DNA methylation in wheat: current understanding and future potential for enhancing biotic and abiotic stress tolerance.

DNA methylation is a paramount epigenetic mark that helps balance gene expression post-transcriptionally. Its effect on specific genes determines the plant's holistic development and acclimatization during adversities. Triticum aestivum L., an allohexaploid, is a dominant cereal crop with a large genome size. Changing environmental conditions exert a profound impact on its overall yield. Here, bibliometric science mapping was employed for a nuanced understanding of the prevailing research trends in the DNA methylation study of wheat. The detailed data obtained was used to delve deep into its fundamentals, patterns and mechanism of action, to accumulate evidence of the role of DNA methylation in the regulation of gene expressions across its entire genome. This review encapsulates the methylation/demethylation players in wheat during different stages of development. It also uncloaks the differential methylation dynamics while encountering biotic and abiotic constraints, focusing on the critical function it plays in fostering immunity. The study significantly contributes to broadening our knowledge of the regulatory mechanism and plasticity of DNA methylation in wheat. It also uncovers its potential role in improving breeding programs to produce more resilient wheat varieties, stimulating further research and development in the field.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-024-01539-1.