TGG_2024v15n1

Triticeae Genomics and Genetics, 2024, Vol.15, No.1, 44-55 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/tgg 51 superior nutritional traits (Cheng et al., 2023). Integrating these nutritional improvements into breeding programs can ensure that Triticeae crops meet the dietary needs of the growing global population. 5.4 Policy and institutional support Policy and institutional support play a crucial role in enhancing Triticeae productivity. Effective policies that promote the adoption of innovative breeding technologies and climate-smart agricultural practices are essential for achieving sustainable food security (Singh et al., 2020; Anders et al., 2021). For example, harmonized global policy changes can facilitate the acceptance and implementation of novel gene technologies in plant breeding (Anders et al., 2021). Additionally, institutional support for quality seed systems, participatory plant breeding, and maintenance breeding can accelerate the varietal replacement rate, leading to higher crop productivity (Singh et al., 2020). Addressing socio-economic and technical constraints through policy interventions can also enhance the scalability and impact of breeding programs in developing countries (Singh et al., 2020). 6 Case Studies 6.1 Successful Triticeae cultivation practices Successful cultivation practices of Triticeae, particularly wheat and barley, have been pivotal in enhancing global food security. One notable practice involves the utilization of wild relatives of these crops to improve their resilience to abiotic stresses such as drought and salinity. For instance, the genetic resources of Triticum dicoccoides and Hordeum spontaneum, the progenitors of cultivated wheat and barley, have been extensively studied and utilized to transfer drought- and salt-tolerant genes into modern cultivars. This has been achieved through advanced backcross QTL analysis and the development of introgression libraries, which have significantly improved the tolerance of these crops to harsh environmental conditions (Nevo and Chen, 2010). Another successful practice is the use of endophytic fungi, such as certain strains of Trichoderma, which enhance the photosynthetic capability of plants. These fungi colonize the roots of crop plants, inducing up-regulation of genes and pigments that improve photosynthesis. This not only increases crop yields but also helps in mitigating the effects of climate change by enhancing carbon sequestration in the soil (Harmanet al., 2019). 6.2 Regional initiatives and programs Various regional initiatives and programs have been instrumental in promoting the cultivation of Triticeae crops. For example, in China, the Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Ecological Engineering has been actively involved in the conservation and utilization of genetic resources of Triticeae. Their efforts have focused on identifying and preserving the genetic diversity of both cultivated and wild taxa, which are crucial for crop improvement and food security (Lu and Ellstrand, 2014). In the Middle East, programs aimed at utilizing the genetic diversity of wild relatives of wheat and barley have been implemented to develop cultivars with enhanced tolerance to drought and salinity. These initiatives have involved extensive field trials and collaborations with international research institutions to ensure the successful transfer of beneficial traits to modern cultivars (Nevo and Chen, 2010). 6.3 Lessons from historical contexts Historical contexts provide valuable lessons for the current and future cultivation of Triticeae crops. The domestication and subsequent cultivation of wheat and barley have been shaped by the need to adapt to diverse environmental conditions. The genetic diversity found in wild relatives of these crops has been a critical resource for breeding programs aimed at improving stress tolerance. For instance, the adaptation of Triticum dicoccoides and Hordeum spontaneum to a wide range of environments has provided a rich genetic pool for developing drought- and salt-tolerant cultivars (Nevo and Chen, 2010). Moreover, historical agricultural practices, such as crop rotation and the use of organic fertilizers, have shown the importance of sustainable farming methods in maintaining soil fertility and crop productivity. These practices,

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