Two eminent researchers from Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana—Dr. Parveen Chhuneja and Dr. Satinder Kaur as a part of a groundbreaking international study titled “Origin and Evolution of the Bread Wheat D Genome,” published in Nature on August 14, 2024, have made significant strides in understanding wheat evolution and unlocking novel genetic variations, paving the way for future wheat improvement. This landmark study, which underscores the critical role of wild wheat relatives in enhancing crop resilience, involved scientists from 36 institutions worldwide.
The study was conducted under the Open Wild Wheat Consortium (OWWC) and led by Dr. Brande Wulff and Dr. Simon Krattinger of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Saudi Arabia.
Dr. Parveen Chhuneja, Director of the School of Agricultural Biotechnology (SAB) at PAU, highlighted that about 10,000 years ago, the wild wheat species Aegilops tauschii contributed the D genome to modern bread wheat. However, due to polyploidization, domestication, and intensive breeding practices, modern bread wheat has lost much of its genetic diversity, posing challenges for crop resilience and adaptability.
The Nature study established extensive genomic resources for Aegilops tauschii by utilizing a diverse panel of 493 accessions and creating a comprehensive pangenome from 46 of these accessions. This effort led to the identification of new disease resistance genes and the discovery of novel genetic variations. The research also uncovered the complex genetic history of the bread wheat D genome, shaped by contributions from distinct Ae. tauschii subpopulations.
Dr. Satinder Kaur, another key contributor from PAU, emphasized the continued importance of utilizing wild wheat relatives for ongoing wheat improvement. She noted that Aegilops tauschii not only played a crucial role in wheat’s historical evolution but remains a valuable resource for future breeding efforts.
PAU currently maintains a collection of about 500 Ae. tauschii accessions, which are being actively used in wheat improvement programmes.
PAU Vice-Chancellor Dr. S. S. Gosal congratulated the scientists on their significant contributions to this study, reaffirming the university’s commitment to leading-edge research and international collaboration. He emphasized that PAU’s dedication to advancing science through global partnerships ensures that its researchers remain at the forefront of agricultural research worldwide.
Dr. A. S. Dhatt, Director of Research at PAU, praised the university’s commitment to international collaboration, stating that PAU is dedicated to advancing cutting-edge research through global partnerships.
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