Plant breeding for stress-tolerant crops

Stress-tolerant crops are vital in an era of drought, heat and salinity. WUR develops varieties that can withstand abiotic stress using advanced phenotyping, drones and climate chambers. Examples include drought-tolerant maize and quinoa that can grow in brackish water. In this way, we support companies and growers in achieving stable yields even under extreme conditions.

Breeding crops for resistance to diseases and pests is crucial to prevent yield loss. Wageningen Plant Research develops crops that are more resistant to biotic stress, such as fungi, bacteria, viruses and insects. Examples include tomato and pepper varieties with natural insect-resistant lines that reduce the need for pesticides. Using genetic markers and resistance genes, we provide companies with practical tools to bring robust varieties to market more quickly.

With CRISPR-Cas, targeted classical mutation methods and artificial intelligence, WUR accelerates the development of stress-tolerant crops. CRISPR enables precise DNA adjustments, while AI and big data predict which genetic combinations make crops more resilient. This shortens the time from idea to new variety and increases success rates. For companies and policymakers, this means faster access to innovative breeding solutions.

Breeding for resistance to abiotic and biotic stress is always a joint effort. WUR works in public–private partnerships with seed companies, growers and governments. Innovations such as Phytophthora-resistant potatoes, salt-tolerant quinoa and insect-resistant tomatoes are examples of this collaboration. 
In doing so, we translate scientific knowledge into practical solutions that contribute to more sustainable agriculture and improved global food security.