Advances in Genomic Selection for Enhanced Crop Improvement: Bridging the Gap between Genomics and Plant Breeding

Abstract

Genomic selection (GS) has emerged as a transformative approach in plant breeding, revolutionizing the efficiency and precision of crop improvement. This comprehensive review delves into the advancements in GS and its pivotal role in bridging the gap between genomics and traditional breeding practices. GS leverages genome-wide markers to predict the breeding value of plants, thereby accelerating the selection process and reducing the time required to develop new crop varieties. The advent of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies has significantly reduced genotyping costs, making high-throughput genotyping more accessible and practical across a wide range of crops. This review highlights the successful implementation of GS in key staple crops such as wheat, maize, and rice, demonstrating substantial improvements in yield, stress tolerance, disease resistance, and nutritional profiles.The integration of GS into breeding programs has led to notable advancements. For instance, in wheat, GS has enabled the development of high-yielding, drought-tolerant varieties, essential for ensuring food security in the face of climate change. In maize, GS has facilitated the creation of varieties with enhanced stress tolerance and resistance to major diseases, contributing to increased productivity and sustainability. Similarly, in rice, GS has been instrumental in breeding varieties with improved nutritional quality and resilience to adverse environmental conditions, crucial for meeting the dietary needs of growing populations in vulnerable regions.