Triticeae Genomics and Genetics, 2024, Vol.15, No.5, 234-243 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/tgg 239 5.3 Current innovations: CRISPR and precision agriculture Recent innovations in wheat cultivation include the application of CRISPR/Cas genome editing and precision agriculture techniques. CRISPR/Cas9 allows for targeted modifications in wheat DNA, enabling the development of varieties with improved traits such as enhanced nutritional content, resistance to pests and diseases, and better adaptability to changing climatic conditions (Chen et al., 2019). This technology represents a significant leap forward in plant breeding, offering the potential for rapid and precise genetic improvements (Chen et al., 2019; Abideen et al., 2023). Precision agriculture, on the other hand, leverages advanced data collection and analysis tools to optimize farming practices. By utilizing technologies such as remote sensing, geophysical and geochemical mapping, and data analytics, farmers can manage crop and soil variability more effectively. This approach aims to increase yields, reduce input costs, and enhance environmental sustainability (Webber et al., 2019). The integration of precision farming with archaeological studies also presents new opportunities for understanding the historical impacts of agricultural practices on the environment. 6 Modern Developments in Wheat Cultivation 6.1 Sustainability challenges and climate change Wheat cultivation faces significant sustainability challenges, particularly in the context of climate change. The loss of genetic variation due to modern breeding practices has reduced the resilience of wheat crops to environmental stresses. Ancient wheat varieties, such as those from the Caucasus, offer a reservoir of biodiversity that can be harnessed to improve sustainability and resilience in wheat production. These ancient varieties have shown higher protein content and antioxidant capacity compared to modern durum wheat, making them valuable for sustainable agriculture and healthy food production (Nocente et al., 2022). Additionally, the development of stress-tolerant wheat cultivars through molecular breeding, genetic engineering, and other advanced techniques is crucial for mitigating the adverse effects of abiotic stresses under changing climatic conditions (Hossain et al., 2021). Improved root systems tailored to specific agricultural environments can also enhance climate resilience by optimizing water and nutrient uptake (Ober et al., 2021). 6.2 Biotechnology in wheat breeding Biotechnology plays a pivotal role in modern wheat breeding, offering tools to enhance yield, quality, and stress tolerance. Advances in genomics and quantitative genetics have provided unique opportunities to balance wheat quantity and quality, addressing both food security and environmental sustainability (Fradgley et al., 2023). Techniques such as exome sequencing have shed light on the genetic diversity and evolution of modern bread wheats, revealing considerable genetic variation that can be exploited for future breeding improvements (Pont et al., 2019). Moreover, the use of molecular breeding, speed breeding, and gene editing technologies like CRISPR-Cas has shown promise in developing wheat cultivars that are resilient to abiotic stresses, thereby ensuring sustainable production in the face of climate change (Hossain et al., 2021). 6.3 Global wheat trade and its impacts The global wheat trade has significant implications for food security and economic stability. Wheat is a staple crop that provides a substantial portion of the world's carbohydrates and protein, with nearly 25% of global production being traded internationally (Langridge et al., 2022). The strategic importance of wheat has led to the establishment of initiatives like the Global Wheat Initiative, which aims to support the wheat research community in addressing production challenges through collaboration and resource sharing. However, the focus on high-yielding varieties for trade can sometimes lead to negative environmental impacts, as seen in the UK, where intensive cropping systems prioritize quantity over quality, resulting in sustainability issues (Fradgley et al., 2023). Innovations in wheat breeding and agronomy are essential to balance these trade-offs and ensure that global wheat production meets both demand and sustainability goals. By addressing these modern developments in wheat cultivation, researchers and policymakers can work towards a more sustainable and resilient global wheat production system that can withstand the challenges posed by climate change and meet the nutritional needs of a growing population.
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