Drought-resistant crops

Definition

Drought-resistant crops are genetically modified or selectively bred plants that can survive and thrive in low-water conditions, allowing them to maintain productivity even in arid environments. These crops are developed to enhance water efficiency and resilience to climate change, which are crucial factors as global temperatures rise and droughts become more frequent.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Drought-resistant crops can significantly reduce the need for irrigation, saving water resources and reducing costs for farmers.
2. These crops can help improve food security in regions prone to drought by ensuring stable yields under challenging environmental conditions.
3. Research in biotechnology has led to the development of specific genes associated with drought tolerance, which can be incorporated into various crops.
4. Implementing drought-resistant varieties can contribute to mitigating the impacts of climate change on agriculture, helping farmers adapt to new environmental challenges.
5. The adoption of these crops may raise ethical concerns regarding biodiversity, as the focus on a few drought-resistant varieties could reduce genetic diversity in agriculture.

Review Questions

• How do drought-resistant crops contribute to water conservation in agriculture?
  • Drought-resistant crops play a vital role in conserving water in agriculture by requiring less irrigation compared to traditional crop varieties. This is because they are specifically developed to utilize available water more efficiently, allowing them to survive and produce yields even during dry spells. By reducing reliance on irrigation, these crops not only help farmers cut costs but also preserve valuable water resources in regions where water scarcity is a growing concern.
• Discuss the potential ethical implications of using genetically modified drought-resistant crops in farming practices.
  • The use of genetically modified drought-resistant crops raises several ethical implications, including concerns about biodiversity and long-term environmental impacts. While these crops can enhance food security and help farmers adapt to climate change, their widespread adoption may lead to a reduction in genetic diversity among crop species. This could make agriculture more vulnerable to pests and diseases, as well as limit options for future breeding programs. Additionally, there are concerns about the socio-economic effects on smallholder farmers who may not have access to such technology or who might face increased pressure from large agribusinesses.
• Evaluate the role of drought-resistant crops in addressing global food security challenges related to climate change.
  • Drought-resistant crops are crucial in addressing global food security challenges exacerbated by climate change because they offer a sustainable solution for maintaining agricultural productivity under increasingly harsh conditions. As droughts become more frequent and severe due to shifting climate patterns, these resilient crops can ensure consistent food production in vulnerable regions. Furthermore, their ability to thrive with less water helps safeguard against crop failures, thus stabilizing food supplies and prices. However, it's essential to integrate these innovations with broader agricultural strategies that promote sustainability and equity in food systems.

Related terms

Genetic modification: A process by which scientists alter the genetic material of a plant to achieve desired traits, such as improved drought resistance.

Sustainable agriculture: Farming practices that aim to meet current food needs while preserving resources for future generations, often including the use of drought-resistant crops.

Climate change adaptation: Strategies and practices designed to help ecosystems and communities adjust to the impacts of climate change, including the use of crops that can withstand extreme weather conditions.