Toward plant breeding for multicrop systems

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Plant Breeding
• Ecology

Background:

• Modern agriculture faces environmental challenges like erosion, soil carbon loss, nutrient runoff, water pollution, and biodiversity loss.
• Traditional plant breeding has focused on monoculture systems, neglecting the potential of multicrop systems.
• Multicrop systems enhance temporal and spatial diversity through varied crops and practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the necessity of adapting plant breeding programs for multicrop systems.
• To identify the broader contextual changes required to support the transition to diverse cropping systems.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of current agricultural practices and breeding strategies.
• Analysis of the role of plant breeding in monoculture versus multicrop systems.
• Identification of necessary shifts in breeding objectives and methodologies.

Main Results:

• Plant breeding must evolve to incorporate diverse rotations, alternate-season crops, ecosystem service crops, and intercropping.
• The specific breeding method adjustments depend on the target cropping system.
• Plant breeding alone is insufficient; systemic changes are required.

Conclusions:

• A transition to multicrop systems requires aligned shifts in breeding approaches, research, private sector engagement, and policy.
• Supportive policies, interdisciplinary collaboration, and public-private leadership are crucial for developing and promoting new cultivars for diverse systems.