Barley: a translational model for adaptation to climate change

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Genetics
• Climate Change Biology

Background:

• Barley (Hordeum vulgare ssp. vulgare) domestication and migration showcase adaptation to diverse environments.
• Modern barley varieties face reduced genetic diversity due to selection bottlenecks, losing alleles vital for climate-smart agriculture.
• Extensive collections of landraces and wild barley (H. vulgare ssp. spontaneum) offer valuable genetic resources.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore barley as a model for understanding agricultural adaptation to climate change.
• To highlight the importance of genetic diversity for developing climate-resilient crops.
• To outline the biological, technological, and informational foundations for future crop improvement.

Main Methods:

• Leveraging a wide range of public genomic and analytical tools to explore genetic variation.
• Utilizing specialized populations, mutant stocks, and transgenics to link genetic diversity with phenotypes.
• Employing environmental and geographical databases, climate modeling, and trait/environment association analyses.

Main Results:

• Barley's history demonstrates significant adaptive potential.
• Loss of genetic diversity in modern varieties necessitates the use of diverse germplasm.
• Genomic tools and diverse collections provide a foundation for climate-resilient crop development.

Conclusions:

• Barley serves as a vital model for climate change adaptation research in agriculture.
• Harnessing genetic diversity from landraces and wild relatives is essential for future crop resilience.
• Integrated approaches combining genomics, data analysis, and participatory methods are key for developing climate-smart barley.