Impact of Polyploidy on Crop Improvement and Plant Breeding Strategies: A Review

Vangapandu Thriveni *

Department of Horticulture, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha - 761211, India.

Mouli Paul

Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute, Howrah, West Bengal, India.

Chakri Voruganti

Department of Plant and Soil Science, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA.

Vadada Vinay Kumar

College of Horticulture, Anantharajupeta, Dr. YSR Horticultural University 516105, India.

Jammugani Vinod Kumar

Department of Biochemistry, Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Pundibari, 736165, Cooch Behar, West Bengal, India.

B Sai Krishna Reddy

Mallareddy University, Maisammaguda, Dulapally, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.

Manoj Kumar

IARI Regional Station Shimla, 171004, India.

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.


Abstract

Polyploidy, the condition of possessing multiple sets of chromosomes, is a widespread phenomenon in plants that has had a profound impact on crop evolution and improvement. This review explores the role of polyploidy in plant breeding strategies, emphasizing its contributions to enhancing agronomic traits, overcoming genetic barriers, and expanding genetic diversity. Polyploid crops, such as wheat, cotton, and Brassica species, exhibit superior yield, increased biomass, and enhanced stress tolerance compared to their diploid counterparts. Polyploidy can arise naturally or be induced artificially, providing breeders with opportunities to create novel crop varieties through synthetic polyploidization. The complexity of polyploid genomes poses significant challenges, including fertility issues, meiotic instability, and difficulties in genome management. Advances in genomic and biotechnological tools, such as genomic selection and CRISPR-based genome editing, are beginning to address these obstacles, allowing for precise manipulation of polyploid genomes and improved breeding outcomes. Additionally, polyploidy plays a crucial role in overcoming reproductive barriers in interspecific hybrids, facilitating the transfer of desirable traits between species that would otherwise be genetically incompatible. The potential of polyploidy for developing climate-resilient crops is particularly noteworthy, as polyploid plants often exhibit greater tolerance to drought, salinity, and extreme temperatures. This makes polyploid breeding a promising approach for addressing the challenges of climate change and ensuring food security. Future research should focus on understanding the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms underlying polyploid genome stability and trait expression, as well as integrating advanced computational tools to predict and manipulate polyploid gene function. Emerging areas such as synthetic biology and multi-omics integration will further enhance our ability to engineer polyploid crops with complex trait architectures. Polyploidy remains a powerful and versatile tool for plant breeders, offering immense potential for crop improvement, genetic innovation, and the development of resilient agricultural systems. As the understanding and technological capabilities in polyploid breeding continue to advance, polyploid crops will play a central role in sustainable agricultural development and global food production.

Keywords: Polyploidy, crop improvement, genome stability, genetic diversity, stress tolerance, hybridization


How to Cite

Thriveni, Vangapandu, Mouli Paul, Chakri Voruganti, Vadada Vinay Kumar, Jammugani Vinod Kumar, B Sai Krishna Reddy, and Manoj Kumar. 2024. “Impact of Polyploidy on Crop Improvement and Plant Breeding Strategies: A Review”. Journal of Advances in Biology & Biotechnology 27 (11):714-25. https://doi.org/10.9734/jabb/2024/v27i111655.