The Pros and Cons of Rye Chromatin Introgression into Wheat Genome

Rye is one of the most commonly used sources of elite genes in wheat improvement programs. Due to the high collinearity of the genomes of both cereal species, it is possible to obtain interspecific chromosomal translocations and substitution lines. Rye chromatin is used to transfer numerous genes for resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses into the wheat genome. Introgression has also resulted in improved agronomic traits. However, despite the numerous advantages, the transfer of large fragments or whole chromosomes has been quite often accompanied by a decrease in end-use quality. This paper presents an overview of the benefits and drawbacks of using rye as a source of variability in wheat breeding.