Advances in Molecular Breeding of Forage Crops: Technologies, Applications and Prospects

Molecular breeding has revolutionized the improvement of forage crops by offering precise tools to enhance the yield, quality, and environmental resilience. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current technologies, applications, and future directions in the field of forage crop molecular breeding. Technological advancements in the field, including Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) mapping, Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWASs), genomic selection (GS), and genome-editing tools such as CRISPR-Cas9, have significantly advanced the identification and incorporation of beneficial traits into forage species. These approaches have dramatically shortened the breeding cycles and increased the efficiency of developing cultivars with improved yield, disease resistance, stress tolerance, and nutritional profiles. The implementation of these technologies has led to notable successes, as demonstrated by case studies on various forage crops, showcasing enhanced forage quality and adaptability to challenging environmental conditions. Furthermore, the integration of high-throughput phenotyping with advanced bioinformatics tools has streamlined the management of large-scale genomic data, facilitating more precise selection and breeding decisions. Looking ahead, this review explores the potential of emerging technologies, such as the application of artificial intelligence in predictive breeding, along with the associated ethical and regulatory considerations. While we stand to gain benefit from these innovations, the future of molecular breeding in forage crops must also confront the challenges posed by climate change and the imperative of sustainable agricultural practices. This review concludes by emphasizing the transformative impact of molecular breeding on the improvement of forage crop and the critical need for ongoing research and collaboration to fully realize its potential.