Triticeae Genomics and Genetics, 2024, Vol.15, No.5, 277-286 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/tgg 283 Figure 3 Crops grown in low-input environments require specific root traits to optimize water and nutrient acquisition (Adopted from Ndoye et al., 2022) 8.3 Developing sustainable, low-input triticale cropping systems Sustainable cropping systems emphasize low-input agricultural practices, which rely on efficient resource use rather than external inputs like chemical fertilizers and irrigation. In low-input systems, breeding efforts focus on improving crop traits that enhance resilience and reduce dependency on external resources. Triticale, due to its inherent tolerance to abiotic stresses, is well-suited to these systems. Root traits, such as greater root length and density, have been targeted in breeding programs to improve adaptation to low-input environments (Ndoye et al., 2021). Additionally, symbiotic relationships with soil microbes, such as mycorrhizal associations, can enhance nutrient uptake, making triticale more suitable for sustainable agriculture. These strategies can create triticale varieties that thrive in marginal environments, contributing to both food security and environmental sustainability. 9 Challenges and Future Directions in Triticale Breeding 9.1 Overcoming genetic bottlenecks and limited genetic diversity in breeding programs One of the greatest challenges in triticale breeding is the limited genetic diversity available within the species, which constrains the ability of breeders to respond to new environmental stresses and agronomic needs. The genetic bottlenecks that arose during the domestication and modern breeding processes have reduced the variability necessary for long-term improvement. However, recent advances in genomic tools, such as genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and genomic selection, have made it possible to introduce novel diversity into breeding programs by accessing the genetic resources of related species and wild relatives. These approaches allow breeders to identify and incorporate new alleles that can help restore diversity and improve adaptation to a variety of stressors (Kapazoglou et al., 2023). 9.2 Addressing the trade-offs between yield, quality, and stress tolerance Another major challenge in triticale breeding is balancing the trade-offs between high yield, grain quality, and stress tolerance. Breeding for stress resistance often leads to compromises in yield or grain quality due to the complex genetic interactions involved. For instance, increased stress tolerance traits, such as drought resistance, may be associated with reduced grain size or yield potential. To address these trade-offs, breeders are increasingly turning to genomic selection and marker-assisted breeding, which enable the selection of favorable combinations of genes that maximize both yield and stress resilience. These methods improve precision in selection, allowing breeders to more effectively manage the balance between yield, quality, and stress adaptation traits (Golebiowska-Paluch and Dyda, 2023). 9.3 Future prospects for incorporating novel genetic and breeding technologies into triticale breeding Looking to the future, the integration of novel genetic technologies such as CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, precision genome editing, and high-throughput phenotyping holds significant potential for advancing triticale breeding.
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