Wild Lactuca germplasm for lettuce breeding: current status, gaps and challenges.

In this review, we present a critical analysis of the current status of wild Lactuca L. germplasm in relation to its utility for lettuce breeding. We discuss wild Lactuca germplasm in ex situ collections from the perspectives of taxonomy, biogeography, biology and ecology, gene pools, field exploration and acquisition, descriptor development, characterization and evaluation, and enhancement. Future research and other activities related to wild Lactuca germplasm and their continued exploitation in lettuce breeding are considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]