Genomics-Driven Mulberry Breeding for Improving Agronomic Traits and Circular Utilization Value

This review systematically summarizes the history of and recent progress in mulberry research, with particular emphasis on advances in mulberry genomics and its role in modern breeding and the circular bioeconomy. Studies on whole-genome sequencing, high-density genetic mapping, and comparative genomics are reviewed. In addition, strategies for identifying functional genes associated with stress resistance, quality traits, and metabolic pathways are summarized. Building on these advances, the applications of genome editing, marker-assisted selection, and multi-omics-integrated breeding for improving stress resistance in mulberry are discussed. Current evidence indicates that developments in genomics have significantly shortened the mulberry breeding cycle, improved selection precision, and enhanced breeding efficiency while also providing molecular support for the development of a mulberry-based circular bioeconomy chain. In recent years, substantial progress has been achieved in mulberry genomics research. However, as an allopolyploid plant, the complexity of the mulberry genome continues to pose challenges for in-depth genomic analysis. Current limitations include incomplete reference genomes, insufficient functional annotation, and complex genetic backgrounds that hinder further genomic dissection. To address these challenges, strategies such as multi-omics integration, optimization of emerging genome-editing technologies, and diversified application models are proposed. These approaches aim to promote high-quality precision breeding and strengthen the integration of mulberry improvement with the circular bioeconomy, thereby maximizing the utilization and application value of mulberry resources.