Breeding and biotechnology to improve potato resilience to climate change

Аннотация

Background and Aim. Climate change threatens food security, while integrated breeding strategiesfor stress tolerance remain limited in Central Asia. This study aims to evaluate advanced genomic and biotechnological tools for climate-resilient potato breeding under regional stress
conditions.
Materials and Methods. The study is based on a systematic review of recent publications indexed in Scopus and Web of Science. Studies on genomic selection, molecular markers, CRISPR/Cas genome editing, high-throughput phenotyping, in vitro technologies, microbiome applications, and digital
agriculture were analyzed. Emphasis was placed on abiotic stress tolerance and adaptation to climatic variability in Kazakhstan and Central Asia.
Results. The results show that the integration of marker-assisted selection (MAS), genomic selection, and genome-wide association studies (GWAS) improves breeding efficiency by up to 30–50%. CCRISPR/Cas technologies enable the precise modification of genes regulating drought, heat, and salinity tolerance. When combined with artificial intelligence, high-throughput phenotyping
improves the prediction of genotype-environment interactions. Plant biotechnology, including tissue culture, somatic hybridization, and in vitro selection, accelerates development of stress-tolerant lines and the preservation of genetic resources. Microbiome-based strategies enhance plant resilience and nutrient-use efficiency. In potato, tolerance is polygenic and is associated with root architecture, wateruse efficiency, antioxidant systems, and photosynthetic stability. The integration of wild Solanum
species, genomic tools, and digital modeling improves adaptation to the combined stresses typical of Kazakhstan.
Conclusion. Integrated genomic and biotechnological breeding significantly enhances potato resilience and productivity, supporting sustainable agriculture and climate adaptation in Central Asia.