Lian Chen , Chuchu Liu

Institute of Life Sciences, Jiyang Colloge of Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China
Author    Correspondence author
Molecular Plant Breeding, 2024, Vol. 15, No. 4   doi: 10.5376/mpb.2024.15.0019
Received: 30 Jun., 2024    Accepted: 31 Jul., 2024    Published: 15 Aug., 2024

This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Lu J.L., and Wang X.C., 2024, Marker-assisted selection in Camellia breeding programs, Molecular Plant Breeding, 15(4): 187-197 (doi: 10.5376/mpb.2024.15.0019)

Marker-assisted selection (MAS) has revolutionized the breeding of Camellia species, offering enhanced precision and efficiency in developing cultivars with desirable traits. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the advancements and applications of MAS in Camellia breeding programs. Key findings highlight the diversity and breeding objectives of Camellia species, the types and development of genetic markers, and the implementation of MAS strategies such as Marker-Assisted Backcrossing (MABC), Marker-Assisted Recurrent Selection (MARS), and Genomic Selection (GS). Advances in genomic technologies, including next-generation sequencing (NGS), genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS), genome-wide association studies (GWAS), and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, have significantly impacted MAS, enabling more accurate and efficient breeding. Unique insights from case studies demonstrate the practical applications and successes of MAS in enhancing disease resistance in Camellia japonica, improving cold tolerance in Camellia oleifera, and advancing tea quality in Camellia sinensis. This study expects to drive the development of superior Camellia varieties, ensuring sustainability and meeting market demands for both ornamental and economic purposes.

Camellia; Marker-Assisted Selection (MAS); Genomic technologies; Genetic markers; Plant breeding