Triticeae Genomics and Genetics, 2024, Vol.15, No.1, 44-55 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/tgg 47 stagnation and leveraging genetic and biotechnological advancements will be crucial for enhancing the role of Triticeae in a sustainable and food-secure future. 3 Challenges inTriticeae Cultivation In the context of global food security, wheat, as one of the main food crops, faces multiple challenges in its cultivation process. These challenges not only come from biological factors, but also include non biological factors as well as socio-economic and policy challenges. 3.1 Biotic stress factors Triticeae crops, including wheat, barley, and rye, are susceptible to a wide range of pests and diseases that significantly impact yield and quality. Common pests include aphids, mites, and cereal leaf beetles, which cause direct damage to plants and act as vectors for diseases. Key diseases affecting Triticeae crops are rusts (Puccinia spp.), powdery mildew (Blumeria graminis), and Fusarium head blight. These diseases can lead to substantial yield losses and reduce grain quality. Efforts to breed resistant varieties and develop integrated pest management strategies are ongoing but face challenges due to the evolving nature of pathogens and pests (Dong et al., 2008). Weeds are a major issue in Triticeae cultivation as they compete with crops for nutrients, water, and light, leading to reduced crop yields. The competitive ability of Triticeae crops varies, with some varieties exhibiting better weed suppression than others. Effective weed management practices, such as crop rotation, mechanical weeding, and the use of herbicides, are crucial for maintaining high productivity. However, the development of herbicide-resistant weeds and the limited availability of effective and safe herbicides pose significant challenges (Feledyn-Szewczyk et al., 2020). 3.2 Abiotic stress factors Drought and water stress are among the most critical abiotic factors affecting Triticeae crops, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Water scarcity reduces photosynthesis, hampers growth, and leads to significant yield losses. Breeding for drought-tolerant varieties and adopting water-saving irrigation techniques, such as drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting, are essential strategies to mitigate these impacts. Genetic improvement focusing on root architecture, water-use efficiency, and stress-responsive traits can enhance drought resilience (Sun et al., 2014). Soil salinity is another significant abiotic stress that limits Triticeae crop production, particularly in irrigated and coastal areas. High salt concentrations in the soil can impair water uptake, cause ion toxicity, and reduce nutrient availability, leading to stunted growth and low yields. Breeding for salt-tolerant varieties and employing soil management practices, such as leaching excess salts and using salt-tolerant rootstocks, are critical for improving crop performance in saline soils (Dong et al., 2008). Extreme temperatures, including heat and cold stress, adversely affect Triticeae crops by disrupting physiological processes and reducing grain quality and yield. Heat stress during flowering and grain filling can cause sterility and poor grain development, while frost damage can be detrimental during early growth stages. Developing heat and cold-tolerant varieties through conventional breeding and biotechnological approaches, along with the adoption of agronomic practices such as altering planting dates and using protective covers, are vital to mitigate temperature stress (Shao et al., 2006). 3.3 Socioeconomic and policy challenges In addition to biotic and abiotic stress factors, wheat cultivation also faces socio-economic and policy challenges. With the growth of population and economic development, the demand for wheat continues to increase, which brings greater pressure to wheat production. Changes in agricultural policies and intensified market competition may also have adverse effects on wheat cultivation. For example, the reduction of government subsidies for wheat and the impact of imported wheat may have an impact on the enthusiasm of wheat producers. In addition, global issues such as climate change and water scarcity may also have profound impacts on wheat cultivation.
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