Plant Gene and Trait 2024, Vol.15, No.6, 275-284 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/pgt 282 accessions conserved at the National Agrobiodiversity Center (NAC) is relatively low, indicating a need for more extensive collection efforts to enhance the genetic base. Retrotransposon-based insertion polymorphism (RBIP) markers have been effectively used to assess genetic diversity, revealing substantial polymorphism and genetic variation among sweet potato germplasms. Additionally, genome-wide assessments using specific length amplified fragment (SLAF) sequencing have provided detailed insights into the population structure and genetic relationships among sweet potato accessions, further highlighting the genetic richness within the species. Despite these advancements, the genetic diversity within sweet potato germplasms is not uniformly distributed, with some studies indicating limited evolutionary diversification and geographic speciation. Overall, while significant progress has been made in understanding and conserving sweet potato genetic diversity, there remains a need for continued efforts to expand and utilize these genetic resources effectively. Looking forward, several key areas of research and germplasm resource management need to be prioritized to ensure the sustainable conservation and utilization of sweet potato genetic diversity. First, expanding the collection of sweet potato germplasms, particularly from underrepresented regions, is crucial to enhance the genetic base and ensure the availability of diverse genetic material for breeding programs. Advanced molecular techniques, such as RBIP markers and SLAF sequencing, should continue to be employed to provide comprehensive assessments of genetic diversity and population structure, facilitating the identification of core germplasm sets for targeted breeding efforts. Additionally, integrating ex situ and in situ conservation strategies will be essential to safeguard the genetic diversity of sweet potato and its wild relatives, as demonstrated by successful conservation efforts in Brazil. Collaborative international initiatives, such as those supported by the Global Crop Diversity Trust, can play a pivotal role in coordinating these efforts and ensuring the global exchange of germplasm resources. Furthermore, leveraging the economic benefits of conserved germplasm, as evidenced by the significant contributions of the International Potato Center (CIP) genebank to crop improvement, can provide a strong incentive for continued investment in germplasm conservation and utilization. By addressing these future prospects, researchers and policymakers can ensure the sustainable management of sweet potato genetic resources, ultimately contributing to global food security and agricultural resilience. Acknowledgments We would like to thank Prof. Guan for his meticulous reading of the manuscript, providing comprehensive academic suggestions and for editing this article. We’re also grateful to the two anonymous peer reviewers for their academic revisions. 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. References Anglin N., Robles R., Rossel G., Alagon R., Panta A., Jarret R., Manrique N., and Ellis D., 2021, Genetic identity, diversity, and population structure of CIP’s sweetpotato’s (I. batatas) germplasm collection, Frontiers in Plant Science, 12: 660012. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2021.660012 PMid:34777403 PMCid:PMC8589021 Bethke P., Halterman D., and Jansky S., 2019, Potato germplasm enhancement enters the genomics era, Agronomy, 9(10): 575. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy9100575 ELameen A., Fjellheim S., Larsen A., Rognli O., Sundheim L., Msolla S., Masumba E., Mtunda K., and Klemsdal S., 2008, Analysis of genetic diversity in a sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) germplasm collection from Tanzania as revealed by AFLP, Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution, 55: 397-408. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10722-007-9247-0 Escobar-Puentes A., Palomo I., Rodríguez L., Fuentes E., Villegas-Ochoa M., González-Aguilar G., Olivas-Aguirre F., and Wall-Medrano A., 2022, Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) phenotypes: from agroindustry to health effects, Foods, 11(7): 1058. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11071058 PMid:35407143 PMCid:PMC8997864
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