Triticeae Genomics and Genetics, 2024, Vol.15, No.5, 244-254 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/tgg 251 specialized breeding strategies and the use of advanced genomic tools to manage the complex inheritance patterns in polyploid Triticeae species (Chen, 2007; Bourke et al., 2018). 7.3 Overcoming linkage drag and sterility issues in polyploidtriticeae crops Linkage drag and sterility are significant issues in polyploid Triticeae crops that hinder breeding progress. Linkage drag occurs when undesirable traits are co-inherited with beneficial traits due to their close proximity on the chromosome, making it difficult to separate them through traditional breeding methods (Schiessl et al., 2019). Sterility issues arise from the complex interactions between divergent genomes in allopolyploids, leading to reproductive failures and reduced fertility (Chen, 2007; Suissa et al., 2021). Overcoming these challenges requires innovative breeding techniques, such as the use of genomic selection and the development of synthetic polyploids, to break linkage drag and enhance fertility in polyploid Triticeae crops (Chen, 2007; Bourke et al., 2018; Schiessl et al., 2019). 8 Future Research Directions 8.1 Further exploration of the long-term effects of polyploidy onTriticeae gene function Polyploidy has been a significant evolutionary force in plants, leading to gene function innovation and species diversification. However, the long-term effects of polyploidy on gene function in Triticeae remain underexplored. Future research should focus on understanding how polyploidy-induced gene fractionation and sub-/neo-functionalization impact the genetic and phenotypic traits of Triticeae over extended periods. This could involve longitudinal studies on polyploid Triticeae species to monitor changes in gene expression, genome stability, and trait development under various environmental conditions (Zhang et al., 2019; Heslop-Harrison et al., 2022). 8.2 Optimization of molecular breeding techniques for polyploid crops The complexity of polyploid genomes poses challenges for traditional breeding methods. Advances in next-generation sequencing and genome editing technologies offer new opportunities for optimizing molecular breeding techniques for polyploid crops. Future research should aim to develop high-throughput genotyping and phenotyping platforms tailored for polyploid species, as well as refine CRISPR/Cas9 and other genome editing tools to efficiently target multiple gene copies. This will facilitate the rapid development of polyploid crops with improved traits such as yield, stress tolerance, and nutritional value (Kyriakidou et al., 2018; Pourkheirandish et al., 2020; Huang and Li, 2024). 8.3 Role of polyploid crops in addressing global climate change and food security Polyploid crops have the potential to play a crucial role in mitigating the impacts of climate change and ensuring food security. Research should focus on identifying and harnessing the genetic diversity within polyploid species to develop crops that are resilient to biotic and abiotic stresses. This includes exploring the adaptive potential of polyploid crops through gene flow and introgression from wild relatives, as well as investigating the role of polyploidy in enhancing stress tolerance and biomass production under changing environmental conditions (Ruiz et al., 2020; Lovell et al., 2021; Cheng et al., 2022; Tossi et al., 2022). 9 Concluding Remarks Polyploidy has played a fundamental role in the evolution and agricultural production of the Triticeae tribe, which includes key cereal crops such as wheat, barley, and rye. The process of polyploidization, involving whole-genome duplication, has been a significant evolutionary force, driving the diversification and adaptation of plant species. In Triticeae, polyploidy has facilitated the development of new genetic variants and the introgression of beneficial traits from wild relatives, enhancing crop resilience and productivity. The ability of polyploid species to undergo rapid genomic changes and adapt to various environmental conditions underscores their importance in both natural ecosystems and agricultural settings. Polyploidy significantly impacts genetic diversity, adaptability, and crop breeding. The duplication of entire genomes results in genetic redundancy, which can lead to novel gene functions and increased genetic variation. This genetic diversity is crucial for the adaptability of polyploid species, allowing them to thrive in diverse and
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