Reproductive Isolation and Its Role in Crop Evolution and Agronomic Practice

Dear Colleagues,

Reproductive isolation plays a critical role in the speciation and the evolution of biodiversity, yet it poses significant challenges in crop breeding by hindering the transfer of valuable traits across species or subspecies. This Special Issue, “Reproductive Isolation and Its Role in Crop Evolution and Agronomic Practice”, explores this dual nature—as both an evolutionary driver and a practical barrier in distant hybridization breeding. We seek contributions that investigate the genetic and molecular underpinnings of reproductive barriers across a variety of crops, including cereals, legumes, and horticultural species. Studies focusing on key genetic loci, killer–protector mechanisms, gamete elimination, and chromosomal rearrangements underlying hybrid incompatibility are especially encouraged. We also invite work on translational strategies to overcome reproductive isolation, for instance, through pyramiding compatibility genes and gene editing. Submissions may span genetic, molecular, cellular, phenotypic, and evolutionary scales, with an emphasis on mechanistic discovery and breeding applications. This Special Issue aims to bring evolutionary biology and agricultural science together, facilitating a more efficient use of genetic resources and enhancing crop resilience and productivity.

Prof. Dr. Jiangyi Yang
Dr. Encarnación Ortega Pastor
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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