Whole-Genome Sequencing Approaches in Vegetable Crops: Foundations for Genomic-Assisted Food Biotechnology

Abstract

Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) technologies have fundamentally transformed vegetable crop research, providing the essential DNA data needed for advanced food biotechnology. This review thoroughly traces the development and use of these sequencing methods, from short-read sequencing that enabled the creation of the first reference genomes to long-read and sequencing-based mapping techniques that now allow for the assembly of gapless, telomere-to-telomere genomes. By linking the technical frameworks of WGS methods to their practical applications in vegetable improvement, this review highlights their crucial role in building a higher-quality food system.