Triticeae Genomics and Genetics, 2024, Vol.15, No.5, 255-265 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/tgg 258 sequence, thereby affecting plant growth and development. For instance, epigenetic changes can enhance yield by improving traits such as spike seed-setting and grain size. Studies have shown that targeted epigenetic editing can amplify yield potential by modulating specific genes associated with these traits (Pang et al., 2020; Gupta and Salgotra, 2022; Ahmed et al., 2023). Additionally, the use of high-throughput sequencing technologies has enabled the identification of epigenetic markers that can be used in breeding programs to select for high-yielding varieties (Yu et al., 2020; Tonosaki et al., 2022). 4.2 The impact of epigenetics on disease resistance Epigenetic regulation is also pivotal in enhancing disease resistance in wheat. DNA methylation and histone modifications can create "memory marks" that help plants survive various biotic stresses by regulating gene expression based on their epigenetic history (Agarwal et al., 2020; Samantara et al., 2021). For example, CRISPR-based epigenetic editing has been employed to target genes associated with disease resistance, resulting in significantly reduced disease incidence and severity in edited wheat lines (Ahmed et al., 2023). This approach not only improves disease resistance but also contributes to the overall health and productivity of the crop (Gallusci et al., 2017; Duarte-Aké et al., 2023). 4.3 Environmental adaptation and epigenetic regulation Environmental adaptation in wheat is significantly influenced by epigenetic regulation. Epigenetic modifications enable plants to respond to abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, and temperature fluctuations by altering gene expression patterns (Agarwal et al., 2020; Samantara et al., 2021). These modifications can be heritable, allowing plants to "remember" past environmental conditions and adapt more efficiently in future generations. The use of epigenetic diversity as a novel source for crop improvement has been highlighted as a potential strategy to develop climate-resilient wheat varieties (Figure 1) (Springer, 2013; Gupta and Salgotra, 2022; Tonosaki et al., 2022). By leveraging epigenetic variations, breeders can enhance the adaptability of wheat to changing environmental conditions, ensuring stable yields and food security (Yu et al., 2020; Duarte-Aké et al., 2023). Figure 1 Exogenous and Endogenous Signals Inducing Epigenetic Variation and Their Impact on Crop Breeding in Wheat and Other Crops (Adapted from Gupta and Salgotra, 2022) Gupta and Salgotra (2022) found that epigenetics holds great potential in crop breeding. Figure 1 illustrates the pathway of epigenetic variation, beginning with external signals (such as environmental changes) or internal signals (such as gene regulation), which lead to changes in gene expression without altering the DNA sequence.
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