Agriculture is essential for the survival of humanity. However, this activity is also one of the main causes of environmental pollution . Almost a third of greenhouse gas emissions come from agriculture, which includes CO2 generation due to soil tillage and the use of chemical fertilizers. These fertilizers not only increase the presence of nitrous oxide but also contribute to the degradation of soil fertility , an already limited resource.
In a world where 20% of plant species are threatened with extinction , the situation is becoming increasingly critical, with many other species at imminent risk due to rising temperatures and monoculture farming. Fortunately, there are organizations dedicated to collecting and conserving seeds, as well as creating new varieties that can better adapt to changing climate conditions.
One such organization is the International Center for Tropical Agriculture ( CIAT ) , which works to safeguard the genetic heritage of seeds and to develop species that are more resistant to drought, disease , and other adverse environmental conditions. To date, they possess an impressive repository of 37,000 bean varieties and 6,000 cassava samples . (Learn more about hurricanes and their impact on agriculture)
The importance of these centers cannot be underestimated, as they allow farmers access to more robust seeds and are therefore essential for preventing significant economic losses. However, a recent study indicates that it is necessary to collect 30% of the 1,076 wild relatives of the 81 most important crops. These wild relatives are crucial because they possess valuable genetic information that can be used to improve crops that are more adaptable to climate change.
Colin Khoury, a scientist at CIAT and co-author of the study, stated, “The world’s food supply is in a precarious situation where we depend on very few cultivable plant species. For every wild relative that is not conserved in a germplasm bank, an opportunity is lost for plant breeders to improve the resilience of food crops.” (The loss of biodiversity is a critical issue)
It's interesting to know that preserving a crop variety can be done for less than €600 , and the demand for these "super seeds" is increasing. This is because, as we face increasingly extreme weather conditions, the need for crops that can withstand these adversities becomes vital. Furthermore, the loss of biodiversity, which affects seeds and their variability, is a topic of growing importance.
Super Seeds and Their Importance
As climate change continues to impact agriculture, the creation of new seed varieties is becoming a key focus for ensuring food security. These seeds have been engineered using genes from wild relatives or domesticated crops to resist drought, pests , and other stressors. Biofortification, a method used to increase the nutritional content of plants, plays a fundamental role in this process. (Genetic diversity as key to the future)
For example, in Colombia, some bean varieties have been developed to contain more than 60% iron and more than 50% zinc , thus addressing the problem of anemia in the region. Other crops, such as SAB-618, are significantly more resistant to high temperatures, allowing them to thrive in areas where droughts are a constant threat. Research in this field is vital to ensuring a consistent supply of nutritious food.
Growing concern about the climate has also led to the development of crop varieties that are able to adapt to these new extreme conditions.
The development of these seeds is not only crucial for agricultural production but also for the health of at-risk populations. In Uganda, for example, bean varieties from Mesoamerica have been introduced, adapted to tropical conditions and high in iron, helping to combat iron deficiency in everyday diets. Furthermore, in Rwanda, iron-fortified seeds were distributed after the 1994 civil war, resulting in a notable improvement in the health of the local population.
CIAT has also implemented alternative pasture models in collaboration with the University of Cauca in Colombia . This program has demonstrated that milk production per cow has doubled, allowing animals to be sent to slaughter at two years old, instead of the traditional five. This improvement not only benefits production but also reduces pressure on new grazing lands and combats deforestation.
The Challenges and Opportunities of Resilient Seeds
Despite advances in developing climate-resilient seeds, several challenges remain in their implementation. Access to and affordability of these innovations continue to be critical issues for farmers, especially in developing countries where the cost can be prohibitive. Training is also essential, as many farmers need a better understanding of how to use these new varieties to maximize their benefits.
Furthermore, strict regulations on genetically modified organisms in some regions may limit the adoption of these improved seeds. Investment in research and development, along with support for initiatives that seek to make these seeds more accessible, is essential to address these challenges. In this context, technology can play a crucial role in improving agricultural practices.
The opportunities are vast, as creating climate-resilient seeds can lead to a significant improvement in global food security. This, in turn, can strengthen the economies of farming communities and reduce the need for costly agricultural inputs, such as pesticides and fertilizers, which can be harmful to the environment.
The Future of Agricultural Seeds
As technology advances, the future of climate-resilient seeds is expected to become even brighter. Initiatives like the CGIAR Climate-Resilient Crops Program are at the forefront of these developments, working closely with researchers, governments, and farmers.
Innovative technologies , including gene-editing methods like CRISPR, are expected to play a crucial role in creating new crop varieties that can withstand even more extreme weather conditions. This multidisciplinary approach is essential to ensuring that agriculture can adapt to future uncertainties and challenges.
Investing in climate-resilient seeds is essential to ensuring a sustainable agricultural future. Lessons learned from current developments and strategies implemented globally will be key to ensuring we can continue feeding a growing population in a constantly changing climate.
The seeds of the future must not only withstand but also thrive in a context where climate change is no longer a possibility, but a stark reality affecting both our crops and our communities. The search for innovative and sustainable solutions is more urgent than ever, and super seeds are a crucial part of that solution.
