Broadening the genetic diversity of vegetable crops through molecular approach

Continuous breeding and selection of crops for uniformity narrows genetic diversity. Recent advances in molecular biology and biotechnology allow the transfer of specific genes from diverse sources into target crops, thus eliminating the hybridization barrier and time-consuming backcross selection of conventional breeding method. Through transgenic approach, by gene addition, subtraction, and pathway redirection, the genetic constituents of crops can be modified and broadened, resulting in new and improved traits. The emerging method of QTLs/MAS combines the capabilities of biotechnology and plant breeding technique to tackle and improve multiple gene traits. Its ability to identify and extract genes involving in multiple gene traits, from wild and cultivated germaplasm resources, and to integrate them into existing crops, offer a new and potential means to further broadening the genetic diversity of crop plants for improvement.