De-Domestication: An Extension of Crop Evolution. (June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wu, Dongya; Lao, Sangting; Fan, Longjiang
• Is Part Of: Trends in plant science. Volume 26:Number 6(2021)
• Page Start: 560
• Page End: 574
• Publication Date: 2021-06
• Subjects: crop evolution -- de-domestication -- population genomics -- shattering; Botany -- Periodicals; Botanique -- Périodiques; Botany; Periodicals; 580.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2021.02.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1360-1385

Abstract

Abstract : De-domestication or feralization is an interesting phenomenon in crops and livestock. Previously, evidence for crop de-domestication was based mainly on studies using phenotypic and genotypic data from limited molecular markers or gene segments. Recent genomic studies in rice, barley, and wheat provide comprehensive landscapes of de-domestication on a whole-genome scale. Here, we summarize crop de-domestication processes, ecological roles of de-domesticates, mechanisms underlying crop de-domestication syndromes, and conditions potentially favoring de-domestication events. We further explain how recent de-domestication studies have expanded our understanding of the complexity of crop evolution, and highlight the genetic novelties of de-domesticates beneficial for modern crop breeding. Highlights: De-domestication has recently been confirmed in several crop and livestock systems by genomic evidence and has been demonstrated to be not just a genetic reversal of domestication, despite reacquisition of wild-like phenotypes. Multiple pathways lead to the emergence of plant de-domestication, and de-domesticates have multiple roles in both wild and agricultural ecosystems. Under loosening artificial selection due to the wide application of non-intensive farming practices, crops, especially diploid ones, tend to be more likely to initiate de-domestication. Under natural selection, de-domesticates could provide valuable genetic resources for modern crop breeding.