Advances in Plant Genetics: Enhancing Crop Resilience to Climate Change

Abstract

As climate change accelerates, the need for crops that can withstand extreme environmental conditions becomes more pressing. This paper reviews the latest advancements in plant genetics aimed at enhancing crop resilience to abiotic stress factors such as drought, heat, and salinity. The research explores genetic modifications and breeding techniques, including gene editing tools like CRISPR/Cas9, to develop crops that can better withstand environmental stressors. The paper also highlights the role of natural genetic variation in improving crop resilience and the integration of molecular markers for rapid identification of stress-tolerant traits. The findings suggest that genetic advancements, particularly in drought-resistant varieties, have the potential to significantly improve crop yields in regions affected by water scarcity. However, challenges such as ethical concerns surrounding genetic modification, regulatory hurdles, and public acceptance remain. The study concludes with recommendations for fostering collaboration between plant geneticists, agronomists, and policymakers to accelerate the development and adoption of climate-resilient crops.