Genetics and Breeding for Sugar Crops
A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Plant Sciences".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 July 2026 | Viewed by 3742
Special Issue Editor
Interests: sugarcane; molecular genetics and breeding; plant pathology; stress biology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The genetics and breeding of sugar crops, such as sugarcane and sugar beet, focus on improving yield, sugar content, disease resistance, and stress tolerance. Modern breeding programs integrate classical techniques, such as hybridization and selection, with advanced genomic tools, including marker-assisted selection, genome-wide association studies (GWASs), and genomic editing technologies like CRISPR/Cas9. Sugarcane breeding faces challenges due to its complex polyploid genome, while sugar beet breeding benefits from its diploid genome structure. Innovations in genome sequencing, transcriptomics, and metabolomics have enabled researchers to identify key genes and pathways involved in sugar accumulation, stress adaptation, and pathogen defense. These advancements are driving the development of high-yielding, resilient cultivars tailored to meeting the growing global demand for sugar and bioenergy. This integration of traditional and molecular approaches offers promising avenues for sustainable sugar crop production and improved agricultural practices.
Scope of the Special Issue: Genetics and Breeding of Sugar Crops
This Special Issue aims to focus on advancements in the genetics and breeding of sugar crops, including sugarcane, sugar beet, and other sugar-producing plants. Our aim is to showcase cutting-edge research and innovative approaches that address key challenges in improving crop productivity, sugar content, and resilience to biotic and abiotic stresses.
Key topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Genetic Improvement: Studies on the identification and functional characterization of genes associated with sugar accumulation, stress tolerance, and disease resistance.
- Breeding Strategies: Development and application of hybridization, selection, and other traditional breeding techniques.
- Genomic Tools: Application of next-generation sequencing, genome-wide association studies (GWASs), marker-assisted selection, and genomic selection in sugar crop improvement.
- Biotechnology: Integration of gene editing technologies (e.g., CRISPR/Cas9) for targeted genetic modifications in sugar crops.
- Stress Adaptation: Research on improving tolerance to drought, salinity, pests, and diseases through genetic and breeding interventions.
- Bioenergy and Sustainability: Innovations in breeding sugar crops for enhanced biomass production and bioenergy applications, focusing on environmental sustainability.
This Special Issue welcomes the submission of original research articles, reviews, and perspectives that contribute to advancing the science and practice of sugar crop genetics and breeding, with an emphasis on improving global sugar production and fostering sustainable agricultural systems.
Prof. Dr. Muqing Zhang
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- sugarcane
- molecular genetics and breeding
- plant pathology
- stress biology
- GWAS
- QTL
- precision breeding
- molecular marker
- gene editing
- transgene
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