Breeding Advances in Horticulture Crops

Breeding advancements in horticultural crops have long been pivotal in shaping the landscape of agriculture and food production worldwide. The intersection of science, technology, and nature has enabled breeders to continually enhance the characteristics of various horticultural crops, ranging from fruits and vegetables to ornamental plants. This preface aims to provide an overview of the significant strides made in the field of horticultural breeding, highlighting the key themes, methodologies, and implications. Over the past few decades, global population growth, changing dietary preferences, and environmental challenges have placed unprecedented demands on horticultural crop production. In response, breeders have embraced innovative techniques to develop cultivars with improved yield, quality, resilience, and adaptability. These efforts have not only addressed the immediate needs of farmers and consumers but have also contributed to the sustainability and resilience of agricultural systems. One of the defining features of modern horticultural breeding is the integration of traditional breeding methods with cutting- edge technologies. Traditional techniques such as selective breeding, hybridization, and selection based on phenotypic traits