Potential abiotic stress targets for modern genetic manipulation

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Climate Science
• Food Security

Background:

• Global food security relies on crop yield and resilience, which have tripled in 5 decades.
• Agriculture faces challenges feeding over 10 billion people amid climate change, water scarcity, and declining soil quality.
• Climate change necessitates resilience to diverse weather extremes, not just heat and drought.

Approach:

• Reviewing impacts of future climates on farming systems and growing seasons.
• Identifying essential crop traits and agricultural practices for climate resilience.
• Examining societal perspectives and public engagement on emerging climate-resilient technologies.

Key Points:

• Breeding for climate resilience requires adaptability to floods, droughts, and temperature fluctuations within seasons.
• Modifying current practices, innovating breeding methods, and collaborating with farmers are vital.
• Participatory approaches are recommended for societal engagement with new climate resilience technologies.

Conclusions:

• Preparing for climate variability requires integrating novel breeding, adaptive practices, and community involvement.
• Ensuring farmer viability and profitability is key to successful adaptation.
• Societal acceptance and engagement are critical for implementing climate-resilient agricultural innovations.