Raising Climate-Resilient Crops: Journey From the Conventional Breeding to New Breeding Approaches

Abstract

Background: In order to meet the demands of ever-increasing human population, it has become necessary to raise climate-resilient crops. Plant breeding which involves crossing and selecting superior gene pools has contributed tremendously towards achieving this goal during the past few decades. The relatively newer methods of crop improvement based on genetic engineering are relatively simple and targets can be achieved in an expeditious manner. More recently emerged genome editing technique using CRISPR has raised strong hopes among plant scientists for precise integration of valuable traits and removal of undesirable ones. Conclusion: Genome editing using Site Specific Nucleases (SSNs) is a good alternative to the plant breeding and genetic engineering approaches as it can modify the genomes specifically and precisely at the target site in the host genome. Another added advantage of the genome editing approach is the simpler biosafety regulations that have been adopted by many countries for commercialization of the products thus generated. This review provides a critical assessment of the available methods for improving the stress tolerance in crop plants. Special emphasis has been given on genome editing approach in light of the diversity of tools which are being discovered on everyday basis and the practical applications of the same. This information will serve a beginner’s guide to initiate the crop improvement programs as well as giving technical insight to the expert to plan the research strategically to tackle even multigenic traits in crop plants.

Genomics-assisted speed breeding for crop improvement: present and future

“…Thus, it has become imperative to develop and exploit new breeding technologies to ensure the rapid production of improved cultivars and accelerate genetic gain for important traits. Over time, various plant breeding approaches were used to advance generation and to fasten the breeding cycle, such as optimization of the traditional selection method -single seed descent (SSD) method utilized during breeding for the development of homozygous lines, use of off-season nursery for growing of two or more generations per year in contrasting environments (shuttle breeding) (Ortiz et al, 2007), in vitro/embryo culture (Kondić-Špika et al, 2022a), double haploid (DH) technique (Kondić-Špika et al, 2008;Kondic-Špika et al, 2011;De La Fuente et al, 2020), marker-assisted selection (MAS; Bernardo, 2016), and the use of genetic engineering or genome editing (Gaba et al, 2021;Varshney et al, 2021b). However, even with these methods, only two to three generations per year could be advanced (Fang et al, 2021).…”

Orphan crops: A genetic treasure trove for hunting stress tolerance genes

“…The importance of genomics for crop improvement has been very well explained as a “5G concept” which involves genome sequencing, germplasm characterization, gene identification and characterization, genomics‐assisted breeding, and gene editing (Varshney et al, 2020). Further, it is now possible to translate the knowledge from one crop to another using advanced gene‐editing tools, such as CRISPR/Cas (Gaba et al, 2021; Zafar et al, 2020). Employing CRISPR/Cas‐based gene editing approach may be challenging in many orphan crops due to the non‐availability of efficient stable genetic transformation and regeneration protocol.…”

Speed Breeding for Crop Improvement and Food Security

“…By doing so, SB reduces generation time through the optimal utilization of light and temperature, and immature seed propagation, thereby enhancing biomass and seed production in long-day crops like lettuce [10] and wheat [11], as well as a few short-day crops like rice, cotton, and sorghum [9,12], and day-neutral crops such as amaranth [13]. SB protocols are now available for multiple crops, and they can enhance rapid advancement in crop improvement research, ranging from crossing, developing transgenic pipelines, and creating mapping populations [5,14,15]. SB can significantly increase the progress toward combating challenges associated with food security through the development of genetic gain, especially in areas with harsh environmental conditions.…”

“…SB can significantly increase the progress toward combating challenges associated with food security through the development of genetic gain, especially in areas with harsh environmental conditions. By developing crops with higher yields that can withstand climate changes and utilize water more efficiently, SB can help provide people with healthier and more nutritious foods while also reducing the environmental impact of agriculture [6,15,16]. This review provides an in-depth exploration of SB, covering its historical development, Crops 2023, 3 contemporary applications in genetic mapping, genetic modification, and trait stacking, and addressing the limitations, including the need for controlled environments and potential genotypic variations with a focus on attaining genetic gain and food security.…”