Climate-Proof Crops: Genes Fight Extreme Weather

Scientists are leveraging genetic progress to develop crops resilient to extreme weather, a critical need as climate change impacts food production. Wheat is being engineered for drought tolerance, while rice varieties can now survive temporary submersion, drawing inspiration from wild relatives.

These innovations aim to protect harvests from increasingly hostile conditions. The development process involves cross-breeding and genetic screening, with techniques like speed breeding and gene editing accelerating the creation of improved varieties. For instance, HB4 wheat incorporates a sunflower gene for drought tolerance.

While promising, these enhanced seeds must prove economically viable and adaptable to local conditions. Farmers seek reliable yields, even in challenging years. The development of hybrid wheat, though complex, is also underway, with companies like Corteva and Syngenta investing in this area.

Beyond immediate resilience, some research targets emission reduction. Experimental wheat varieties are being developed to release compounds that slow soil nitrification, thereby reducing nitrous oxide emissions. However, weather-resilient crops do not negate the necessity of cutting greenhouse gas emissions.