Back into the wild—Apply untapped genetic diversity of wild relatives for crop improvement

Compared with domesticated cultivars, crop wild relatives (CWRs) have been challenged in natural environments for thousands of years and maintain a much higher level of genetic diversity. This review paper highlights the significance of CWRs for crop improvement by providing examples of CWRs that have been used to increase biotic and abiotic stress resistance/tolerance and overall yield in various crop species. Furthermore, available resources and conservation of CWRs are discussed, including the urgent need for CWR prioritization and collection to ensure continuous crop improvement for food sustainability.