Molecular Breeding in Ornamental Crops: Current Trends and Future Prospects in the Genomic Era

In the realm of ornamental crop breeding, the fusion of conventional and novel molecular techniques empowers breeders to fashion innovative varieties featuring distinctive colors, shapes, fragrances, and heightened resistance to both biotic and abiotic stresses. As the floral industry dynamically responds to market demands, it unveils substantial potential for diversifying the spectrum of ornamental plants. The inherent heterozygosity within ornamental plants gives rise to significant variation in F1 populations, providing a fertile ground for the identification and selection of valuable cultivars. Leveraging mutation breeding, facilitated by chemical and physical agents, alongside molecular approaches such as transgenic breeding, proves instrumental in the creation of cutting-edge ornamental crops. Marker-assisted selection has found application in traits like double flower color and flower longevity. Genetic revelations from GWAS and QTL mapping, exemplified in ornamental crops, pinpoint genes associated with various important floral traits such a petal number, etc. The application of molecular breeding strategies, and CRISPR-Cas9, TALENs, and ZFNs, emerges as a transformative force, enhancing cold and heat tolerance in ornamental crops. The integration of QTL analysis, candidate gene mapping, and virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) not only aids in comprehensive gene function analysis but also fortifies gerbera resistance to Botrytis cinerea. These advancements endow breeders with versatile means to fine-tune specific traits in ornamental crops, unlocking boundless possibilities in flower morphology, pigmentation, and aroma. Notably, VIGS emerges as a cost-effective tool for swift gene function examination, contributing to bolstered disease resistance and enhanced overall phenotypic performance in crucial plant species, including ornamentals.