International Journal of Horticulture, 2024, Vol.14, No.3, 110-116 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 110 Invited Review Open Access Harnessing Genetic Populations in Plant Breeding: Innovative Strategies for Construction and Application Xuanjun Fang1,2 1 Hainan Institute of Tropical Agricultural Resources (HITAR), Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China 2 Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Molecular Breeding, Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China Corresponding email: james.xj.fang@qq.com International Journal of Horticulture, 2024, Vol.14, No.3 doi: 10.5376/ijh.2024.14.0012 Received: 03 Dec., 2023 Accepted: 10 Jan., 2024 Published: 01 May, 2024 Copyright © 2024 Fang, This is an open-access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Fang X.J., 2024, Harnessing genetic populations in plant breeding: innovative strategies for construction and application, International Journal of Horticulture, 14(3): 110-116 (doi: 10.5376/ijh.2024.14.0012) Abstract This study explores innovative strategies for utilizing genetic populations in plant breeding to enhance crop performance and adaptability. We review the foundational concepts of population and quantitative genetics in the context of modern breeding techniques and discuss the application of evolutionary plant breeding for developing resilient crop varieties suited to changing environmental conditions. The integration of advanced genetic tools, such as whole-genome strategies and marker-assisted selection, is emphasized for its role in improving breeding efficiency. Additionally, we explore the emerging role of plant microbiomes in breeding, highlighting how symbiotic relationships enhance plant fitness and genetic diversity. The study also addresses the importance of conserving genetic diversity during breeding processes and presents case studies that demonstrate the successful application of these strategies worldwide. The potential of these approaches to significantly impact global agriculture, particularly in enhancing food security and sustainability, is discussed. We advocate for the integration of these innovative genetic tools with conventional breeding practices to meet global food demands. Keywords Plant breeding; Genetic populations; Evolutionary plant breeding; Marker-assisted selection; Multi-parent advanced generation inter-cross (MAGIC) populations; Plant microbiomes Introduction Plant breeding has historically leveraged the natural genetic variability within plant populations to cultivate crops that are higher yielding, more resistant to pests and diseases, and better adapted to various environmental conditions. The genetic diversity found within these populations is a fundamental resource for achieving these improvements, as it provides the raw material for selection and adaptation processes. By understanding and harnessing genetic populations, breeders can direct the evolution of crop species more effectively and efficiently (Jain, 1992). The significance of genetic populations in plant breeding cannot be overstated. These populations are reservoirs of genetic variations that breeders use to introduce new and beneficial traits into crops. These traits can enhance crop productivity, improve nutritional quality, and increase resistance to environmental stresses such as drought, salinity, and pests (Ellstrand, 1992). Moreover, the strategic manipulation of genetic populations can lead to innovations in plant breeding methods, facilitating the development of varieties that are well-suited to sustainable agriculture practices. This study aims to explore innovative strategies for constructing and applying genetic populations to improve crop yields, disease resistance, and environmental adaptability. We intend to delve into recent advancements in genetic techniques, such as whole-genome strategies and the use of multi-parent populations, to better understand their potential in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of plant breeding. Additionally, the paper will investigate the integration of microbiomes into breeding strategies, which offers a novel approach to increasing genetic variability and enhancing plant fitness. By addressing these areas, the paper seeks to contribute to the
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