Three University of Queensland plant scientists argue that successful selection for established farming systems may also have narrowed the genetic combinations explored by crop breeders. Their proposed framework, reported on 23 October 2026, seeks to uncover useful variation that existing programmes can overlook. The university links the work to a publication in Nature Plants.
Suggested approaches include crossing more genetically diverse plants, making greater use of wild relatives, testing across varied environments and management systems, and considering gene editing. The researchers call for collaboration among breeders, agronomists and farmers. This is a proposed direction for crop improvement, rather than an announcement of a new variety with demonstrated yield gains.
