Genetic Improvement of Wheat for Drought Tolerance: Progress, Challenges and Opportunities

Plants

Theresa Bapela¹  Isack Mathew¹  Hussein Shimelis¹  Toi John Tsilo² 

[1] African Centre for Crop Improvement, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa;Agricultural Research Council—Small Grain, Bethlehem 9700, South Africa;

关键词: drought-tolerance;    genetic resources;    selection indices;    breeding technologies;    Triticum aestivum L.;   

DOI  :  10.3390/plants11101331

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Wheat production and productivity are challenged by recurrent droughts associated with climate change globally. Drought and heat stress resilient cultivars can alleviate yield loss in marginal production agro-ecologies. The ability of some crop genotypes to thrive and yield in drought conditions is attributable to the inherent genetic variation and environmental adaptation, presenting opportunities to develop drought-tolerant varieties. Understanding the underlying genetic, physiological, biochemical, and environmental mechanisms and their interactions is key critical opportunity for drought tolerance improvement. Therefore, the objective of this review is to document the progress, challenges, and opportunities in breeding for drought tolerance in wheat. The paper outlines the following key aspects: (1) challenges associated with breeding for adaptation to drought-prone environments, (2) opportunities such as genetic variation in wheat for drought tolerance, selection methods, the interplay between above-ground phenotypic traits and root attributes in drought adaptation and drought-responsive attributes and (3) approaches, technologies and innovations in drought tolerance breeding. In the end, the paper summarises genetic gains and perspectives in drought tolerance breeding in wheat. The review will serve as baseline information for wheat breeders and agronomists to guide the development and deployment of drought-adapted and high-performing new-generation wheat varieties.

【 授权许可】

Unknown