Plant genetic resources as a reservoir for crop improvement in genomics era: Possibilities to improve food and nutritional security while overcoming biotic and abiotic stresses in face of climate change

Genetic variability required for developing new cultivars with high potential yield and wide adaptation, it serves as the foundation for all advancements in crop improvement. It highlights the need of maintaining genetic diversity in crops, the need for gene banks, and the current developments in the use of molecular technology for PGR characterization and application. It also deals with access and benefit-sharing, biodiversity loss, and climate change as barriers to sustainable genetic resource management. The combination of modern breeding techniques that can include genome editing, genomics- assisted selection, high-throughput phenotyping, genetic engineering, recurrent selection and marker-assisted selection with traditional breeding techniques is further explored to enhance PGR use in breeding operations. Plant genetic resources for biotic and abiotic stress resistance refer to the diverse genetic material in plants that enables them to withstand environmental challenges, such as drought, pests, diseases, and extreme temperatures. These resources are crucial for developing resilient varieties and ensuring food security in changing climates. The assessment concludes by stressing the importance of international cooperation, regulatory regimes, and increased investment in PGR conservation to ensure food security in the face of competitive global concerns such as the exploding human population and climate deviations.