Harnessing Genomic Technologies to Enhance Crop Yield and Quality Under Climate Change

Climate change presents ongoing challenges to global agriculture, affecting both crop yield and quality through interactions among genetic and non-genetic factors. Intrinsic genetic traits—such as drought tolerance, heat resistance, and nutrient use efficiency—remain key to crop resilience. Recent innovations in genomic technologies, including genome sequencing, association mapping, genomic selection, and multi-omics, have greatly accelerated the identification and development of improved crop varieties capable of withstanding climate-related stresses.

The interaction between genetic and non-genetic factors is intricate and highly context-dependent. While non-genetic factors such as environmental conditions and agronomic practices can influence crop outcomes, the focus of this Research Topic is on studies where genomic approaches are central to understanding, predicting, or enhancing crop yield and quality under climate change. Manuscripts addressing the interplay between genetic and non-genetic factors are welcomed, but must clearly utilize genomics as the primary investigative tool.

Suggested topics include, but are not limited to:

• Application of genomic data and tools to advanced plant breeding strategies for yield and/or quality improvement
• Genomics-based trait mapping, allele mining, or genetic analysis of yield, quality, and adaptation
• Integration of high-throughput phenotyping and genomic information to dissect complex traits
• Metagenomics and integrated multi-omics to identify genetic contributors to post-harvest and quality traits
• Predictive modeling and data-driven strategies for crop improvement in which genomics is a principal input

By placing genomics at the forefront, this collection seeks to highlight transformative approaches and new discoveries that will support sustainable crop production and food security in a rapidly changing world.