Genomics and Applied Biology 2024, Vol.15, No.6, 320-332 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/gab 329 2023). Techniques such as participatory breeding, where local farmers and breeders collaborate to develop climate-resilient cultivars, can help ensure that the new varieties meet the specific needs of different regions (Ceccarelli and Grando, 2022). Furthermore, integrating agroecological principles into breeding programs can promote the conservation of genetic diversity, thereby enhancing the overall resilience of Cactaceae species to biotic and abiotic stresses. A greater emphasis on selecting traits such as drought tolerance, heat resistance, and pest resilience will be critical for ensuring that cacti can thrive in increasingly challenging environments while contributing to ecosystem stability and agricultural sustainability. 8 Concluding Remarks It was found that traditional methods such as selective breeding and hybridization have made significant contributions to improving traits like drought resistance and fruit quality. However, their long breeding cycles and the genetic complexity of polyploids have limited the pace of rapid improvement. The integration of molecular genetics and biotechnological approaches has opened new pathways for achieving more precise and efficient genetic improvement. Marker-assisted selection, genomic studies, and gene editing are considered promising tools that can address the challenges posed by traditional breeding. The successful application of genomic information and functional genomics in improving key traits provides valuable insights for the future of Cactaceae breeding. The advancements in Cactaceae breeding have significant implications for sustainable agriculture, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. By improving traits such as drought tolerance, disease resistance, and water-use efficiency, the genetic enhancement of Cactaceae plants can contribute to more resilient agricultural systems capable of withstanding the growing challenges posed by climate change. Additionally, the use of biotechnological tools, such as tissue culture and gene editing, allows for the development of cultivars that are well-suited to specific environmental conditions, reducing the reliance on chemical inputs and promoting ecological stability. The integration of traditional knowledge with modern biotechnological techniques ensures that breeding efforts align with the goals of sustainability, enhancing the overall adaptability and productivity of Cactaceae species in diverse climatic regions. The genetic improvement of Cactaceae holds great potential in addressing environmental stresses and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Traditional breeding methods provide a foundation, but the adoption of modern genomic tools is crucial for achieving more precise and rapid breeding progress. The integration of molecular markers, functional genomics, and gene editing technologies offers a powerful strategy to enhance stress resistance and productivity in Cactaceae. However, the genomics of Cactaceae is still in its early stages of development, characterized by high genomic heterozygosity and a significant proportion of repetitive sequences, which makes it difficult to accurately align sequencing fragments to the reference genome, thereby increasing the complexity of genome assembly. In the future, closer collaboration among researchers, local farmers, and breeders is necessary to ensure that these advances can be effectively translated into practical applications. By utilizing both traditional and modern breeding techniques, the future cultivation of Cactaceae can be ensured, ultimately contributing to agricultural sustainability and the conservation of these valuable species. Acknowledgments The authors extend special thanks to Dr. Wang for reviewing the manuscript and providing valuable suggestions for revision. The author also sincerely appreciates the two anonymous peer reviewers for their comprehensive evaluation of the manuscript and constructive feedback. Funding This study was supported by Hainan Province Science and Technology Special Fund (Grant No: ZDYF2021XDNY120). Conflict of Interest Disclosure The authors affirm that this research was conducted without any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
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