Matzrafi, M. - Department of Plant Pathology and Weed Research, Agricultural Research Organization (ARO), Newe Ya'ar Research Center, Ramat Yishay, Israel
Preston, C. - School of Agriculture, Food & Wine, University of Adelaide, Glen Osmond, SA, Australia
Brunharo, C.A. - Department of Crop and Soil Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
The genus Lolium comprises many species, of which L. perenne ssp. multiflorum, L. perenne ssp. perenne, and L. rigidum are of worldwide agricultural importance as both pasture crops and as weeds. These three species are inter-fertile, obligate out-crossers with a self-incompatible reproduction system. This combination contributes to high genetic diversity that supplies new variants during expansion to new natural areas and agricultural environments. Human dispersal, de-domestication and crop-weed hybridization events between Lolium spp., or with others such as Festuca spp., are likely associated with their distinct weediness abilities. Furthermore, new introductions followed by introgression may hasten adaptation to new environments. Most Lolium-related weed science studies have focused on adaptation leading to herbicide resistance, but other forms of adaptation may also occur. In this review, we explore how the wide genetic variation among Lolium species and hybridization with other species may contribute to range expansion, and adaptation to both new agricultural practices and future predicted climate change scenarios.
Matzrafi, M. - Department of Plant Pathology and Weed Research, Agricultural Research Organization (ARO), Newe Ya'ar Research Center, Ramat Yishay, Israel
Preston, C. - School of Agriculture, Food & Wine, University of Adelaide, Glen Osmond, SA, Australia
Brunharo, C.A. - Department of Crop and Soil Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
The genus Lolium comprises many species, of which L. perenne ssp. multiflorum, L. perenne ssp. perenne, and L. rigidum are of worldwide agricultural importance as both pasture crops and as weeds. These three species are inter-fertile, obligate out-crossers with a self-incompatible reproduction system. This combination contributes to high genetic diversity that supplies new variants during expansion to new natural areas and agricultural environments. Human dispersal, de-domestication and crop-weed hybridization events between Lolium spp., or with others such as Festuca spp., are likely associated with their distinct weediness abilities. Furthermore, new introductions followed by introgression may hasten adaptation to new environments. Most Lolium-related weed science studies have focused on adaptation leading to herbicide resistance, but other forms of adaptation may also occur. In this review, we explore how the wide genetic variation among Lolium species and hybridization with other species may contribute to range expansion, and adaptation to both new agricultural practices and future predicted climate change scenarios.