Advancements in Cardamom (<i>Elettaria cardamomum </i>Maton) Breeding: Genetic Diversity, Biotech Strategies, and Future Directions

Cardamom (<i>Elettaria cardamomum </i>Maton), often referred to as the 'Queen of Spices,' belongs to the Zingiberaceae family and is noted for its unique flavor and aroma. As an herbaceous perennial, cardamom thrives in the shaded environments of the Western Ghats in South India, where it exhibits significant genetic diversity necessary for breeding improvement. This paper explores the genetic resources of cardamom, including advances in breeding methodologies and biotechnological approaches aimed at enhancing productivity and quality. Key breeding strategies include clonal selection, hybridization, and mutation breeding, which have led to the development of several high-yielding and stress-resistant varieties. The integration of molecular techniques, such as marker-assisted selection and genetic transformation, offers prospects for tapping into cardamom's genetic diversity for future improvements. However, the genetic erosion of natural cardamom populations necessitates urgent conservation efforts to safeguard this valuable germplasm. This review emphasizes the importance of innovative breeding techniques and strategic direction for the sustainable enhancement of cardamom as a critical global spice crop.