Chromosome diversity in Dasypyrum villosum, an important genetic and trait resource for hexaploid wheat engineering.

Consensus karyotypes of D. villosum and oligonucleotide FISH facilitated identification of polymorphic signal blocks and a high level of chromosomal heterozygosity and heterogeneity among D. villosum accessions, seen in newly developed amphiploids. The abundant genetic diversity of D. villosum and range of alleles, exploitable through interploid crosses, backcrosses and recombination (chromosome engineering), allow introduction of biotic and abiotic stress resistances into wheat, translating into increasing yield, end-use quality and crop sustainability.