Back into the Wild: Harnessing the Power of Wheat Wild Relatives for Future Crop and Food Security.

Abstract

Modern agriculture faces increasing challenges from climate change and a rapidly growing global population, necessitating innovative strategies to ensure food security. Wheat wild relatives (WWR) represent a valuable genetic resource for improving wheat resilience and productivity. These species possess traits that confer resistance to pests and diseases, tolerance to environmental stresses such as drought and salinity, and enhanced nutritional quality. Recent advances in genomic sequencing and gene editing have facilitated the transfer of these beneficial traits into cultivated wheat. This review explores the potential of WWR in overcoming the limitations of current wheat varieties and enhancing climate resilience. Key topics include the genetic diversity and adaptability of WWR to harsh environments, recent breakthroughs in cross-breeding and genomics, and the emerging field of de novo domestication. Case studies showcase successful applications of wild wheat traits in modern agriculture. Harnessing WWR's genetic resources presents a viable pathway to developing high-yielding, resilient crops that sustain future food supplies. Achieving this goal requires significant investment, interdisciplinary collaboration, and robust support for research, (pre-)breeding programs, and field trials.