| Abstract | Scientists agree that the increased human impact on the environment since the 19th century has positioned our planet in a period of rapid and intense change, particularly to our natural ecosystems. Most plants suffer from physiological and biochemical damages upon exposure to increased biotic and abiotic stresses. Regarding crops, stress-induced injuries, which are reflected in most metabolic processes, can cause substantial losses in yield. Crop species are equipped with vast diversity in stress adaptation mechanisms. Although many of these mechanisms are universal, their relative importance may vary from genotype to genotype. Consequently, some genotypes can cope with stress better than others. Genotypes that differ in stress adaptation/acclimation mechanisms serve as an essential resource for studying these mechanisms. Based on available genotypic variability and given the considerable impact of genomic structural variation on gene function, we need to increase our understanding of the genome and its relationship with the plant phenotype related to the trait of interest. |
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