Next-Generation Plant Breeding: Integrating Genomics Tools and Marker-Assisted Selection

Dear Colleagues,

Next-generation plant breeding transforms crop enhancement by incorporating sophisticated genomic technologies alongside marker-assisted selection (MAS). Conventional breeding techniques, although efficacious, are labor-intensive and can lack precision. Conversely, genomics-enabled breeding facilitates the detection and selection of advantageous features at the DNA level, expediting the breeding cycle and enhancing precision. This revolution is fundamentally driven by high-throughput sequencing technology and artificial intelligence capabilities that offer extensive insights into plant genomes. These techniques facilitate the identification of quantitative trait loci (QTLs), single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), insertions and deletions (InDels), and gene expression patterns linked to agronomically significant features, including yield, drought tolerance, disease resistance, heavy metal resistance and nutritional quality. Upon identification of these markers, MAS can facilitate the monitoring of trait inheritance in breeding populations, enabling more precise and efficient selection.

The combined use of genomics and MAS facilitates the creation of climate-resilient crops, which is crucial in addressing global environmental concerns. Moreover, integrating these methods with gene editing technologies such as CRISPR/Cas9 creates new opportunities for accurate trait enhancement. Furthermore, genomic selection (GS), an advanced version of marker-assisted selection (MAS), utilizes genome-wide marker data to forecast the breeding value of individuals, including intricate features regulated by many genes. This method enhances selection precision and diminishes the necessity for large field trials.

Research in agriculture is undergoing a tidal change with the advent of next-generation plant breeding, which shortens breeding times, increases genetic innovations, and makes it easier to create improved agricultural varieties to meet the growing world food demand. These technologies have the potential to radically transform modern agriculture sustainably as they develop and become more accessible.

Dr. Muhammud Qasim Shahid
Prof. Dr. Xiangdong Liu
Dr. Faheem Shehzad Baloch
Guest Editors

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• marker-assisted selection
• molecular markers
• CRISPR-Cas9
• cereals
• genetic diversity
• plant genomics
• genomic selection
• big data analysis
• artificial intelligence
• omics and biotechnological technologies
• genetic improvement of crops
• next-generation sequencing
• genotyping by sequencing
• GWAS
• QTL mapping