Domestication, ecology, and utilization of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.): harnessing the potential of an underutilized crop for improvement

作者：Catherine Hazel Aguilar, Mariquit M. De Los Reyes, Claudette Oraye, A. S. Pascual, Angelbert Cortes, Mari Neila Seco, Victor Corbita, Gladys Cabelin, J. Langres, M. Balendres · 发表于：Journal of Crop Improvement · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.1080/15427528.2025.2568211 · 被引用次数：1

ABSTRACT This paper highlights the biology, domestication, and ecological adaptability of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) and its diverse applications in the food, health, and industrial sectors. This paper also synthesizes current research on the plant’s rich phytochemical composition, highlights its pharmacological and therapeutic potential, and discusses recent progress in crop improvement, genetic diversity, and breeding efforts. Key challenges in production and utilization are identified, alongside strategies to enhance yield, resilience, and phytochemical content. Research on crop breeding strategies to improve yield and enhance phytochemical components has increased. However, the cleistogamous nature, with predominant self-pollination occurring before flower opening, is one potential limitation to gene flow and cross-breeding potential in roselle. To address this, non-conventional methods such as haploid induction via microspore culture, mutation breeding, somatic embryogenesis, and tissue culture-independent transformation have been explored, with some promising genetic variants developed. Furthermore, the recent availability of roselle genome assemblies could open new pathways for precision breeding and genetic improvement. Nevertheless, the representation of wild relatives and diverse landraces in gene banks has remained insufficiently documented. Moreover, further work is required to standardize and regulate its commercial applications, especially now that roselle...