Chromosome changes after polyploidization in Triticeae

Abstract

Chromosome changes are common in Triticeae, and they occur widely in natural and resynthesized polyploidy. Two important factors, nucleocytoplasmic interaction (internal) and the environment (external), can significantly influence chromosome changes after polyploidization. And chromosomal DNA changes play key roles during the initial formation, gradual stabilization, and establishment of polyploids. Hybrid breeding between common wheat and related wild species of Triticeae is an example of polyploidization, and many of the chromosome changes occurring after hybridization could be useful for improving wheat varieties. The famous chromosomal translocation 1BL/1RS that occurred after ancestral hybridization between wheat and rye is distributed widely among modern wheat varieties and makes a big contribution to wheat breeding; xiaoyan 6 is a similarly distant hybridization between wheat and Agropyron elongatum (Host) P. Beauv. in China. This chromosome translocation line was cultivated as the main variety in Shaanxi Province for 16 years and has also been used as a core parent for wheat breeding in China during the past 20 years because of its outstanding merits.