Genetic resources in plant biotechnology refer to the genetic material from plants that can be used to improve crops, conserve biodiversity, and develop new plant varieties. These resources include traditional varieties, wild species, and landraces, which hold valuable genes for traits like disease resistance and drought tolerance. Access to diverse genetic resources is essential for breeding programs, enabling scientists to create crops that can withstand climate change and provide higher yields. Conservation of genetic resources, through seed banks and gene repositories, is critical to maintain biodiversity and ensure future agricultural resilience. These resources drive innovation in plant biotechnology and sustainable agriculture.
Title : Preventing/minimizing development of resistance in fungal plant pathogens to fungicides
Mohammad Babadoost, University of Illinois, United States
Title : Mycorrhizae and their role in climate resilience in agricultural systems
Mary Cole, The University of Melbourne, Australia