Plant Breeding Becomes a Priority Due to Restrictions on Protection Products: Position of Polish Experts
Recently, an important conference took place in Poland, where leading specialists in the agricultural sector discussed the key challenges facing agriculture in the country and the European Union. The main focus was on the impact of EU regulatory policy on the agricultural sector, as well as the increasingly noticeable climate changes that complicate production processes.
This is reported by AgroReview
Restrictions on Protection Products and the Role of Breeding
Professor Marta Damszel emphasized that while fungicidal protection remains effective, the situation regarding the fight against pests and weeds is becoming more complicated. This is particularly true for rapeseed cultivation, where insecticidal protection poses a challenging task. The situation is worsened by simplified soil cultivation and short crop rotations, which contribute to increased weed resistance to herbicides. According to the expert, one promising solution is the breeding of plants that demonstrate resistance to herbicides and pests, as well as the introduction of new varieties.
“There is now a need for clarity regarding the restrictions on the use of certain substances and products. This should be adapted to the biology of pests, weeds, and pathogens. If we already have a limited selection of substances, those that remain should be used precisely in terms of timing, dosage, and method of application,” says Professor Marta Damszel.
Challenges for Breeders and Genetic Resistance
Professor Henryk Bujak pointed out that due to the gradual ban on many active substances in plant protection products, breeders are entrusted with an extremely important mission. They must create varieties that meet the new market conditions and provide stable protection for crops. The selection for resistance becomes particularly significant, which, according to the specialist, is a determining factor for the future of crop production.
At the same time, the professor emphasizes that resistance based on multiple genes is more durable and effective than using individual genes, even if they are highly effective. Pathogen mutations can disrupt resistance, so multigenic selection is the most promising strategy for ensuring long-term plant resistance.
However, experts stress that not all problems can be solved solely through selection for genetic resistance. As Marek Kostrzewski, manager of Limagrain, notes, there is currently no single gene that provides drought resistance. The work of breeders in this area involves combining various traits: a developed root system, improved transpiration, and efficient absorption of water and nutrients. For example, synchronized flowering is an important trait for corn. However, variety selection is always focused on future challenges and cannot address the current problems faced by farmers.
“Unfortunately, we cannot have one variety that is resistant to everything and build the future on it. Inheriting traits is not that simple. Genetic tools are very useful in plant breeding, but it is still very hard work,” said Marek Kostrzewski.