Unlocking Jasmine’s aromatic potential: Advances in breeding, genomics, and molecular insights into fragrance biosynthesis

Jasminum species have long been valued in the food, pharmaceutical, ornamental, and cosmetic industries. With rising global demand and the challenges posed by climate change, these plants must adapt to biotic and abiotic stresses while maintaining consistent yields and quality. This review examines jasmine genetic resources and traditional breeding approaches such as clonal selection, hybridization, mutation breeding, and polyploidy breeding, which have laid the groundwork for modern advancements. However, the limitations of these conventional methods have accelerated the integration of molecular tools. Recent breakthroughs, including molecular markers, omics technologies, and genome editing, are transforming jasmine improvement by elucidating the genetic underpinnings of aroma, yield, and stress tolerance. These advancements pave the way for developing climate-resilient, disease-resistant, and high-performing jasmine cultivars. By harmonizing traditional and molecular approaches, jasmine research can enhance economic growth, support biodiversity conservation, and meet the evolving challenges of a dynamic world. This review aims to highlight recent developments in jasmine breeding, genetics, and molecular research, while exploring the potential of integrating these advancements with traditional breeding methods to drive progress in jasmine research and crop improvement.