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Wheat genetic diversity trends during domestication and breeding
J C Reif1, P Zhang, S Dreisigacker
1Institute of Plant Breeding, Seed Science, and Population Genetics, University of Hohenheim, 70593, Stuttgart, Germany.
Summary
Plant breeding initially reduced genetic diversity in wheat, but modern efforts have increased it. Landraces and Triticum tauschii offer valuable unique alleles for future crop improvement.
Area of Science:
- Plant Genetics
- Crop Science
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Concerns exist that plant breeding narrows genetic diversity in elite germplasm, potentially hindering future crop improvement.
- Understanding genetic diversity changes is crucial for sustainable agriculture and food security.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the loss and recovery of genetic diversity in spring bread wheat throughout its domestication and breeding history.
- To assess genetic diversity changes from Triticum tauschii to landrace cultivars (LCs) and modern breeding varieties.
- To analyze genetic diversity trends in wheat over 50 years of international breeding efforts.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 253 modern wheat cultivars, LCs, and Triticum tauschii accessions.
- Utilized 90 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers across the wheat genome.
- Compared genetic diversity metrics at different stages of wheat development and breeding.
Main Results:
- Observed a decline in genetic diversity from T. tauschii to LCs, and further into elite germplasm.
- Wheat genetic diversity narrowed between 1950 and 1989 but expanded from 1990 to 1997.
- Modern breeding successfully increased genetic diversity by incorporating novel genetic materials.
Conclusions:
- Breeders have effectively broadened the genetic base of wheat, averting a significant narrowing.
- Landrace cultivars and Triticum tauschii harbor unique alleles essential for enhancing elite wheat germplasm.
- These historical and donor sources are vital for future wheat genetic improvement strategies.