RESEARCH ARTICLE

RESEARCH ON CROP WILD RELATIVES IN MAJOR FOOD CROPS FOR HIGHER YIELDS

Abstract

The use of crop wild relatives genes to improve crop performance is well established with important examples dating back more than 60 years. In this paper, I review available information on the presence of genes from the wild genepool in important food crops. It appears that there has been a steady increase in the rate of release of cultivars containing genes from wild relatives. While there continues to be a strong emphasis on using pest and disease resistance genes, a wider range of characteristics are being introduced than in the past. Those crops whose wild relatives have traditionally been used as sources of useful traits (e.g., wheat, tomato, potato, etc) continue to be most likely to include new genes from their wild relatives and progenitors.

Keywords: Crop wild relatives , Wild genepool, Crops, Progenitors

How to Cite: Damania,A, (2016). RESEARCH ON CROP WILD RELATIVES IN MAJOR FOOD CROPS FOR HIGHER YIELDS.WILDLANKA, 4(2):Pages 060-069

Published On:2016-06-30

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