Triticeae Genomics and Genetics, 2024, Vol.15, No.2, 111-120 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/tgg 111 Feature Review Open Access Ecological and Agricultural Significance of Triticeae: From Forage to Food Security Zhongying Liu 1, Zhonghui He 2 1 Institute of Life Sciences, Jiyang College, Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China 2 Modern Agricultural Research Center, Cuixi Academy of Biotechnology, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China Corresponding author: zhonghui.he@cuixi.org Triticeae Genomics and Genetics, 2024, Vol.15, No.2 doi: 10.5376/tgg.2024.15.0011 Received: 02 Mar., 2024 Accepted: 08 Apr., 2024 Published: 20 Apr., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Liu and He, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Liu Z.Y., and He Z.H., 2024, Ecological and agricultural significance of Triticeae: from forage to food security, Triticeae Genomics and Genetics, 15(2): 111-120 (doi: 10.5376/tgg.2024.15.0011) Abstract The Triticeae tribe, encompassing a diverse group of grasses including wheat, barley, and rye, plays a crucial role in global agriculture. This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the taxonomy, phylogeny, ecological roles, and agricultural significance of Triticeae. We explore the classification and evolutionary history of Triticeae, highlighting their adaptations to various environments and contributions to soil health and biodiversity conservation. Major Triticeae crops are discussed in terms of their agricultural uses, importance in livestock production, and role in food security. The study also delves into the genetic resources and breeding techniques that enhance Triticeae resilience to abiotic and biotic stresses, as well as the advancements in biotechnology and genetic engineering for improved traits. Challenges such as climate change, sustainable agricultural practices, and policy issues are addressed, along with regional perspectives on Triticeae cultivation. The study outline future research priorities, emphasizing the integration of ecological and agricultural approaches and the importance of collaborative global initiatives. This study underscores the vital contributions of Triticeae to agriculture and ecology and provides recommendations for future research and policy development. Keywords Triticeae; Taxonomy; Agricultural significance; Genetic resources; Biotechnology 1 Introducion The Triticeae tribe, also known as Hordeeae, is a festucoid tribe within the Poaceae family, encompassing approximately 325 species, of which about 250 are perennials. This tribe includes some of the most economically significant cereal crops such as wheat, barley, and rye, which have been cultivated since prehistoric times. Additionally, the tribe contains the synthetic cereal Triticale, a hybrid between wheat and rye, and several other species important for forage and pasture. The genomic diversity within Triticeae is vast, with species exhibiting various genomic constitutions, such as the complex genus Elymus, which includes around 150 species worldwide (Okito et al., 2009). Triticeae species play a crucial role in global agriculture, contributing significantly to food security and livestock nutrition. Wheat, barley, and rye are among the most important cereal crops, with wheat being particularly vital on a global scale (Merker, 2008). These crops are not only essential for human consumption but also serve as key components in animal feed and forage systems (Simpson et al., 2014). The genetic resources within Triticeae, including both cultivated and wild taxa, offer immense potential for crop improvement, providing valuable traits such as disease resistance and stress tolerance (Merker, 2008; Lu and Ellstrand, 2014). The perennial species within the tribe, although less studied, represent a significant genetic reservoir that could enhance the resilience and productivity of annual cereals. The main purpose of this study is to comprehensively examine the ecological and agricultural significance of the wheat family, by exploring the genetic diversity and evolutionary relationships of the wheat family, emphasizing the importance of cultivated and wild species, and evaluating the role of wheat family species in enhancing food security through their contributions to grain breeding and crop improvement. In addition, the potential of wheat species in sustainable agricultural practices was investigated, including their application in feed systems and their
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNQ==