Utilization of the Dasypyrum genus for genetic improvement of wheat

The Dasypyrum genus species are found predominantly in the Mediterranean region. They possess an array of agronomically essential traits, such as resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, high protein content, and better grain quality, and are thus a valuable genetic resources for wheat improvement. In recent decades, there has been significant progress in the development of wheat-Dasypyrum genetic stocks, leading to the successful transfer of beneficial genes from Dasypyrum into cultivated wheat. Notably, the chromosome-scale genome assembly of Dasypyrum villosum was preliminarily completed in 2023, laying the groundwork for functional genomics research and wheat-Dasypyrum introgression breeding. This article aims to provide a concise overview of the relationships between different species belonging to the Dasypyrum genus, the development of wheat-Dasypyrum genetic stocks, the desirable genes derived from Dasypyrum, and the molecular and cytogenetic markers that could be used to identify Dasypyrum chromatins. These insights can assist wheat breeders in utilizing the Dasypyrum genus in future wheat breeding endeavors.