Journal of Agricultural Science and Botany

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Perspective - Journal of Agricultural Science and Botany (2025) Volume 9, Issue 1

Plant Breeding for Climate Resilience: Tools and Strategies

Manickavelu Liao*

Department of Genomic Science, Central University of Kerala, India

*Corresponding Author:
Manickavelu Liao
Department of Genomic Science, Central University of Kerala, India
E-mail: liaomanickavelu@cukerala.ac.in

Received: 02-Jan-2025, Manuscript No. AAASCB-25-162841; Editor assigned: 03-Jan-2025, PreQC No. AAASCB-25-162841 (PQ) Reviewed:17-Jan-2025, QC No. AAASCB-25-162841Revised:24-Jan-2025, Manuscript No. AAASCB-25-162841 (R); Published:28-Jan-2025, DOI: 10.35841/aaascb.9.1.282

Citation: Liao M. Plant Breeding for Climate Resilience: Tools and Strategies. J Agric Sci Bot. 2025;9(1):282

 

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Abstract

  

Introduction

Climate change poses a significant challenge to global agriculture, with rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and more frequent extreme weather events threatening crop productivity and food security. As such, enhancing the resilience of crops to climate-related stresses is crucial. Plant breeding, the science of improving crop varieties through genetic selection, plays a pivotal role in developing climate-resilient crops. This mini-review explores the tools and strategies used in plant breeding to develop crops that can withstand the challenges posed by climate change [1].

Key Climate Stresses Affecting Crops

Climate change introduces several stresses that negatively impact agricultural production, includes higher temperatures during critical phases of crop growth, such as flowering or grain filling, can reduce yields. Reduced water availability during key growth stages can severely limit crop productivity. Excess water due to increased rainfall or poor drainage can harm crops, particularly rice, maize, and other flood-sensitive species. Warmer temperatures and changing precipitation patterns can alter the dynamics of pest populations and the spread of plant diseases. Increased evaporation and saltwater intrusion due to rising sea levels can lead to soil salinization, affecting crop growth. Developing crops that can endure these stresses is central to maintaining global food security in the face of climate change [2].

Tools for Plant Breeding for Climate Resilience

3].

Genomic selection involves the use of genome-wide markers to predict the performance of plants for complex traits like drought tolerance, heat resistance, and pest resistance. This approach allows breeders to select plants with favorable genetic traits at early stages of development, speeding up the breeding process and improving the accuracy of selection. The advent of CRISPR-Cas9 and other gene-editing technologies has revolutionized plant breeding. These tools allow for precise modifications to a plant's genome, enabling the introduction of beneficial traits or the enhancement of existing traits without the need for traditional crossbreeding. For example, genes that confer drought tolerance or heat resistance can be directly edited into crops, allowing for more rapid development of climate-resilient varieties. Gene editing can also address challenges such as improving nitrogen use efficiency and enhancing pest resistance [4].

The use of diverse genetic resources, including wild relatives of crops, is critical for breeding climate-resilient plants. Wild species often possess traits such as drought resistance, heat tolerance, or disease resistance that are not present in cultivated varieties. Through germplasm collections, breeders can access this genetic diversity to introduce beneficial traits into modern crop varieties. Genetic modification (GM) through biotechnology enables the introduction of specific traits from one species to another, overcoming natural reproductive barriers. While genetically modified (GM) crops remain controversial in some regions, they have been used successfully to develop varieties resistant to pests, diseases, and environmental stresses such as drought and salinity. For example, Bt cotton, resistant to the bollworm, and drought-tolerant maize are examples of GM crops that have already been deployed [5].

Breeding Strategies for Climate Resilience

Breeding for drought and heat tolerance involves identifying and enhancing traits that enable crops to conserve water, maintain productivity during dry spells, and tolerate high temperatures. Key traits include deeper root systems, improved water-use efficiency, and the ability to maintain photosynthesis under heat stress. Several crops, including maize, wheat, and rice, are being bred for enhanced drought and heat resistance. In flood-prone areas, breeding for flood tolerance has been a priority, particularly for rice. Certain rice varieties, such as those with the Sub1 gene, exhibit tolerance to submergence, allowing them to survive temporary flooding without losing yield. This gene has been incorporated into high-yielding rice varieties, helping to mitigate the impacts of flooding in regions like South and Southeast Asia. As climate change alters the distribution and behavior of pests and pathogens, breeding for pest and disease resistance has become a key strategy for climate resilience. For example, breeding for resistance to the Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), a pest that has become more prevalent due to changing weather patterns, is crucial for maize and other crops. 7

With rising sea levels and increased salinization of agricultural soils, developing crops that can tolerate higher levels of salinity is vital. Breeding for salt-tolerant varieties of crops such as rice, barley, and wheat can help mitigate the impact of salinity on agricultural productivity, especially in coastal and arid regions. Climate change is likely to exacerbate nutrient deficiencies in soil, especially under drought conditions. Breeding crops with improved nutrient use efficiency—crops that can better utilize the nutrients available in the soil—can help improve yields while reducing the reliance on synthetic fertilizers, thus contributing to sustainable agricultural practices. [7-10].

Challenges and Limitations

Despite the progress in developing climate-resilient crops, several challenges remain. Many climate-related stresses are complex and interact in unpredictable ways. For instance, heat stress may exacerbate drought, and pest outbreaks may be linked to changing precipitation patterns. This complexity makes it difficult to breed for resilience to multiple stresses simultaneously. While significant progress has been made, the genetic variation needed for climate resilience is not always available within current crop varieties. The introduction of traits from wild relatives or other species may be necessary but is often limited by factors like crossability and genetic compatibility.

The development of genetically modified and gene-edited crops raises regulatory, ethical, and public acceptance issues. Regulatory frameworks for the approval of such crops can be slow and vary across countries, which may delay their deployment. The unpredictable nature of future climate change presents a challenge for breeding programs, as breeders need to anticipate the specific stresses that will become more prominent in different regions. This requires flexible breeding strategies and long-term investment in research.

Conclusion

Plant breeding for climate resilience is a vital strategy for securing food production in a changing climate. Through advanced tools such as genomic selection, marker-assisted breeding, and gene editing, breeders are developing crops that can withstand the growing challenges posed by climate change. Although challenges remain, the continued integration of innovative breeding techniques, genetic diversity, and a focus on multiple stress tolerance will be key to developing the resilient crops needed for the future.

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