Genetic plant improvement and climate changes

Abstract

The consequences of climate change for the agribusiness in Brazil have been widely debated. The issue is discussed in this publication to show the expected problems, particularly those associated with increases in temperature and water stress. lt is emphasized that the genetic improvement of plants, based on the experience in the past, has much to contribute to mitigate these problems. To invest in the breeding of new cultivars, selected under stress conditions, is certainly the best possible strategy for agriculture to cope with changes caused by climate alterations.