Multi-Species Genomics-Enabled Selection for Improving Agroecosystems Across Space and Time.

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Plant Genetics
• Sustainable Agriculture

Background:

• Plant breeding has significantly increased crop yields, contributing to global food security.
• However, conventional breeding practices have led to unintended negative consequences.
• Existing alternative agricultural systems have not been adequately addressed by current breeding programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore novel breeding and selection strategies.
• To align plant breeding with diverse spatial and temporal agricultural systems.
• To mitigate the negative externalities of conventional crop improvement.

Main Methods:

• Review of current plant breeding methodologies.
• Analysis of alternative agricultural system requirements.
• Proposal of integrated breeding and selection approaches.

Main Results:

• Identification of key breeding targets for diverse agricultural systems.
• Development of strategies for selecting for resilience and reduced environmental impact.
• Highlighting the need for adaptive breeding programs.

Conclusions:

• Plant breeding must evolve to support sustainable and diverse agricultural practices.
• Integrating breeding programs with alternative farming systems is crucial.
• Future breeding efforts should prioritize ecological and social outcomes alongside yield.