Triticeae Genomics and Genetics, 2024, Vol.15, No.5, 244-254 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/tgg 244 Research Insight Open Access Polyploidy inTriticeae: Genetic Mechanisms and Agronomic Implications Yali Wang, Zhonghui He 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.5 doi: 10.5376/tgg.2024.15.0023 Received: 10 Aug., 2024 Accepted: 16 Sep., 2024 Published: 20 Sep., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Wang 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: Wang Y.L., and He Z.H., 2024, Polyploidy in Triticeae: genetic mechanisms and agronomic implications, Triticeae Genomics and Genetics, 15(5): 244-254 (doi: 10.5376/tgg.2024.15.0023) Abstract Polyploidy plays a crucial role in crops of the Triticeae tribe (such as wheat, barley, and rye), significantly influencing their evolutionary history and agronomic traits. Through mechanisms such as genome duplication, gene rearrangement, and functional diversity, polyploidy has driven the adaptability and productivity of Triticeae crops. Understanding the genetic mechanisms of polyploidy is essential for improving these important crops. This study explores the genetic mechanisms underlying the formation of polyploidy in Triticeae and its impact on agronomic traits. By analyzing post-polyploidization genomic changes, epigenetic modifications, and gene expression regulation, this research reveals how polyploidy promotes the improvement and enhanced adaptability of Triticeae crops. Additionally, it summarizes the applications of polyploidy in modern breeding and discusses its potential role in crop breeding and climate change adaptation in the future. Polyploidy not only has profound effects on the evolution of Triticeae crops but also provides important genetic resources for crop improvement. By gaining a deeper understanding of the molecular basis of polyploidy, breeders can leverage its advantages to enhance crop yield, disease resistance, and drought tolerance. Furthermore, polyploidy holds great significance in addressing complex genetic patterns and optimizing breeding strategies, contributing to the solutions for the challenges faced by modern agriculture. Keywords Triticeae; Polyploidy; Genetic mechanisms; Gene expression; Agronomic traits 1 Introduction Polyploidy, the condition of possessing more than two complete sets of chromosomes, is a significant evolutionary force in the plant kingdom. The Triticeae tribe, which includes economically important crops such as wheat, barley, and rye, is particularly rich in polyploid species. This phenomenon has played a crucial role in the evolutionary history and adaptation of these species, contributing to their genetic diversity and agronomic traits. Polyploidy has been a recurring theme in the evolutionary history of plants, including the Triticeae tribe. The process of polyploidization involves whole-genome duplication, which can occur through autopolyploidy (duplication within a single species) or allopolyploidy (combining genomes from different species) (Huang and Zhu, 2018). In the Triticeae tribe, allopolyploidy is particularly prevalent and has been a major driver of speciation and adaptation (Jauhar, 2007). For instance, the evolutionary history of wheat involves multiple polyploidization events, leading to the formation of hexaploid bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) from its diploid and tetraploid ancestors (Middleton et al., 2014). These events have resulted in complex genomic architectures and have facilitated the adaptation of Triticeae species to diverse environments (Blasio et al., 2022). Polyploidy has had profound agronomic implications for crops like wheat and barley. The duplication of entire genomes has led to increased genetic variation, which is a valuable resource for breeding and crop improvement (Renny-Byfield and Wendel, 2014). In wheat, polyploidy has contributed to traits such as increased grain size, improved stress tolerance, and higher yield potential (Jauhar, 2007). Similarly, barley has benefited from polyploidization through enhanced adaptability and resilience to environmental stresses (Middleton et al., 2014). The genomic complexity introduced by polyploidy also poses challenges, such as difficulties in genome assembly and analysis, but advances in sequencing technologies are helping to overcome these obstacles (Renny-Byfield and Wendel, 2014).
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