Wild crop relatives as genetic resources: Advanced strategies for breeding climate-resilient crops

With climate change threatening global food security, wild crop relatives (WCRs) have emerged as a game-changing resource for breeding crops that can withstand extreme conditions. These wild ancestors of modern crops hold the key to traits like drought tolerance, heat resistance and pest resilience that many domesticated varieties have lost over time. By tapping into the genetic diversity of WCRs, scientists can develop stronger, more adaptable crops that can thrive in challenging environments. Recent advances in plant breeding, such as marker-assisted selection (MAS), genomic selection and CRISPR gene editing, have made it easier to transfer valuable traits from WCRs into cultivated crops. However, challenges remain, including genetic incompatibilities, slow breeding processes and the need for better conservation efforts to protect these wild species. Seed banks, in-situ conservation and advanced breeding programs are helping to safeguard this genetic treasure trove for future generations. This review examines the potential of wild crop relatives (WCRs) to transform climate-resilient agriculture by showcasing advanced breeding techniques and identifying remaining challenges. Harnessing wild genes alongside modern scientific approaches offers a path toward a more sustainable and food-secure future.