Harnessing genetic diversity to protect world wheat from stem rust
Ward, R.
Harnessing genetic diversity to protect world wheat from stem rust - 2014 - 1 page
Abstract only
Growing population and income are projected to increase global demand for wheat by at least 60% by 2050. Additional wheat production should come from sustainable intensification of existing wheat-inclusive production systems rather than GHG-enhancing land clearing. The largest yield gaps for wheat are in developing countries where smallholder farms are the primary source of production. Increasing the yield and nutritional value of wheat on those farms through improved cropping systems and varieties can contribute to food security and promote equitable economic growth. Breeders need to continue focus on stem rust (Puccinia graminis f. sp.tritci; ?Pgt?) because at least 65% of the world?s wheat is grown in regions where climatic conditions favour stem rust development. There are untapped sources of race-specific and non-race-specific resistances within wheat?s primary gene pool and among its more distant relatives. New techniques are enabling reduction in linkage drag. Recent gene cloning work has raised the possibility of cisgenic solutions, and deep phenotyping is revealing the mechanisms of both non-race-specific and non-host-resistances (e.g., rice). The global community is actively discussing approaches to gene stewardship. The food security benefits of these genetic resources are only realized when farmers have access to seed of competitive, resistant varieties. But many regions lack proactive breeding/seed systems that can create and satisfy demand in smallholder communities. Also important are expanded monitoring and preservation of global Pgt populations to detect emergence of new threats and to enable design of diagnostics that extend the ability to monitor threats beyond traditional approaches.
English
Harnessing genetic diversity to protect world wheat from stem rust - 2014 - 1 page
Abstract only
Growing population and income are projected to increase global demand for wheat by at least 60% by 2050. Additional wheat production should come from sustainable intensification of existing wheat-inclusive production systems rather than GHG-enhancing land clearing. The largest yield gaps for wheat are in developing countries where smallholder farms are the primary source of production. Increasing the yield and nutritional value of wheat on those farms through improved cropping systems and varieties can contribute to food security and promote equitable economic growth. Breeders need to continue focus on stem rust (Puccinia graminis f. sp.tritci; ?Pgt?) because at least 65% of the world?s wheat is grown in regions where climatic conditions favour stem rust development. There are untapped sources of race-specific and non-race-specific resistances within wheat?s primary gene pool and among its more distant relatives. New techniques are enabling reduction in linkage drag. Recent gene cloning work has raised the possibility of cisgenic solutions, and deep phenotyping is revealing the mechanisms of both non-race-specific and non-host-resistances (e.g., rice). The global community is actively discussing approaches to gene stewardship. The food security benefits of these genetic resources are only realized when farmers have access to seed of competitive, resistant varieties. But many regions lack proactive breeding/seed systems that can create and satisfy demand in smallholder communities. Also important are expanded monitoring and preservation of global Pgt populations to detect emergence of new threats and to enable design of diagnostics that extend the ability to monitor threats beyond traditional approaches.
English