3rd Edition Of Plant Science and Molecular Biology World Conference 2026

Abstract

Climate change intensifies abiotic and biotic stresses that threaten crop production, while the genetic base of the global food supply continues to narrow. Biotechnology including genome editing, multi-omics integration, genomic selection, and accelerated breeding offers a powerful toolkit for developing stress resilient cultivars. However, translation from molecular discovery to adoption in smallholder systems remains fractured by biological complexity, fragmented regulation, and chronic under investment in crops critical for food security. No systematic synthesis has integrated evidence across this entire innovation pipeline for staple and underutilised crops within a framework aligned to the Sustainable Development Goals. This systematic review, conducted according to PRISMA 2020, searched four databases (Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, CAB Abstracts) for studies published between January 2000 and December 2025. Applying a PICOS framework, 219 of 1485 screened records met inclusion criteria. Data extraction and risk of bias assessment across six methodological domains were followed by qualitative thematic synthesis. Proof of concept successes are striking: CRISPR Cas mediated knockout of three homoeoalleles of MLO in wheat conferred heritable powdery mildew resistance; promoter editing of ARGOS8 in maize increased yield under field drought; and marker assisted introgression of Sub1A delivered submergence tolerant rice to millions of smallholders. Genomic selection combined with speed breeding now accelerates genetic gain for polygenic stress tolerance. Nevertheless, four systemic fractures dominate: a persistent genotype by environment chasm where controlled environment phenotypes fail in the field; regulatory heterogeneity that imposes disproportionate costs on genome edited crops; investment asymmetry concentrating over 90% of research on maize, soybean, and canola while neglecting orphan crops such as fonio, enset, and faba bean; and intellectual property monopolies restricting public sector breeding. Convergence with artificial intelligence, digital phenotyping, and agroecological design opens integrative pathways. Plant biotechnology is indispensable, but its contribution will be determined by institutional and regulatory architectures. Bridging the translational chasm demands harmonised product based regulation, dedicated funding for orphan crops, open access genomic platforms under humanitarian licensing, and participatory breeding programmes. Without such reform, these innovations will remain published rather than planted.
Keywords: Plant biotechnology; climate resilience; genome editing; CRISPR Cas; food security; systematic review; translational gap; Sustainable Development Goals; orphan crops; genomic selection.