Advancing wheat breeding using rye: a key contribution to wheat breeding history

Area of Science:

• Plant breeding
• Genetics
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Rye (Secale cereale L.) is a vital genetic resource for wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) improvement.
• The T1RS·1BL translocation is a key example of successful rye gene introgression in wheat.
• Integrating elite genes from related species is crucial for modern crop breeding.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the historical and potential contributions of rye to wheat breeding.
• To explore how biotechnological approaches can unlock rye's genetic potential for wheat.
• To outline strategies for maximizing rye's role in sustainable wheat breeding.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of rye's contributions to wheat breeding.
• Analysis of biotechnological strategies for gene introgression.
• Discussion of future breeding approaches including multi-omics and AI.

Main Results:

• Rye has historically provided valuable traits to wheat through gene transfer.
• Biotechnology offers powerful tools to harness rye's genetic diversity.
• Integrated strategies involving germplasm, genetics, multi-omics, AI, and collaboration are key.

Conclusions:

• Rye is indispensable for advancing wheat breeding, particularly for sustainable agriculture.
• Future wheat improvement relies on innovative approaches to utilize rye's genetic resources.
• Continued research and global collaboration will maximize rye's impact on wheat quality and yield.