Wheat landraces in Türkiye: Genetic diversity, agroecological adaptation, and breeding potential

Abstract

Turkish wheat landraces are heterogeneous populations that have been maintained by farmers under contrasting local conditions. Evidence from morphological, physiological, and molecular research indicates substantial allelic variation and population structure associated with geography and environment. This diversity has been linked with yield stability, adaptation to marginal areas, tolerance to drought and heat, and variation in grain quality and micronutrient concentration. Nevertheless, landrace cultivation has declined considerably as modern high-yielding cultivars have expanded, resulting in continuing genetic erosion. The material that remains in farmers' fields and genebank collections is therefore important for crop improvement. In this review, we evaluate current knowledge of the diversity, agroecological adaptation, and functional traits of wheat landraces from Türkiye, with particular attention to their possible contribution to climate-resilient breeding. We also discuss how genomic tools, detailed phenotyping, participatory breeding, and complementary in situ and ex situ conservation can support their effective use in sustainable wheat production.