Triticeae Genomics and Genetics, 2024, Vol.15, No.4, 221-233 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/tgg 221 Feature Review Open Access Evolutionary Biology of Rye (Secale cereale): Domestication and Adaptation Wenyu Yang, Chunxiang Ma Modern Agricultural Research Center, Cuixi Academy of Biotechnology, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China Corresponding author: chunxiang.ma@cuixi.org Triticeae Genomics and Genetics, 2024, Vol.15, No.4 doi: 10.5376/tgg.2024.15.0021 Received: 20 Jun., 2024 Accepted: 28 Jul., 2024 Published: 14 Aug., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Yang and Ma, 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: Yang W.Y., and Ma C.X., 2024, Evolutionary biology of rye (Secale cereale): domestication and adaptation, Triticeae Genomics and Genetics, 15(4): 221-233 (doi: 10.5376/tgg.2024.15.0021) Abstract Rye (Secale cereale) is a cereal crop with a unique evolutionary history, whose adaptability has enabled it to thrive in diverse and often extreme environments. This study provides a comprehensive review of the evolutionary biology of rye, focusing on its domestication and adaptation processes. The research explores the geographic origins of rye, its wild relatives, and archaeological evidence of its early use. It offers an in-depth analysis of the genetic mechanisms driving rye's adaptability, including the selection of key traits such as cold tolerance and disease resistance. Additionally, the study discusses the challenges associated with rye cultivation, including environmental stressors, disease management, and socio-economic factors. Through this research, we gain a deeper understanding of rye's evolutionary history and offer valuable insights to enhance its adaptability and sustainability in future agricultural systems. Keywords Rye (Secale cereale); Domestication; Adaptability; Genetic diversity; Geographic origin; Genetic mechanisms 1 Introduction Rye (Secale cereale), a cereal grain widely cultivated in temperate regions, has played a crucial role in agriculture for thousands of years. Originally a weed in wheat and barley fields, rye gradually became a staple crop in its own right due to its resilience in poor soils and harsh climates where other cereals struggle to thrive (Schreiber et al., 2018). This resilience, coupled with its nutritional value, has made rye an essential component of the agricultural systems in regions like Eastern Europe and Scandinavia, where it continues to be a major food source (Rabanus-Wallace et al., 2019). Furthermore, rye's ability to thrive in less fertile soils and under challenging environmental conditions makes it a crucial crop for sustainable agriculture, particularly in the face of climate change (Matei et al., 2020). The evolutionary biology of rye, particularly its domestication and subsequent adaptation to diverse environments, presents a fascinating case of human influence on plant genetics and ecology. The domestication of rye involved a complex interplay of natural selection and human cultivation practices, leading to the development of distinct rye varieties optimized for various environmental conditions (Hawliczek et al., 2023). These processes of domestication have resulted in significant genetic diversity within the species, which has been crucial for its adaptation to different climates and agricultural practices (Filatova et al., 2021). Moreover, the genetic analysis of historical rye samples has revealed a relatively stable genetic structure over the centuries, further emphasizing the plant’s adaptation capabilities (Larsson et al., 2019). This study delves into the evolutionary biology of rye, with a particular focus on its domestication history and the biological mechanisms that enable its adaptation to variable environments. By comprehensively analyzing current research findings on rye domestication, this study aims to uncover the genetic and environmental factors influencing rye adaptability and discuss how these insights can guide future agricultural practices and crop improvement. The study not only enhances our understanding of the evolutionary dynamics of rye but also highlights its importance and potential applications in global agriculture. 2 Origin and Early History of Rye 2.1 Geographic origin and wild relatives of rye Rye (Secale cereale) is a cereal crop that has undergone significant evolutionary changes since its early origins, transitioning from a wild grass to a vital agricultural crop (Daskalova and Spetsov, 2020). Rye is believed to have
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