by PressHow the European Union plans to halt the decline in grain yields
Decline in grain yields: impact on food security
Amidst steady consumption growth, the decline in grain yields is becoming increasingly acute. Production volumes are falling due to climate change and environmental issues. European scientists are searching for solutions, and breeding is considered one of the most effective approaches.
The relevance of the problem
For several years in a row, European farmers have been facing declining yields. Drought in some regions and excessive rainfall in others are forcing them to increase imports. Additionally, many crop varieties are losing their resistance to diseases and pathogens, which spread rapidly in a changing climate. These factors are putting pressure on the European Union’s food security. The situation is particularly acute in the grain production sector. Stocks are declining, and imports exceed exports.
The low harvest in 2024 underscored the urgent need for sustainable solutions. As part of the Klimafit project, scientists from Austria have proposed an approach to develop climate-resilient breeding. The project involves both federal agencies and the private company Saatgut Austria.
Michael Gohn, head of Saatgut Austria, noted the need to modernize agricultural practices. This applies to grain production, as well as to cultivating vegetables and fruits. Innovation and developing new plant varieties that reduce dependence on imports are key to this process. However, despite its high potential, traditional breeding does not receive enough attention in the EU. An optimal solution may be a combination of classical methods and modern technologies. This combination would significantly increase the efficiency of developing new varieties.
The role of breeding
Austrian breeders are working to create varieties of grain that can adapt to climate change. Another important task for scientists is to make grain more resistant to pests and diseases. To this end, they are working in the following areas:
1. Breeders use various methods to identify genetic markers for diseases.
2. They are primarily interested in increasing plants’ immunity to diseases, especially rust. Rust is one of the most common problems for grain crops.
3. The identified markers form the basis for creating resistant varieties that can withstand diseases.
Michael Gohn noted that the team has already achieved certain results. In particular, researchers have studied the interaction mechanisms between pathogens and plants in greater depth. This allows for the development of more accurate crop protection methods.
However, creating plants that are resistant to disease and abiotic stress remains difficult. Pathogens evolve, requiring scientists to constantly update their approaches. Using innovative solutions and modern technologies significantly increases the effectiveness of breeding work.
Despite the challenges, breeding is advancing. Modern varieties of wheat and barley are more disease-resistant than those developed in the 1990s.