Advancements and strategies of genetic improvement in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz): from conventional to genomic approaches.

This review compiles cassava breeding methods spanning conventional approaches—hybridization, recurrent selection, polyploidy, mutagenesis, and inbreeding—to modern tools such as genomic selection, genetic transformation, and gene editing. It summarizes at least six near-complete cassava genome assemblies and explains how genomic resources accelerate gene discovery and variety development targeting starch quality/content, dry matter, postharvest physiological deterioration tolerance, nutritional traits, and stress resistance. The article also maps key milestones over the past 50 years and outlines perspectives for genomic selection breeding models and triploid “super-hybrids” to shorten breeding cycles and boost efficiency.