Next-Generation Sequencing in the Development of Climate-Resilient and Stress-Responsive Crops – A Review

Abstract

Current agricultural production is seriously threatened by climate change and global warming, which also bring new difficulties including the spread of pests and diseases and changes in the environment that can have a big influence on crop yields. Innovative strategies are required to guarantee food security and agricultural sustainability in light of these changing circumstances. To overcome these obstacles, molecular breeding techniques have become essential, particularly with the introduction of next-generation sequencing technology. Chain termination and enzymatic techniques, which were known for their low throughput and efficiency, were the methods used for DNA sequencing in the past. A paradigm change was brought about by the advent of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and PCR-based sequencing, which allowed for higher throughput and more effective sequencing procedures. On the other hand, next-generation sequencing, with its unmatched capabilities, represents the latest breakthrough. With the use of this technology, characteristics that govern how the body and metabolism react to different stresses in a changing environment may be examined in greater detail. These developments in molecular breeding technologies not only improve our knowledge of plant responses to global challenges to food production, but they also offer useful tools for creating crops that are climate resilient. Scientists and farmers alike may work towards developing crops that survive the effects of global warming and contribute to a more sustainable and secure food supply by decoding the genetic composition with unprecedented accuracy. In this review, we discuss the opportunities, mechanisms, and implications of next-generation sequencing in the development of climate-resilient crops.