A review of crop evolution through polyploidization

Abstract

This review article describes the basic genetics behind polyploid genomes in simple context that can be understood by any breeder without molecular biology expertise. It aims to address the importance of polyploidy in genomics and breeding studies of the major crops: Brassica, Cotton, cereals and the experimental model crop Arabidopsis. Finally, the review discusses the importance of ancient polyploid diploidization and the genome dynamics of newly formed polyploids for consideration in breeding projects.