Rising global temperatures have altered the frequency, intensity and spatial distribution of extreme weather events, with direct and measurable consequences for agricultural productivity worldwide. This review synthesises evidence on how heatwaves, drought, flooding, tropical cyclones and their compound or sequential combinations affect the yield of major cereal and grain legume crops, with particular attention to wheat, maize, rice and soybean. Physiological mechanisms underlying yield loss are examined alongside field- and satellite-derived evidence of production shortfalls, and the modulating role of elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration is considered. The review further evaluates adaptation strategies, including climate-smart agriculture, breeding for abiotic stress tolerance and agronomic management, and identifies the growing recognition that compound extremes, rather than single hazards, now pose the greatest threat to global food security. Evidence indicates that yield penalties associated with extreme heat, water deficit and excess soil moisture are often non-linear and interact with crop developmental stage, soil condition and regional climate. The review concludes that closing gaps in compound-event attribution, regionally disaggregated yield data and the integration of adaptation research across disciplines remains essential for safeguarding future food production under a changing climate.
Basharat Bashir, L. Ahmad, S. Qayoom et al.· International Journal of Env...· 0 citations
Epigenome editing has emerged as a transformative extension of conventional genome engineering, offering precise and programmable control of gene expression without altering the underlying DNA sequence. In contrast to the genetic modifications that introduce permanent sequence changes, epigenome editing exploits reversible and potentially heritable epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodelling, and RNA-mediated gene silencing to regulate transcriptional states. Advances in next-generation sequencing technologies have enabled high-resolution mapping of epigenetic landscapes, revealing the dynamic and context-dependent nature of chromatin regulation across development and environmental conditions. The integration of programmable DNA-binding platforms, including zinc finger proteins, transcription activator-like effectors, and CRISPR/dCas9-based systems, with epigenetic effector domains has revolutionized locus specific manipulation of chromatin states. These tools facilitate targeted gene activation or repression (CRISPRa/CRISPRi), as well as direct rewriting of epigenetic marks, providing unprecedented opportunities to dissect gene regulatory networks and trait expression. In plants, epigenome editing has shown particular promise for functional genomics, stress adaptation, and crop improvement, enabling fine-tuning of agriculturally important traits such as yield, quality, and stress tolerance. This review comprehensively discusses the molecular mechanisms underlying epigenetic regulation, key epigenome editing tools, their modes of action, and the emerging applications of epigenome editing in plant biology, highlighting it as a potential tool for sustainable agriculture and precision breeding. This review provides a comprehensive and integrated perspective on epigenome editing by linking molecular mechanisms, advanced editing tools, and practical applications in plant systems, thereby offering a foundation for future research and the development of climate-resilient and sustainable crop improvement strategies.
Marifa Gulzar, Gazala Nazir, F. Mushtaq et al.· Saudi Journal of Food Securi...· 0 citations