IJFANS International Journal of Food and Nutritional Sciences

ISSN PRINT 2319 1775 Online 2320-7876

INNOVATIONS IN PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE

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Rashmi T S.

Abstract

This paper examines the Innovations in Plant Biotechnology for Sustainable Agriculture. Innovations in plant biotechnology are pivotal for advancing sustainable agriculture and addressing the multifaceted challenges of modern farming. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies, these innovations aim to enhance crop productivity, resilience, and environmental stewardship. Key advancements include genetic engineering and CRISPR-Cas9, which enable precise modifications to plant genomes, resulting in crops with improved resistance to pests, diseases, and environmental stresses such as drought and heat. Marker-assisted selection (MAS) accelerates the breeding process by utilizing molecular markers to identify and propagate plants with desirable traits, improving efficiency and crop quality. RNA interference (RNAi) technology offers targeted gene silencing to develop crops with enhanced resistance to pests and diseases while also improving nutritional content. Synthetic biology expands the scope of plant biotechnology by designing new biological pathways and engineering plants to produce valuable compounds such as pharmaceuticals and biofuels. Microbiome engineering introduces beneficial microbes to improve plant growth and resilience, while biopesticides and biofertilizers provide natural alternatives to chemical inputs, reducing environmental impacts and promoting soil health. The development of climate-resilient crops addresses the challenges posed by climate change, enhancing drought, heat, and flood tolerance. Vertical farming and controlled environment agriculture (CEA) represent innovative approaches to optimizing resource use and crop production in controlled settings, mitigating land and water constraints. Digital agriculture and precision farming leverage advanced technologies for data-driven decision-making, improving efficiency and sustainability in farming practices. Together, these innovations contribute to a more sustainable agricultural system by enhancing crop performance, reducing environmental footprints, and ensuring food security in a rapidly changing world.

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