Tritordeum: Creating a New Crop Species-The Successful Use of Plant Genetic Resources.

Cristina Rodríguez-Suárez,Sergio G. Atienza,Carmen M. Ávila

doi:10.3390/plants10051029

Abstract

Hexaploid tritordeum is the amphiploid derived from the cross between the wild barley Hordeum chilense and durum wheat. This paper reviews the main advances and achievements in the last two decades that led to the successful development of tritordeum as a new crop. In particular, we summarize the progress in breeding for agronomic performance, including the potential of tritordeum as a genetic bridge for wheat breeding; the impact of molecular markers in genetic studies and breeding; and the progress in quality and development of innovative food products. The success of tritordeum as a crop shows the importance of the effective utilization of plant genetic resources for the development of new innovative products for agriculture and industry. Considering that wild plant genetic resources have made possible the development of this new crop, the huge potential of more accessible resources, such as landraces conserved in gene banks, goes beyond being sources of resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. In addition, the positive result of tritordeum also shows the importance of adequate commercialization strategies and demonstrative experiences aimed to integrate the whole food chain, from producers to end-point sellers, in order to develop new products for consumers.

Highlights

Rice, maize and common wheat are the most important crops for human consumption in the world
The first triticale was obtained by Rimpau in 1888, after spontaneous chromosome doubling of hybrids from crosses between bread wheat and rye Rimpau, 1891
Octoploid [5] and hexaploid [6] tritordeums were obtained from the crosses between H. chilense and common or durum wheat as pollen donors, respectively

Summary

Introduction

Maize and common wheat are the most important crops for human consumption in the world. Octoploid [5] and hexaploid [6] tritordeums were obtained from the crosses between H. chilense (as mother) and common or durum wheat as pollen donors, respectively. Both tritordeums were initially considered for breeding but the hexaploid became the species of choice since octoploid tritordeums showed a high chromosome instability. Hexaploid tritordeum was perceived as an interesting new crop with a similar role to bread wheat in the food industry and with potential as a bridge to transfer useful traits from H. chilense to wheat. We summarize the findings and achievements of the last 20 years which have allowed the successful development of hexaploid tritordeum as a new crop

Progress in Breeding for Agronomic Performance

Impact of Molecular Markers in Genetics and Breeding

Findings

Final Remarks