International Journal of Horticulture, 2024, Vol.14, No.3, 117-126 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 124 In conclusion, the future of Cucurbitaceae genomics and breeding is bright, with emerging technologies providing powerful tools for crop improvement. The integration of genome editing and omics technologies will enable breeders to tailor crops to meet the demands of a growing population and changing climate. As these technologies continue to evolve, they will undoubtedly unlock new possibilities for innovation in Cucurbitaceae breeding. 7 Concluding Remarks 7.1 Summary of the impacts of genomic advances on Cucurbitaceae crop improvement and breeding The genomic advances in the Cucurbitaceae family have significantly impacted crop improvement and breeding strategies. The development of molecular techniques, such as genetic transformation and gene editing technologies, has led to breakthroughs in horticultural crop breeding, overcoming the limitations of conventional breeding methods and the narrow genetic bases of these crops (Feng et al., 2023). The integration of next-generation sequencing (NGS) and omics technologies has facilitated the study of genotype-phenotype relationships, particularly for complex traits, and has enabled the discovery of new genes, regulatory sequences, and molecular markers (Pawełkowicz et al., 2016). The availability of genome sequences for numerous Cucurbitaceae species has accelerated research on gene identification, genome evolution, genetic variation, and molecular breeding, providing valuable insights into important agronomic traits (Ma et al., 2022). Additionally, the construction of high-density genetic linkage maps and the use of fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) have facilitated whole genome sequencing and the integration of gene-trait knowledge in cucurbits (Ren et al., 2009). 7.2 The potential of genomics to meet future challenges in agriculture Genomics has the potential to address future challenges in agriculture by enabling more precise and efficient crop improvement. Detailed characterization of plant genomes and genetic diversity is crucial for increasing crop production while reducing its impact on ecosystems (Bevan et al., 2017). Advances in genomics are providing new foundations for crop-breeding systems, allowing breeders to design genotypes in silico and practice whole genome selection (Varshney et al., 2005). Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and genomic selection (GS) are powerful approaches that accelerate the rate of genetic gain in crops and reduce the breeding cycle in a cost-effective manner (Bentley et al., 2022). These genomic tools are essential for developing high-yielding varieties capable of responding to global agricultural challenges, including climate change and food security. 7.3 Final thoughts on the evolution of breeding techniques driven by genomic research The evolution of breeding techniques driven by genomic research has transformed the landscape of Cucurbitaceae crop improvement. The integration of genomic information into breeding programs, known as genomics-assisted breeding, is gradually evolving from marker-assisted breeding and selection (Varshney et al., 2005). The use of high-throughput phenotyping and functional genomic studies, along with the elucidation of fundamental mechanisms such as heterosis and epigenetics, is enhancing the efficiency and precision of crop improvement (Bevan et al., 2017). The future of cucurbit breeding lies in leveraging the genetic diversity and genomic innovations to develop varieties that are resilient to biotic and abiotic stresses, nutritionally enhanced, and adapted to diverse environmental conditions (Bentley et al., 2022). As we look to the future, the continued application of genomic advances will undoubtedly lead to more innovative and sustainable approaches to meet the ever-growing demands of agriculture (Grumet et al., 2017). Funding This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (grant No. 32030093, 32172570, 3234100301), The ‘JBGS’ Project of Seed Industry Revitalization in Jiangsu Province (grant No. JBGS[2021]018), and The Jiangsu Agricultural Innovation of New Cultivars (grant No. PZCZ201720). 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.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNA==