Crop adaptation to climate change: Mechanisms, strategies, and future possibilities

Abstract

Climate change is one of the major environmental concerns at present. Crops are trying to adapt to this changing climate through their own mechanisms. Also, to get the best output, various strategies have been taken by mankind to mitigate this climate change effect and adapt crops to stressed environments. This review comprehensively discusses the impact of climate change on crop adaptation, focusing on abiotic stresses like heat, drought, salinity, and increased CO 2 and their effects on crop yield and development. It also explores the physiological, morphological, and biochemical adaptive mechanisms that enable a plant to withstand harsh environmental conditions, primarily due to climate change. Present strategies like conventional breeding techniques and biotechnological advancements, including marker-assisted selection, gene editing, and agronomic strategies, are the major driving forces behind the climate resilience of crops. Additionally, some emerging opportunities in crop adaptation, especially genome-editing technologies like CRISPR-Cas9 and artificial intelligence, are advancing the process further. However, there are many critical challenges, which include regulatory constraints and public concern. An integrated approach among researchers, policymakers, and farmers is necessary to develop effective and sustainable solutions for improving crop adaptation to climate change and ensuring global food security.