Innovatively harnessing plant diversity: advances in sustainable botany and crop improvement

Abstract

Plant biodiversity represents a cornerstone for sustainable agriculture, ecological resilience, and food security. This review explores how innovative approaches in sustainable botany harness this diversity for crop improvement. Advances in genomics, phenomics, participatory breeding, and agroecological practices are discussed, along with the conservation of wild relatives and underutilized crops. Specific attention is given to modern biotechnologies, gene editing, and climate-adaptive strategies that enable the development of resilient and nutrient-rich crops. Challenges such as genetic erosion, policy gaps, and equitable benefit sharing are analyzed. The review concludes with recommendations for integrating plant biodiversity, technological innovation, and community engagement to enhance sustainable crop production globally.