GENOMIC ADVANCEMENT OF WHEAT FOR CLIMATE-SMART AND DROUGHT-RESISTANCE VARIETY: A REVIEW

Global wheat production and productivity are facing threats due to recurring droughts caused by climate change. To combat these challenges, it is important to develop drought-tolerant wheat cultivars that can withstand drought and heat stress in marginal production environments. This can be achieved by exploring wheat crops inherent genetic variations and environmental adaptations. Understanding the various mechanisms such as genetics, physiology, biochemistry, and environment and their interactions is crucial in improving drought tolerance in wheat. This paper will summarize the genetic gains and future perspectives in breeding drought-tolerant wheat. This information will serve as a valuable resource for wheat breeders and agronomists to guide the developing and deploying high-performing, drought-adapted wheat varieties.