Dandan Huang , Zhen Li

Hainan Institute of Biotechnology, Haikou, 570206, Hainan, China
Author    Correspondence author
Molecular Plant Breeding, 2025, Vol. 16, No. 2   doi: 10.5376/mpb.2025.16.0014
Received: 12 Mar., 2025    Accepted: 15 Apr., 2025    Published: 23 Apr., 2025

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.

Huang D.D., and Li Z., 2025, Sweet potato genomics: key genes for nutrient composition and yield, case study, Molecular Plant Breeding, 16(2): 133-145 (doi: 10.5376/mpb.2025.16.0014)

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) is known for its high nutritional value and adaptability to diverse environments. This study comprehensively examines the genetic basis of key traits influencing nutrient composition and yield in sweet potato. Recent advances in genomics have identified pivotal genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism, beta-carotene biosynthesis, protein synthesis, and stress resilience. Emphasis is placed on polyploidy, gene expression regulation, and the integration of multi-omics approaches to enhance the understanding of genetic mechanisms underlying these traits. Epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation and histone changes, are highlighted for their role in regulating stress responses and phenotypic traits. Case studies illustrate the application of genomic tools in improving beta-carotene content, drought tolerance, and yield stability. The study underscores the potential of genomic breeding strategies, such as CRISPR/Cas9 and marker-assisted selection, to develop high-yielding, nutrient-rich sweet potato varieties. This research contributes to advancing sweet potato breeding programs, addressing food security challenges, and promoting sustainable agriculture.

Sweet potato; Genomics; Nutrient composition; Polyploidy; Breeding strategies