Triticeae Genomics and Genetics, 2024, Vol.15, No.3, 125-136 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/tgg 131 In situ conservation, on the other hand, involves the protection of species within their natural habitats. This method helps maintain the evolutionary processes and ecological interactions that contribute to genetic diversity. Both strategies are complementary; while ex situ conservation provides a backup for genetic material that might be lost in nature, in situ conservation ensures the ongoing adaptation and evolution of species in their natural environments (Greene et al., 2014). 5.3 Role of gene banks and international collaborations Gene banks play a pivotal role in the conservation of Triticeae genetic resources. They serve as repositories for a vast array of genetic material, ensuring its availability for future research and breeding programs. The effectiveness of gene banks depends on accurate documentation and regular updates to maintain the integrity of the conserved material. International collaborations are also crucial in this context. They facilitate the sharing of resources, knowledge, and technologies, thereby enhancing the global capacity for genetic conservation (Khoury et al., 2019). Collaborative efforts, such as those under the Convention on Biological Diversity and the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, aim to create comprehensive conservation strategies and set ambitious targets for safeguarding genetic diversity (Khoury et al., 2019). These collaborations help address the gaps in current conservation efforts and promote the development of effective conservation indicators and methodologies (Khoury et al., 2019). 6 Genetic Improvement and Breeding 6.1 Traditional breeding methods inTriticeae Traditional breeding methods in Triticeae have long relied on the utilization of both cultivated and wild relatives to enhance desirable traits in crops such as wheat, barley, and rye. These methods primarily involve the selection and cross-breeding of plants to combine favorable traits from different varieties. For instance, wheat breeders have successfully incorporated disease resistance traits from wild relatives into cultivated wheat varieties through traditional cross-breeding techniques (Merker, 2008). The primary gene pools, which include the most closely related species, have been the main focus of these efforts due to their higher compatibility and ease of gene transfer (Bothmer et al., 2008). However, the wild and weedy taxa have also gained attention for their potential to introduce novel traits into cultivated species, despite the challenges posed by their genetic diversity and the need for specialized seed handling techniques (Bothmer et al., 2008). 6.2 Modern genetic tools and biotechnological approaches The advent of modern genetic tools and biotechnological approaches has revolutionized the breeding of Triticeae species. Techniques such as genome-wide association studies (GWAS), molecular markers, and next-generation sequencing have enabled more precise and efficient identification and incorporation of beneficial traits. For example, a genome-wide association study on Triticum urartu identified significant quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) for various agronomic and quality traits, highlighting the potential of this wild wheat relative as a valuable genetic resource for wheat improvement (Talini et al., 2019). Additionally, the sequencing of whole genomes of key Triticeae species, including wheat and barley, has provided comprehensive genomic resources that facilitate the discovery of new genes and the functional analysis of existing ones (Mochida and Shinozaki, 2013). These advancements have also enabled the integration of genomic data from model organisms like Brachypodium distachyon, further enhancing the understanding and manipulation of Triticeae genomes(Mochida and Shinozaki, 2013). 6.3 Case studies of successful genetic improvement Several case studies illustrate the successful application of both traditional and modern breeding methods in the genetic improvement of Triticeae species. One notable example is the North American Triticale Genetic Resources Collection, which assembled over 3 000 accessions of triticale from various breeding programs. This collection has been extensively characterized and evaluated, revealing significant genetic diversity and providing a valuable resource for future breeding efforts. Another example is the use of wild relatives in wheat breeding,
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