Triticeae Genomics and Genetics, 2024, Vol.15, No.2, 111-120 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/tgg 114 The perennial nature of these grasses makes them a sustainable option for forage, providing a continuous supply of feed for livestock and contributing to soil conservation and ecosystem stability. The genetic diversity within the Triticeae tribe offers a vast reservoir of traits that can be utilized to improve forage quality and resilience (Bothmer et al., 2008). 4.3 Triticeae in food security: grain production and nutrition The role of Triticeae in food security is paramount, given their contribution to grain production and nutrition. Wheat, barley, and rye are critical for ensuring a stable food supply, particularly in regions where these crops are staple foods (Kawahara, 2009). Enhancing the yield potential and stability of these cereals is a priority for global food security. Advances in genetic and genomic research have led to significant improvements in grain yield by increasing the number of grains per inflorescence and reducing floral organ abortion (Sakuma and Schnurbusch, 2020) (Figure 2). Furthermore, the genetic resources within the Triticeae tribe, including wild and weedy taxa, are invaluable for crop improvement, offering traits such as disease resistance, drought tolerance, and improved nutritional content (Lu and Ellstrand, 2014; Hensel, 2019). These genetic advancements are crucial for meeting the growing food demands of the global population and ensuring nutritional security (Hensel, 2019). Figure 2 Key genes for floret fertility in barley and wheat (Adopted from Sakuma and Schnurbusch, 2020) Image caption: (a) Structure of barley inflorescence showing two-rowed and six-rowed spikelets; Vrs1 mRNA localizes in the lateral florets (blue); (b) Structure and fertility of wheat inflorescences and spikelets with functional and reduced-function alleles of GNI-A1; Blue florets indicate GNI1 mRNA accumulation (Adopted from Sakuma and Schnurbusch, 2020) In summary, the Triticeae tribe's agricultural significance is multifaceted, encompassing major cereal crops, essential forage and fodder species, and critical contributions to food security through grain production and nutritional improvements. The genetic diversity within this tribe provides a robust foundation for ongoing and future agricultural advancements. 5 Genetic Resources and Breeding 5.1 Genetic diversity and germplasm collections The tribe Triticeae, which includes essential crops such as wheat and barley, holds significant genetic diversity that is crucial for crop improvement and food security. Genetic resources from both cultivated and wild taxa within Triticeae have been extensively studied and utilized for enhancing crop traits. For instance, wild relatives like Triticum dicoccoides and Hordeum spontaneum, the progenitors of cultivated wheat and barley, exhibit a
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