Breeding potentials in perennial Triticeae grasses

Abstract

Perennial Triticeae species comprise some of the most valuable grasses in the temperate regions of the world, in addition, they have been a source of genes for pest resistance and other traits in wide hybridization programs to improve cultivated cereal crops. Intense breeding efforts have been restricted primarily to species of Agropyron (Gaertn.), Psathyrostachys Nevski, Thinopyrum Löve, Leymus Hochst., Elymus L., and Pseudoroegneria (Nevski) Löve. Crested wheatgrass (Agropyron ssp.) has received the most attention in breeding programs as evidenced by the release of several improved cultivars. Stand establishment vigor of Russian wildrye, Psathyrostachys juncea (Fisch.) Nevski, has been substantially increased through breeding, and selection for improved forage quality and disease resistance has been effective in intermediate wheatgrass, Thinopyrum intermedium (Host) Barkw. & Dewey. Interspecific hybridization is a promising breeding procedure in the perennial Triticeae. The recently released cultivars ‘Hycrest’ and ‘NewHy’ are notable examples of progress through interspecific hybridization. ‘Hycrest’ was derived from hybrids between induced tetraploid Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn. and natural tetraploid Agropyron desertorum (Fisch. ex Link) Schultes. The parentage of ‘NewHy’ traces to hybrids between quackgrass, Elytrigia repens (L.) Nevski, and bluebunch wheatgrass, Pseudoroegneria spicata (Pursh) Löve. Genetic progress through induced amphiploidy has also been reported. Continued success in breeding programs will be accelerated by expanded plant exploration efforts along with improved technology and breeding methods.