Journal of Plant Biotechnology and Microbiology

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Editorial - Journal of Plant Biotechnology and Microbiology (2025) Volume 8, Issue 2

Molecular Breeding for Climate-Resilient Crops: Strategies and Success Stories

Nadia Simarmata *

Department of Agriculture, Padjadjaran University Bandung, Indonesia

Corresponding Author:
Nadia Simarmata
Department of Agriculture,
Padjadjaran University Bandung,
Indonesia;
E-mail: n.simarmata@unpad.ac.id

Received: 02-May-2025, Manuscript No. AAPBM-25-169164; Editor assigned: 03-May-2025, AAPBM-25-169164 (PQ); Reviewed: 16-May-2025, QC No. AAPBM-25-169164; Revised: 21-May-2025, Manuscript No. AAPBM-25-169164 (R); Published: 28-Jan-2025, DOI: 10.35841/aapbm.8.2.185

Citation: Simarmata N. Molecular breeding for climate-resilient crops: Strategies and success stories. J Plant Bio Technol. 2025;8(2):185.

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Introduction

Climate change is reshaping the agricultural landscape. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts, and increased salinity are threatening crop productivity and global food security. Traditional breeding methods, while valuable, are often too slow to keep pace with these rapidly evolving challenges. Molecular breeding leveraging genetic tools to accelerate and refine crop improvement offers a powerful solution. By targeting specific genes and pathways, molecular breeding enables the development of climate-resilient crops that can thrive under stress and sustain yields in unpredictable environments [1, 2].

CRISPR and transcriptomic analysis have led to the development of potato lines that maintain tuber quality under high temperatures. These varieties are helping farmers adapt to warming climates. Gene editing of ion transporter genes has produced wheat varieties that grow in saline soils, expanding cultivation into previously unproductive lands. Molecular breeding integrates molecular biology techniques with conventional breeding to enhance precision and efficiency. Key approaches include: Using DNA markers linked to stress-tolerant traits for faster selection. Predicting performance based on genome-wide markers and statistical models. Precisely modifying genes to improve drought tolerance, heat resistance, and salinity adaptation [3, 4].

High-throughput phenotyping platforms drones, remote sensors, and automated imaging are revolutionizing trait assessment. When combined with genotyping, these tools enable precise selection of climate-resilient traits across diverse environments. This integration accelerates breeding cycles and improves prediction accuracy. Transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics to understand stress responses at the molecular level. These tools allow breeders to identify, track, and manipulate genes associated with climate resilience. Drought is one of the most devastating climate stressors. Molecular breeding targets traits such as deep root architecture, stomatal regulation, and osmotic adjustment. For example, editing the DREB transcription factor in rice and wheat has enhanced drought tolerance by improving water-use efficiency and stress-responsive gene expression [5, 6].

Preserving and utilizing genetic diversity is essential for climate-smart breeding. Wild relatives and landraces harbor valuable alleles for stress tolerance. Molecular tools allow breeders to introgress these traits into elite cultivars without linkage drag. High temperatures affect flowering, pollination, and grain filling. Molecular approaches focus on heat shock proteins (HSPs), antioxidant pathways, and membrane stability. In maize, genomic selection has identified heat-tolerant lines with improved pollen viability and kernel development. Saline soils impair nutrient uptake and water balance. Molecular breeding targets ion transporters like HKT1 and NHX1, which regulate sodium and potassium homeostasis. In rice, CRISPR-mediated editing of OsRR22 has improved salinity tolerance without compromising yield [7, 8].

Climate change alters pest and pathogen dynamics. Molecular breeding enables the stacking of resistance genes through gene pyramiding. For instance, wheat varieties with multiple rust resistance genes have shown durable protection across environments. Flood-tolerant rice developed through MAS using the Sub1A gene has transformed farming in flood-prone regions. These varieties survive submergence for up to two weeks, protecting yields and livelihoods. Genomic selection and MAS have produced maize varieties that yield 20–30% more under drought conditions. These crops are now widely adopted in sub-Saharan Africa, improving food security for millions [9, 10].

Conclusion

Molecular breeding is a cornerstone of climate-smart agriculture. By targeting specific genes and integrating advanced technologies, it enables the development of crops that can withstand drought, heat, salinity, and disease. Success stories from around the world demonstrate its potential to safeguard yields and improve livelihoods. As climate challenges intensify, molecular breeding offers a path forward—scientifically grounded, globally collaborative, and urgently needed. Global collaboration is key to scaling molecular breeding. Initiatives like the CGIAR Genebank Platform and FAO’s Global Plan of Action for Plant Genetic Resources promote data sharing, capacity-building, and equitable access. Public-private partnerships are essential to ensure that innovations reach smallholder farmers.

References

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