Advances in barley germplasm diversity characterization through next-generation sequencing approach

This review examines the transformative role of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies on barley breeding, emphasizing their potential to harness barley's extensive genetic diversity for enhancing global food security. Barley, as a key cereal crop, faces increasing challenges from climate change, disease, and food demands, making it crucial to develop resilient and productive cultivars. The study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of how NGS has revolutionized the identification of critical genetic variation and improved breeding efficiency, especially in relation to traits such as disease resistance, drought tolerance, and yield improvement. NGS technologies, including Genotyping-by-Sequencing and pan-genomics approaches, have significantly advanced our understanding of barley's genetic makeup by integrating genomic and phenotypic data, enabling deeper insights into trait expression and environmental adaptation. Additionally, the application of big data analytics and machine learning in breeding programs has optimized trait selection and breeding outcomes. Despite the remarkable progress, challenges persist, particularly in resource-limited regions, where the cost of NGS technologies and lack of bioinformatics infrastructure hinder widespread adoption. The review concludes that ongoing innovation in NGS and related technologies holds great promise for future barley breeding, presenting opportunities to further enhance crop resilience and productivity to meet the rising global agricultural demands.