Unlocking rubber seed oil potential: Integrative omics to panomics perspectives and future breeding strategies

Hevea brasiliensis (Willd. ex A.Juss.) Müll.Arg. seed oil (HbSO) is increasingly recognized as a valuable yet underexploited source of alternative energy. As fossil fuel reserves diminish, concerns about negative environmental impacts and intensified competition among edible oil sources have raised significant industrial and food security challenges. Hevea seeds contain about 40–50 % by weight of oil; however, the fatty acids (FAs) quantification of HbSO of two widely cultivated clones revealed abundance of unsaturated FAs including oleic (ω-9), linoleic (ω-6), and α-linolenic acids (ω-3). Here, we explore regulatory pathways governing seed oil and FA biosynthesis in Hevea, integrating the identified homologs to elucidate the transcriptional regulation of targeted genes and associated key molecular networks. We also highlight major advances in rubber genome assemblies, pangenome-driven molecular breeding, integrative omics platforms, and cutting-edge biotechnological techniques. These advancements have greatly enhanced our understanding of the complexity of rubber genomic variations and regulatory networks in deciphering complex traits, like latex and growth-related attributes. Potential research perspectives demand a shift in focus toward expanding the rubber gene pool following advancements in next-generation breeding practices and integrating AI-assisted predictive tools to develop desired clones with improved seed oil yield and composition. This comprehensive review highlights HbSO as a promising bioresource and broadens our perspective by integrating multiomics and panomics insights to guide future strategies for enhancing seed oil traits while ensuring sustainable practices for Hevea improvement under evolving environmental and industrial challenges.