Chemical and Molecular Advances in Vegetable Breeding: From Genomics to Nutritional Enhancement

Volume 14, Issue 55, 2025 (July – September)

Research Article
Chemical and Molecular Advances in Vegetable Breeding: From Genomics to Nutritional Enhancement
Mali Ram Nehra, Manju Verma
Keywords: Abiotic stress, CRISPR/Cas9, genetic modification, hybrid breeding, marker-assisted selection, nutritional quality, vegetable breeding, yield improvement
DOI:10.37273/chesci.cs232056081

Full Text – PDF

Abstract

Vegetable breeding has played a pivotal role in increasing global food production, improving nutrition, and ensuring sustainability. This review provides an overview of recent strategies, technologies, and prospects in vegetable breeding. It highlights progress in hybrid breeding, molecular breeding techniques, marker-assisted selection (MAS), genomic selection (GS), genetic modification (GM), and CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing. Special emphasis is given to yield improvement, pest and disease resistance, nutritional quality, postharvest traits, and abiotic stress tolerance. The role of next-generation sequencing (NGS), bioinformatics, and high-throughput phenotyping is also discussed. Case studies of successful varieties such as Pusa Hybrid tomato, Pusa Purple Long brinjal, and Pusa Snowball cauliflower demonstrate the practical outcomes of breeding programs. The review also highlights challenges including genetic diversity bottlenecks, ethical concerns of GM crops, and socio-economic constraints for smallholder farmers. Future prospects include climate-smart breeding, sustainability-oriented approaches, and public-private collaborations.

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