How crops are being disaster-proofed

Agronomists in Peru have been working hard to develop potato varieties that can resist late blight, a disease caused by a fungus-like pathogen. Late blight has been spreading into higher parts of the Peruvian Andes due to warmer, wetter weather, posing a threat to potato crops. The International Potato Center (CIP) in Peru has been conducting research to find wild potato varieties with natural resistance to late blight. These wild relatives, which are distantly related to the cultivated plants, have shown promising resistance to the disease. By crossing these wild plants with cultivated ones, scientists have been able to create new potato varieties with built-in resistance to late blight. One such variety is CIP-Matilde, which was released in 2021 and does not require fungicides to protect against late blight. This development is a significant step forward in creating more resilient and sustainable potato crops. In addition to disease resistance, scientists are also focusing on developing crop varieties that can withstand drought and other environmental stressors. Traits such as early flowering, reduced water loss from plant leaves, and long roots are being explored to help crops adapt to changing climate conditions. These efforts are crucial for ensuring food security and agricultural sustainability in the face of climate change.