Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

POLYPLOIDY’S ROLE IN CROP IMPROVEMENT: OVERVIEW OF ITS TYPES AND USES IN PLANT BREEDING

Tumu Sahithi, Deshraj Gurjar and Chilamakuri Prudhvi Sai Gowtham

Abstract

Polyploidy is a complex biological mechanism wherein an organism possesses multiple sets of chromosomes. This phenomenon has proved highly beneficial in agriculture, developing high-yielding and resilient crops that withstand various environmental stresses and pests. Furthermore, the breeding process involving polyploids has resulted in substantial growth in agricultural productivity due to their ability to produce crops with desirable genetic traits. Two main types of polyploidies have been employed in improving crop quality - autopolyploids, which arise from duplicating a single genome within a single species, and allopolyploids, which originate from crossing two or more related but distinct species. Each type possesses unique strengths and weaknesses that contribute differently to improving crop production yields. This article aims to provide an all-inclusive overview of the different types of polyploid plants used for plant breeding and how they enhance agricultural productivity. Our discussion will delve into how these plants increase harvests, improve crop quality, combat diseases, resist pests, and enhance drought tolerance while employing plant breeding techniques that involve polyploid organisms. With this understanding, we can understand how using polyploid plants improves food production systems worldwide through increased efficiency and sustainability.