Genomic Breeding Technologies and Climate-Resilient Crops: The Mediating Role of Genetic Diversity and Adaptive Crop Traits

Abstract

Climate change poses significant threats to global food security by reducing crop productivity, altering precipitation patterns, and increasing the frequency of extreme weather events. Developing climate-resilient crops is essential to sustain agricultural productivity and ensure global food supply. Genomic breeding technologies (GBT), including marker-assisted selection, genomic selection, and CRISPR-based gene editing, provide innovative approaches to accelerate the development of climate-resilient crops. These technologies enable precise manipulation of crop genomes to enhance tolerance to drought, heat, salinity, and pest stress while maintaining yield stability. This study investigates the impact of genomic breeding technologies on the development of climate-resilient crops, focusing on the mediating roles of genetic diversity and adaptive crop traits. Genetic diversity refers to the range of alleles and gene variants within and among crop populations, which underpins their adaptability to environmental stresses. Adaptive crop traits, such as drought tolerance, heat resistance, and early maturity, reflect phenotypic responses that enhance resilience under climate variability. A quantitative research design was adopted, with data collected from plant breeders, agronomists, and agricultural scientists implementing genomic breeding programs. Structured questionnaires assessed the adoption of genomic breeding technologies, enhancement of genetic diversity, expression of adaptive traits, and development of climate-resilient crops. Data were analyzed using Smart PLS structural equation modeling to evaluate direct effects of genomic breeding technologies and the mediating roles of genetic diversity and adaptive traits. Results indicate that genomic breeding technologies significantly enhance the development of climate-resilient crops. Genetic diversity and adaptive crop traits both mediate this relationship, emphasizing the importance of combining advanced genomic tools with crop variability and trait selection strategies. The findings highlight the necessity of integrating genomics with traditional breeding knowledge and phenotypic assessments to accelerate the development of resilient crops. These insights inform policymakers, research institutions, and technology developers aiming to strengthen agricultural resilience to climate change.