Triticeae Genomics and Genetics, 2024, Vol.15, No.4, 206-220 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/tgg 208 are valuable resources for bread wheat breeding. These synthetic lines have shown promise in terms of genetic stability and the introduction of novel traits from the D genome-bearing Aegilops species (Figure 1) (Mirzaghaderi et al., 2020). Figure 1 Principal Component Analysis (PCA) Distribution of Various Wheat Species and Their Hybrids (Adopted from Mirzaghaderi et al., 2020) Image caption: Principal component analysis (PCA) of the amphiploids from crossing between D-genome containing Aegilops species and Triticum (T. durum, T. dicoccum and T. timopheevii) genotypes based on the morphological traits (Adopted from Mirzaghaderi et al., 2020) In southwestern China, a breeding strategy involving synthetic hexaploid wheat has led to the development of high-yielding wheat varieties. By pyramiding stripe rust resistance and big-spike-related QTLs/genes from synthetic hexaploid wheat into new cultivars, researchers have created wheat varieties with significantly enhanced yield potential. This strategy, known as the "large population with limited backcrossing method," has been instrumental in developing record-breaking high-yield wheat in the region (Wan et al., 2023). Furthermore, the use of synthetic hexaploid wheat in Pakistan has demonstrated the potential for enhancing genetic diversity and selection signatures in modern spring wheat. A study involving 422 wheat accessions, including synthetic-derived wheats, revealed significant genetic diversity and the presence of unique genome regions associated with important agronomic traits. This research underscores the value of synthetic wheats in modern breeding programs and their role in improving wheat productivity (Ali et al., 2022). These case studies illustrate the successful creation and application of synthetic wheat in various breeding programs, highlighting their potential to address future challenges in wheat production and ensure global food security. 3. The Genetic Foundation of Synthetic Wheat 3.1 Genetic variation in synthetic wheat lines Synthetic wheat lines, particularly synthetic hexaploid wheats (SHWs), have been developed to reintroduce genetic diversity into modern bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). These synthetics are created by crossing tetraploid wheat (Triticum turgidum) with the diploid wild relative Aegilops tauschii, thereby recreating the ancestral hexaploid genome of wheat. This process has been shown to significantly enhance genetic variation, which is crucial for breeding programs aimed at improving yield, disease resistance, and stress tolerance (Ogbonnaya et al., 2013; Dunckel et al., 2017; Bhatta et al., 2019).
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