Advances in Enhancing Grain Yield: From Molecular Mechanisms to Sustainable Agriculture

Submission Deadline: 30 June 2025 View: 194 Submit to Special Issue

Guest Editors

Dr. Muhammad Umer Farooq

Email: umerpbguaf@gmail.com

Affiliation: Senior Scientist (Cereals), Wheat Research Institute, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute Faisalabad, 38850, Agriculture Department (Research Wing), Punjab, Pakistan

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Research Interests: Biofortification, Phenotyping, Plant Physiology, Wheat Breeding, Crop Quality Control, Metallic trace elements, Selenium, Cadmium, Nutritional Physiology, Root Architecture System, Resource Management, Biochemical Assay, Wheat Breeding, Seed engineering, Environmental pollution, Sustainability

Dr. Javed Ahmad

Email:javed1710@yahoo.com

Affiliation: Chief Scientist, Wheat Research Institute, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute Faisalabad, 38850, Agriculture Department (Research Wing), Punjab, Pakistan

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Research Interests:Breeding, Genetic and Biotechnological research on wheat and Barley crops for variety development using conventional (Introduction, Selection, Hybridization) and non-conventional biotechnological techniques (Tissue culture, doubled haploid production using wheat x maize crossing system, molecular breeding).

Dr. Sajid Fiaz

Email:sajidfiaz50@yahoo.com

Affiliation: Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Lahore, 54590 Lahore, Pakistan 

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Research Interests:Genome Wide Association Analysis, QTL Mapping, Functional Genomics, Stress Breeding, Genetic Diversity Analysis, OMICs and Genotyping by Sequencing

Dr. Muhammad Ahsan Asghar

Email:muhammad.ahsan@food.au.dk/ahsanasghar3853@gmail.com

Affiliation: Department of Food Science, Aarhus University, 8210, Aarhus N, Denmark 

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Research Interests:Plant Stress Physiology and Biochemistry, Plant, Moleclar Biology, Sustainable Agriculture, Plant-Environment Interactions, Redox Changes under abiotic stresses, Light, Drought, Salt, Temperature, Metabolites, Hormones, Genes

Summary

Improving grain yield is a critical challenge for ensuring food security and sustainable agricultural practices, especially in the face of pressing global challenges. The world’s population is projected to reach nearly 10 billion by 2050, increasing the demand for food while arable land is declining due to urbanization, land degradation, and climate change. Moreover, the food security is threatened by various abiotic stresses i.e. water scarcity, extreme temperatures, light intensity, salinity and nutrient deficiencies. Traditional agricultural methods alone are insufficient to meet these challenges; thus, this special issue focuses on multidisciplinary advances that span from molecular mechanisms to sustainable agricultural practices, aiming to explore how genetic improvement, crop physiology, and agronomic management can contribute to enhancing crop yields under changing climatic conditions. Recent advancements in molecular biology, particularly gene editing technologies like CRISPR/Cas9, provide powerful tools for precise genetic improvements. Understanding plant stress physiology and biochemical pathways is crucial for developing crops that can thrive in suboptimal conditions. Furthermore, the integration of digital technologies and precision agriculture can optimize resource use and enhance crop management strategies.

The significance of this research area is underscored by its vital contribution to global food security. As the world’s population continues to rise, innovative approaches are imperative for sustainably enhancing crop yields. The development of resilient crops capable of withstanding abiotic stresses is essential for adapting agricultural practices to fluctuating climate conditions, thereby securing stable food supplies in the face of environmental adversities. By integrating molecular techniques with sustainable agricultural methodologies, this field advocates for resource-efficient farming practices that mitigate environmental impacts. Furthermore, the convergence of diverse scientific disciplines encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, fostering innovation and expediting the formulation of novel strategies for crop improvement. Insights derived from this research can profoundly influence agricultural policies, directing investments and practices that bolster sustainable agriculture and food security. Additionally, improvements in crop yields are critical for the economic sustainability of farming, empowering farmers to thrive in an increasingly competitive market landscape. In essence, by deepening our understanding of molecular mechanisms and their agricultural applications, this research area plays a transformative role in shaping the future of global food systems and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

The aim of this special issue is to bring together cutting-edge research and innovative approaches that enhance grain yield through a multidisciplinary lens, addressing the challenges posed by climate change, resource scarcity, and food security. This scope of this special issue includes topics but are not limited to:

-Applications of Molecular Biology and Gene Editing Technologies

-Advances in Plant Stress Physiology and Biochemistry

-Crop-Environment Interactions

-Advances in Plant Nutrition Signaling, Accessibility and Transformation

-Above and below ground research advancements

-Integration of Precision Agriculture and Digital Technologies Sustainable Agricultural Practices and Policy Recommendations.

-Molecular breeding; reverse genetic tools

-QTL Mapping for Yield and Quality related traits

-Genetic diversity analysis in cereals

-OMICs for crop improvement

-Application of plants genetics and biotechnology for stress breeding 

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