Wheat Breeding Strategies for Mitigating Global Climate Change: A Review

Author: Adil Rahim Margay

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Abstract

Wheat, as a staple crop, plays a crucial role in global food security. However, the adverse impacts of climate change, including rising temperatures, erratic precipitation patterns, and increased occurrence of pests and diseases, pose significant challenges to wheat production worldwide. In response, breeding resilient wheat varieties has emerged as a critical strategy to mitigate the effects of climate change on wheat production. This abstract explores various breeding approaches aimed at enhancing wheat resilience to climate change. Traditional breeding methods, such as phenotypic selection and hybridization, have been pivotal in developing wheat varieties with improved stress tolerance. However, with advancements in genomics and molecular breeding techniques, breeders now have access to a wealth of genetic resources and tools for accelerating wheat breeding programs. Marker-assisted selection (MAS) allows for the identification and introgression of favorable alleles associated with traits such as drought tolerance, heat tolerance, and disease resistance, thereby expediting the development of climate-resilient wheat varieties. Moreover, genomic selection (GS) has revolutionized wheat breeding by enabling the prediction of complex traits based on genomic information, leading to more efficient and precise selection of elite breeding lines. Additionally, the utilization of genomic resources, such as high-density genetic maps and whole-genome sequencing, facilitates the discovery of candidate genes underlying desirable traits, offering valuable insights for targeted breeding efforts. Furthermore, innovative breeding strategies, including speed breeding and genome editing technologies such as CRISPR-Cas9, hold promise for accelerating the development of climate-resilient wheat varieties. Speed breeding techniques enable rapid generation turnover, allowing breeders to select for desired traits under controlled environmental conditions. Meanwhile, genome editing tools offer precise manipulation of target genes, enabling the introduction of beneficial traits or the removal of undesirable ones with unprecedented precision and efficiency. Collaborative efforts between public institutions, private sector entities, and international organizations are essential for ensuring the successful deployment of climate-resilient wheat varieties to farmers worldwide. Furthermore, the adoption of interdisciplinary approaches that integrate breeding with agronomic practices, such as conservation agriculture and precision farming, can maximize the resilience and productivity of wheat production systems in the face of climate change. In conclusion, wheat breeding strategies leveraging traditional breeding methods, genomic tools, and innovative technologies hold immense potential for developing climate-resilient wheat varieties capable of sustaining global food security amidst the challenges posed by climate change. By prioritizing collaborative research efforts and fostering knowledge exchange, the agricultural community can accelerate the development and adoption of resilient wheat varieties, thereby safeguarding food production and livelihoods in a changing climate

Keywords

genomic selection (GS), doubled haploid (DH), cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS), Marker-assisted selection (MAS), wheat.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the imperative to develop wheat varieties resilient to climate change is paramount. This review has highlighted several key breeding strategies aimed at enhancing wheat’s adaptability to the changing environmental conditions induced by global climate change. Firstly, the utilization of genetic diversity through germplasm screening and introgression of desirable traits offers promising avenues for breeding climate-resilient wheat varieties. By tapping into the vast genetic reservoir of wild relatives and landraces, breeders can access traits such as drought tolerance, heat tolerance, disease resistance, and nutrient use efficiency, crucial for mitigating the impacts of climate change. Furthermore, advancements in genomic technologies, including marker-assisted selection (MAS) and genomic selection (GS), enable breeders to accelerate the breeding process and enhance the efficiency of trait introgression. These tools facilitate the identification and pyramiding of multiple desirable traits into elite cultivars, thereby creating varieties with enhanced resilience to various stressors associated with climate change. Additionally, the incorporation of physiological and agronomic traits, such as early vigor, root architecture, and canopy structure, can contribute significantly to improving wheat’s resilience to climate variability. Breeding for traits that optimize resource utilization and stress tolerance can enhance wheat productivity under challenging environmental conditions, ensuring food security in the face of climate change. Moreover, participatory breeding approaches involving collaboration between breeders, farmers, and other stakeholders are essential for tailoring wheat varieties to local agro-ecological conditions and socio-economic contexts. By integrating farmers’ knowledge and preferences into the breeding process, breeders can develop varieties that are not only resilient to climate change but also meet the needs and preferences of end-users. In conclusion, the successful development and deployment of climate-resilient wheat varieties necessitate a multi-faceted approach that integrates genetic diversity, advanced breeding technologies, and stakeholder engagement. By adopting such strategies, the wheat breeding community can contribute significantly to global efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change on agriculture, ensuring food security and livelihood sustainability for current and future generations

References

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How to cite this article

Adil Rahim Margay (2024). Wheat Breeding Strategies for Mitigating Global Climate Change: A Review. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 16(5): 154-162.