Jul 2026· Journal of Advances in Biology & Biotechnology· Vol 29, pp. 561-580· 0 citations
TL;DR
It is concluded that genomic technologies can strengthen ornamental breeding when supported by reliable phenotyping, validated trait associations, appropriate regulatory pathways, and sustained collaboration between research and commercial breeding sectors.
Abstract
Ornamental plants represent an economically and culturally important component of horticulture, yet their improvement has historically relied mainly on phenotypic selection with limited mechanistic understanding. This review synthesises how genomic technologies are expanding knowledge of ornamental plant biology and supporting breeding practice. It considers reference genome resources for major ornamental taxa, including rose, chrysanthemum, petunia, orchid, carnation, and morning glory, and examines how these resources clarify the genetic and regulatory basis of commercially important traits. Particular attention is given to floral colour, form, fragrance, post-harvest longevity, and stress-related adaptation, with emphasis on anthocyanin, carotenoid, phenylpropanoid, MADS-box, and ethylene-related pathways. The review also evaluates transcriptomics, epigenomics, molecular markers, linkage mapping, genome-wide association studies, marker-assisted selection, genomic selection, transgenic approaches, RNA interference, and CRISPR-Cas9-based gene editing. These tools have improved trait discovery and created opportunities for more targeted cultivar development, although their translation remains uneven across genera. Persistent constraints include polyploid genome complexity, large and repetitive genomes, limited transformation and regeneration systems, multigenic trait architecture, fragmented regulatory frameworks, and insufficient genomic resources for several commercially important ornamentals. The review concludes that genomic technologies can strengthen ornamental breeding when supported by reliable phenotyping, validated trait associations, appropriate regulatory pathways, and sustained collaboration between research and commercial breeding sectors.
Egyptian cotton, derived primarily from Gossypium barbadense L., has shaped the country’s agricultural economy and international reputation for nearly two centuries. Among these, the Giza varieties—renowned for their exceptional fiber length, fineness, and strength—have garnered global recognition and made substantial contributions to export revenues and rural livelihoods. This review systematically analyzes more than 120 scientific publications from the past 30 years. It synthesizes research advances in Egypt, focusing on germplasm resources, fiber anatomical characteristics, variety improvement, and the integration of molecular and biotechnological tools. Progress in molecular markers, quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping, and genome-wide association studies (GWAS) is highlighted for its role in dissecting traits related to fiber quality and stress tolerance. Experimental transformation studies and functional genomics have provided proof-of-concept for genes involved in insect resistance and fiber development. At the same time, genome editing—particularly clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated protein (CRISPR/Cas) systems—represents an emerging frontier for precise trait improvement in G. barbadense. Molecular markers have been used to assess genetic diversity within Egyptian cotton germplasm, enabling the development of unique varietal fingerprints and guiding breeding programs to improve yield, quality, and stress resilience. Techniques such as QTL mapping and GWAS facilitate the identification of genomic regions underlying key traits, thereby establishing a foundation for marker-assisted selection. Specific Egyptian varieties—including Giza 94 (a heat-tolerant variety), Giza 95 (a drought-tolerant variety), and Giza 90/Giza 97 (salinity-tolerant varieties)—have demonstrated measurable stress resilience in controlled and field trials. However, formal release designations for these traits remain lacking. Concurrently, functional genomics approaches have enabled the characterization of genes involved in fiber development in Egyptian cotton. Furthermore, biotechnological innovations—including experimental Bt-transformation and the emerging precision of CRISPR/Cas genome editing—offer promising pathways to introduce adaptive traits more efficiently.
Ibrahim A. A. Mohamed, Usama Abdel Hameid Abdel Razek, Junjuan Wang et al.· Journal of Cotton Research· 0 citations
This review critically evaluates the transition from conventional phenotypic selection to data-driven breeding strategies, examining genomic selection (GS), genome-wide association studies (GWAS), multi-omics integration, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, and high-throughput phenotyping (HTP) within the context of polyploid crop improvement.
Muhammad Abu Bakar Ghalib, Ayesha Khawar, M. Ramzan et al.· Discover Plants· 0 citations
This review synthesizes the concepts, methodological advances, computational tools, and recent progress in plant pan-genomics, with a focused emphasis on tropical and subtropical fruit crops.
Anupama Roy, Sarika, M. Iquebal· Journal of the Indian Societ...· 0 citations
Legumes are vital for global food security, nutrition, and sustainable agriculture, yet their improvement is often hindered by species-specific recalcitrance and conventional breeding limitations. Tissue culture technologies have emerged as transformative tools, enabling rapid regeneration, somatic embryogenesis, haploid production, and in vitro mutagenesis to generate elite genotypes and novel genetic diversity. Their integration with molecular breeding, genome editing, and in vitro conservation has facilitated the development of stress-tolerant, disease-resistant, and nutritionally enhanced cultivars while safeguarding germplasm resources. Recent advances highlight the role of artificial intelligence, particularly machine learning models, in optimizing plant growth regulator combinations to overcome regeneration bottlenecks in recalcitrant legumes, thereby enhancing shoot regeneration frequency and efficiency. Coupled with high throughput phenotyping, mutational breeding, and genomics-based approaches, these computational innovations accelerate the exploitation of genetic diversity and introgression of novel traits beyond the natural legume gene pool. Collectively, tissue culture technologies, strengthened by AI-driven predictive modeling and precision phenotyping, stand as a cornerstone for sustainable legume improvement, addressing escalating global food and feed demands while meeting environmental challenges.
Suman Rawte, Z. Jha, Hemant Sahu et al.· Genetics and Molecular Resea...· 0 citations
Lotus corniculatus is a superior leguminous forage with multiple values including forage, ecological, ornamental and medicinal uses. It is also an ideal material for plant bioreactors. As a core technical approach, genetic transformation overcomes the constraints of traditional breeding and facilitates the targeted improvement in stress resistance and agronomic traits in this species. This review summarizes the research progress of the Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation of L. corniculatus, focusing on key procedures such as explant selection, strain selection, infection and co-cultivation regimes, basal medium composition, phytohormone regulation, as well as bacteria elimination and transformant screening strategies. We further elaborate on the applications of this transformation system in enhancing tolerance to abiotic stresses (salt, drought and heat), regulating quality-related traits, and developing plant-based vaccine bioreactors. Additionally, this paper critically discusses the major bottlenecks and challenges constraining existing genetic transformation systems in L. corniculatus, and evaluates the prospects for establishing high-efficiency and genetically stable transformation platforms. This review aims to provide theoretical foundations and technical references for germplasm innovation, molecular breeding and comprehensive utilization of L. corniculatus.