Triticeae Genomics and Genetics, 2025, Vol.16, No.3, 130-137 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/tgg 132 that not only do different varieties exhibit different behaviors, but G×E interactions also "get involved", making the results more variable (Miedaner et al., 2012). Interestingly, in those arid or semi-arid plots, rye does not completely fail. It can still maintain a commercially acceptable grain shape and weight (Sabaghnia and Janmohammdi, 2024), indicating that this crop still has some foundation in an environment with unstable water content. Moreover, the heritability of these physical traits is not low, and it is not difficult to select them for breeding. As long as the direction is right, it is entirely possible to pick out stable genotypes. Figure 1 Images of cereal rye production. Clockwise from top left: emerging from winter dormancy, anthesis, mature grain prior to harvest and grain maturation. Photos by Elżbieta Szuleta (Adopted from Brzozowski et al., 2023) 3.3 Stability of feeding and processing quality The requirements for processing and feeding are not that simple. For instance, dietary fiber, viscosity, and baking effect - none of them can fail. However, the performance differences among different varieties in these aspects are indeed quite significant. Interestingly, group varieties stand out more in terms of fiber and viscosity indicators, which are quite advantageous whether for human consumption or as feed (Brzozowski et al., 2023; St Woda pniewska et al., 2024). Of course, there are also balanced varieties, such as "Zilant", which has a decent yield and stable baking quality. It can maintain a high standard in many regions for several years (Ponomareva et al., 2021). Although most quality traits are susceptible to the G×E interaction, on the other hand, through multi-environment testing and with the addition of some advanced genetic analysis methods, it is still possible to select varieties with wide adaptability and stable quality. 4 Stress Resistance and Resource Use Efficiency 4.1 Water use efficiency under rainfed conditions It has long been recognized that rye can survive quite well in dry land, especially in some marginal areas where there is little rainfall, yet it can still produce some yield (Moskal et al., 2021). But saying it is "drought-resistant" doesn't mean there will be no problem at all when there is a drought. If drought really comes, rye will still be affected, both in terms of yield and physiological response. Moreover, the ability of different varieties to withstand drought varies, which is actually closely related to how water is managed and how water shortages are dealt with. Some varieties are a bit smarter. Their root systems are deeply rooted and their osmotic regulation is well done. Even if the water is insufficient, they can still maintain the yield (Makhramova and Urokov, 2024). In addition, some research has found that when certain chromosomal fragments of rye are introduced into wheat, the water use efficiency also improves. This "borrowing genes" approach to some extent indicates that there is a genetic basis behind drought resistance. 4.2 Disease resistance and genotype × environment interaction effects Rye is not only drought-resistant, but it is also quite capable in resisting pests and diseases. The main reason is that its genetic foundation is rich enough, containing many disease-resistant genes. However, whether one can
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