Triticeae Genomics and Genetics, 2024, Vol.15, No.5, 277-286 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/tgg 281 stresses are major yield-limiting factors. Recent advances in hybrid breeding techniques, including the use of marker-assisted selection (MAS) and genomic selection (GS), have enabled breeders to select for key stress-tolerance traits more efficiently (Losert et al., 2016; Prasanna et al., 2021). 5.2 Exploiting heterosis to improve yield and resilience in challenging conditions Heterosis plays a critical role in improving both yield and resilience in triticale under challenging environmental conditions. The ability of hybrid triticale varieties to outperform inbred lines in terms of biomass production, grain yield, and stress tolerance is well documented. Studies have shown that heterosis in triticale hybrids can lead to significant improvements in traits such as water-use efficiency, heat tolerance, and disease resistance, making these hybrids ideal for cultivation in regions with unpredictable weather patterns or poor soil conditions (Makumbi et al., 2018). For example, heterosis has been successfully exploited in wheat and maize breeding programs to improve grain yield under heat and drought stress, and similar approaches have been applied to triticale (Menkir et al., 2020). 5.3 Case studies demonstrating the success of hybrid breeding in stress-prone regions Several case studies have demonstrated the success of hybrid breeding in triticale for stress-prone regions. In Europe, hybrid triticale varieties have been developed to enhance biomass yield and adaptability to drought-prone areas. A study conducted on 91 hybrid triticale genotypes in Germany revealed that hybrid varieties exhibited higher biomass yields and improved stress tolerance compared to inbred varieties, showcasing the potential of hybrid breeding in low-input environments (Losert et al., 2016). Similarly, in Africa, hybrid maize varieties bred for drought and Striga tolerance have shown remarkable success, with hybrids out-yielding commercial varieties under stress conditions (Menkir et al., 2020). These examples highlight the potential of hybrid triticale varieties to offer solutions for improving food security in stress-prone regions globally. 6 Biotechnological Tools in Triticale Breeding 6.1 Application of CRISPR/Cas9 and other gene-editing technologies to enhance stress tolerance The use of CRISPR/Cas9 technology has revolutionized plant breeding by enabling precise genome modifications to improve stress tolerance traits in crops, including triticale. CRISPR/Cas9 is widely applied to introduce targeted mutations in genes associated with drought, salinity, and temperature tolerance. This technology allows for the rapid development of stress-resistant triticale varieties by editing specific genes related to osmotic regulation, hormone signaling, and antioxidant defense pathways (Kumar et al., 2023). Moreover, recent advancements in CRISPR technologies, such as prime editing and base editing, provide even greater precision, further enhancing the potential for improving abiotic stress tolerance in triticale. 6.2 Genetic modification strategies for improving abiotic stress resistance Genetic modification techniques, including transgenic approaches, have been employed to enhance abiotic stress resistance in crops. In triticale, genetic engineering strategies focus on manipulating genes that regulate water-use efficiency, root architecture, and ion transport under stress conditions. By incorporating genes responsible for the synthesis of osmoprotectants such as proline and trehalose, transgenic triticale can better tolerate drought and salinity (Wang et al., 2022). Additionally, these approaches help modify key signaling pathways, such as abscisic acid (ABA) signaling, which plays a crucial role in stress perception and response, thereby improving the resilience of genetically modified triticale to challenging environments (Biswas et al., 2021). 6.3 Potential and challenges of transgenic approaches in triticale breeding While transgenic approaches offer significant potential for improving stress tolerance in triticale, they also face several challenges. Regulatory hurdles and public acceptance of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) remain major barriers to the widespread adoption of transgenic triticale. Additionally, concerns about the potential for gene flow and unintended environmental impacts further complicate the use of transgenic crops (Abdelrahman et al., 2018). Despite these challenges, transgenic approaches continue to show promise, especially with the development of transgene-free gene-editing techniques such as CRISPR/Cas9, which may alleviate some regulatory and public concerns. These tools could provide a more acceptable pathway for enhancing stress tolerance in triticale without the stigma associated with traditional transgenics.
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