Which are the best cereal varieties that should be cultivated under drought and salinity constraints: landraces or recent varieties? A review

Abstract

Owing to climate change in the Mediterranean area, temperature, water scarcity, and salinity are increasing and cereal production has decreased rapidly. Research on varieties that are tolerant to abiotic stresses is currently challenging. The mechanisms by which plants tolerate constraints depend on species, cultivar and even ecotype. In recent years, many countries have been oriented to autochthonous varieties. In this context, the objective of this overview was to compare recent and heritage cereal varieties cultivated under drought and salinity constraints and therefore to determine whether there are differences between genotypes. The literature overview represents mainly, among previous studies, a synthesis of our works carried out in this area. Old varieties are the best adapted to local conditions and exhibit drought and salinity tolerance, while most recent varieties have shown increased susceptibility to water and salt stress. In conclusion, the local varieties of each country should be maintained by farmers and plant breeders to preserve their genetic heritage and to improve cereal grain yield without increasing the use of water and fertilizers.