Abstract
In enhancing the resilience of our crops to the impacts of climate change, selection objectives need to address increased variability in the production environment. This encompasses the effects of more variable rainfall and temperatures than currently experienced, including extreme weather events, and changes in pest and pathogens distribution with the increased likelihood of major pest and disease outbreaks as well as occurrence of novel pathogens. Farmers manage the inevitable risks associated with cropping by planting varieties that deliver high yields and good quality under optimal conditions but minimise losses when the seasons are bad. Breeders and agronomists work to support farmers in specific target environments, but increased climate variability has meant that they need to broaden the adaptability of varieties grown and increase the yield stability to help minimise climate-induced risks and build resilience.
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Acknowledgements
We would like to thank all the authors for their valuable contributions and the insights they have provided to this important topic. We also thank the Editor-in-Chief, Professor Albrecht Melchinger for involving us in this initiative. Our thanks also to Professor Rob Snowdon for suggesting the topic of the special issue and for his strong support during the editorial process.
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Langridge, P., Braun, H., Hulke, B. et al. Breeding crops for climate resilience. Theor Appl Genet 134, 1607–1611 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00122-021-03854-7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00122-021-03854-7