The narrow genetic base in most commercially grown crops makes them vulnerable to climate change

The gap

Evidence profile

Sourced from the future-work section and stated research gap and future work of the source papers, classified as general, drawn from work published between 2024 and 2026, spanning 3 journals. Those papers have been cited 47 times in total.

Supporting evidence — 3 representative gaps

• Innovation in pest management: can the past inform the future? (2026) · Pest Management Science · doi

  Investigating the causes of the decline in productivity growth, including changes in crop genetics and resource efficiency. Examining the potential impacts of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and gene-editing, on crop yield growth. Analyzing the effects of climate change on crop yields and the potential for climate-resilient crops.

  generalfuture-work sectionevidence 5/5
  Keywords: investigating causes decline productivity growth including changes crop
• Distribution, conservation, and indigenous knowledge of finger millet germplasm in different agroecologies in Uganda (2026) · Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems · cited 1× · doi

  The narrow genetic base in most commercially grown crops makes them vulnerable to climate change. There is a need for increased food production and genetic diversity to address food and nutrition security. Traditional knowledge and conservation practices are crucial for maintaining genetic diversity but are not well understood.

  generalstated research gapevidence 5/5
  Keywords: narrow genetic base commercially grown crops makes them
• Climate change and plant pathogens: Understanding dynamics, risks and mitigation strategies (2024) · Plant Pathology · cited 46× · doi

  The future of oilseed production in the face of climate change relies on new genetic technology, digital farming methods and sustainable practices. Advances in genetic engineering, particularly tools like CRISPR-Cas9 and genomic selection, are crucial for developing oilseed varieties that can withstand stresses such as heat, drought and saline soils, while also being more resistant to pests. Digital tools, including remote sensing and climate modelling, help farmers monitor environmental changes and make better decisions about planting and managing resources. Each type of oilseed crop has its specific challenges to overcome. Sesame is drought-tolerant but heat-sensitive; canola suffers yield losses from high temperatures; sunflower has moderate drought tolerance but is vulnerable to extreme weather, while groundnut is highly susceptible to heat and moisture stress. Research into crop-specific genetic traits for stress tolerance is vital. Elevated CO₂ may enhance photosynthesis but can be limited by heat stress and nutrient dilution. To combat climate-induced risks, strategies like disaster preparedness, sustainable practices and efficient water management (e.g., drip irrigation) should be implemented. Integrating oilseed cultivation into climate-smart agriculture frameworks will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Collaborative research across genomics, agronomy and climate science, along with supportive policies, is essential for ensuring sustainable oilseed production to meet global demands in a changing climate.

  generalfuture workevidence 5/5
  Keywords: climate oilseed heat genetic sustainable drought stress production digital practices tools like help crop specific

Questions about this gap