Boosting Cassava's Drought Tolerance: A Genomic Approach

Selecting cassava plants that can withstand drought is tough because it depends on many factors. This study tried to find the best way to pick drought-tolerant cassava clones using genomic selection. They used different methods like Best Linear Unbiased Predictions (BLUPs), Genomic Estimated Breeding Values (GEBVs), and Genomic Estimated Genotypic Values (GETGVs). They found that there's enough genetic variety to start improving drought tolerance in cassava. However, the predictive abilities varied for different traits like starch content and root length. Some important traits like fresh root yield and shoot yield showed good predictive abilities. The methods G-BLUP and RKHS had higher predictive abilities. Genomic selection could cut the breeding time in half and cost less than traditional methods.