Beyond Parental Limits: The Role of Transgressive Segregation in Modern Plant Breeding

Transgressive segregation (TS), where progeny traits exceed the parental range, is a pivotal mechanism for genetic gain in plant breeding, crucial for addressing global food security. This review examines the genetic basis of TS, driven by complementary gene action, epistasis, and beneficial allele recombination. It traces the evolution of detection from phenotypic screening to advanced molecular tools like QTL mapping, MAS, and GS, now enhanced by high-throughput phenotyping. For plant breeders, TS is a critical process for developing superior cultivars with enhanced yield, disease resistance, and abiotic stress tolerance. Despite challenges like complex genetics, emerging technologies—including high-resolution genomics, machine learning, and gene editing—are poised to transform TS from an empirical process into a predictable breeding strategy. Harnessing these innovations is essential for developing robust, climate-resilient crops for sustainable agriculture.