Potential of wild species for genetic enhancement of some semi-arid food crops

    Rao, N K and Reddy, L J and Bramel, P J (2003) Potential of wild species for genetic enhancement of some semi-arid food crops. Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution, 50 (7). pp. 707-721.

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    Abstract

    Discovery and incorporation of genes from wild species provide means to sustain crop improvement, particularly when levels of resistance in the cultigens are low and virulent strains of pests and pathogens overcome the host plant resistance. The extent of utilization and the potential of the wild genepool for genetic enhancement were reviewed in five important food crops viz. sorghum, pearl millet, chickpea, pigeonpea and groundnut grown in the semi-arid tropics. Introgression from compatible wild germplasm in the primary gene pool resulted in transfer of new cytoplasmic male sterility systems in pearl millet and pigeonpea, development of high protein, cleistogamous flower and dwarf pigeonpea lines and foliar disease resistant groundnut cultivars. Utilization of wild species in secondary and tertiary gene pools has been generally limited due to sterility, restricted recombination or cross incompatibility. Nevertheless, these species are extremely important as they contain high levels of resistance to several important biotic and abiotic stresses. Several of them, like those belonging to the Parasorghum section and the rhizomatous Arachis species are sources of multiple resistances and hold great promise to sustain crop productivity.

    Item Type: Article
    Divisions: UNSPECIFIED
    CRP: UNSPECIFIED
    Subjects: Others > Agriculture-Farming, Production, Technology, Economics
    Depositing User: Library ICRISAT
    Date Deposited: 12 Sep 2011 09:13
    Last Modified: 12 Sep 2011 09:13
    URI: http://oar.icrisat.org/id/eprint/1373
    Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1025055018954
    Projects: UNSPECIFIED
    Funders: UNSPECIFIED
    Acknowledgement: UNSPECIFIED
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