar et al., 2011a; Mahar et al., 2011b). 7.3 Future research directions The combined application of genomics and transcriptomics requires more attention and in-depth exploration of functional genes related to key economic traits (Sun et al., 2018a; Sun et al., 2018b; Fang, 2024). The development of an intelligent breeding platform and the utilization of advanced tools such as artificial intelligence and machine learning can enable rapid screening of germplasm and precise prediction of the optimal breeding combination, thereby enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of the entire breeding process (Liu et al., 2021a; Liu et al., 2022; Wu, 2024). 8 Concluding Remarks Studies on the genetic diversity of Sapindus mukorossi have revealed its rich population structure and significant genetic variations. S. mukorossi has a relatively high genetic diversity within the species and a clear population structure. Compared with S. delavayi and S. rarak, it shows more abundant genetic variation characteristics and has the potential to be used as a breeding material. Researchers have successfully identified multiple candidate genes related to key agronomic traits through chromosome-level genome assembly. Studies based on ISSR have also identified genetic loci related to economic traits such as fruit quality and yield. The genetic resources of Sapindus mukorossi are crucial for its long-term sustainable utilization and industrial development. Establishing a core germplasm bank can effectively preserve most of the genetic variations of species and achieve efficient management and protection of resources. The rich genetic diversity within the S. mukorossi population provides a sufficient genetic basis for breeding and is useful for selecting and breeding new varieties with high yield and high quality. Diversification strategies such as the construction of germplasm resource banks and in-situ conservation are all beneficial for preserving the key genetic resources needed for future innovation and breeding.
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