Molecular Pathogens 2024, Vol.15, No.5, 219-226 http://microbescipublisher.com/index.php/mp 219 Research Perspective Open Access Breeding: New Methods and Application Prospects in Disease-Resistant Strawberry Breeding Ben J.L. Zhong Hainan Institute of Tropical Agricultural Resources, Sanya, 572024, Hainan, China Corresponding email: jianli.zhong@hitar.org Molecular Pathogens, 2024, Vol.15, No.5 doi: 10.5376/mp.2024.15.0021 Received: 16 Jul., 2024 Accepted: 28 Aug., 2024 Published: 10 Sep., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Zhong, 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: Zhong B.J., 2024, Breeding: new methods and application prospects in disease-resistant strawberry breeding, Molecular Pathogens, 15(5): 219-226 (doi: 10.5376/mp.2024.15.0021) Abstract This study focuses on new methods and application prospects in disease-resistant strawberry breeding, exploring how modern breeding technologies can address the common disease challenges in strawberry cultivation. The research analyzes the limitations of traditional breeding methods and then delves into the application of emerging technologies, such as marker-assisted selection (MAS), gene editing (CRISPR-Cas9), and genomic selection (GS) in enhancing strawberry disease resistance. It also examines the potential of biotechnologies, such as gene mapping and RNA interference (RNAi), in controlling strawberry diseases and proposes the integration of traditional and modern breeding approaches to promote the sustainable development of the strawberry industry. Keywords Disease-resistant strawberry breeding; Marker-assisted selection; Gene editing; Genomic selection; RNA interference 1 Introduction Strawberries are a high-value crop globally, but their cultivation is significantly hampered by various diseases. Powdery mildew, caused by Podosphaera aphanis, is one of the most prevalent diseases affecting strawberries, leading to substantial economic losses (Menzel, 2021). Other notable diseases include anthracnose crown rot and grey mold, which also contribute to decreased yields and increased production costs (Bestfleisch et al., 2015; Xiao et al., 2020). Traditionally, chemical fungicides have been the primary method for controlling these diseases. However, there is a growing push from industry, environmental, and societal sectors to reduce the reliance on chemical controls due to their adverse effects and regulatory restrictions (O’Connor et al., 2022). Breeding for disease-resistant strawberry varieties presents a sustainable alternative to chemical fungicides. Disease-resistant cultivars can significantly reduce the need for chemical treatments, thereby lowering production costs and minimizing environmental impact. Moreover, disease resistance is often heritable, making it a viable long-term strategy for managing strawberry diseases (Davik and Honne, 2005). The integration of advanced breeding techniques, such as genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and high-throughput phenotyping (HTP), has shown promise in identifying and selecting disease-resistant traits more efficiently. These methods not only enhance the accuracy of selection but also accelerate the breeding process, making it possible to develop resistant varieties more quickly (Tapia et al., 2022). This study mainly discusses the latest methods and application prospects of disease resistant strawberry breeding, which will cover the challenges brought by various strawberry diseases, the importance of developing resistant varieties, and the innovative breeding techniques adopted to achieve this goal. The latest research and progress contribute to a comprehensive overview of the current status and future directions of disease resistant strawberry breeding, emphasizing the potential of these new methods to transform strawberry cultivation and make it more sustainable and economically feasible for growers. 2 Traditional Methods in Disease-Resistant Strawberry Breeding 2.1 Conventional Breeding Techniques Conventional breeding techniques have long been the cornerstone of developing disease-resistant strawberry cultivars. These methods primarily involve the selection, introduction, hybridization, and screening of plant
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNA==