Agrobiodiversity & Sustainable Production PDF

Chapter 2: Agrobiodiversity & Sustainable Production an increase in agriculture intensification, with more land occupied with monoculture crops and production systems heavily reliant on external inputs (fertilizer, chemicals and water) demand for agricultural products is increasing due to the grow...

Chapter 2: Agrobiodiversity & Sustainable Production an increase in agriculture intensification, with more land occupied with monoculture crops and production systems heavily reliant on external inputs (fertilizer, chemicals and water) demand for agricultural products is increasing due to the growing world population and the recent awareness of the health and environmental benefits of a vegetarian diet However, agricultural production systems are facing serious challenges; desirable reduction in the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and the extreme weather conditions, which are a consequence of climate change.  Cont.., Due to intensive production systems, agriculture ecosystems are at the edge of collapse; increased soil degradation and contamination loss of biodiversity decrease in water quality and availability threatening production yields and food security To increase plant production in a sustainable manner; increasing agrobiodiversity and the use of biofertilizers sustainable production in terms of social, economic and environmental attributes should be the key concerns managing farming systems sustainably means; agriculture needs to be about much more than yields of commodity crops in highly simplified and specialized landscapes agricultural biodiversity provides variety and variability within and among species, fields and landscapes this diversity helps drive critical ecological processes (e.g. soil structure maintenance) and allows a landscape to simultaneously provide multiple benefits to people (nutritious foods, income, natural pest control, pollination, water quality) Agricultural biodiversity; used by rural communities worldwide in many time-tested practices. Increase resilience to farms, communities and landscapes maintain and increase the flow of services and benefits that agricultural biodiversity provides to communities. measured in many ways: linked to healthy diets, sustainable land use, agriculture, climate change adaptation, resilience and biodiversity conservation.  Role of Agrobiodiversity experience and research have shown that agrobiodiversity can (adapted from Thrupp, 1997) increase productivity, food security, and economic returns reduce the pressure of agriculture on fragile areas, forests & endangered species make farming systems more stable, robust, and sustainable contribute to sound pest and disease management conserve soil and increase natural soil fertility and health contribute to sustainable intensification  Cont.., diversify products and income opportunities reduce or spread risks to individuals and nations help maximize effective use of resources and the environment reduce dependency on external inputs (fertilizer, chemicals, etc.) improve human nutrition and provide sources of medicines and vitamins, and conserve ecosystem structure & stability of sps diversity  Biodiversity of agricultural crops full spectrum of farmed plant species and their wild relatives includes pollinators and soil micro-organisms that sustain and support crop habitats and ecosystems. ‘farmed’ plants are those that farmers grow for food, fodder, fiber, medicine, energy, and other domestic or industrial uses. mankind’s need for agricultural crops is greater than ever before (global population continues to grow).  Cont.., mankind needs; to ensure a prosperous future for coming generations, with improved food security and sustaining the natural environment increasing demand for ‘higher grade’ food such as meat, notably in developing countries. sources of oil and synthetic fertilizers are finite; there is a critical need to find renewable fuels and energy sources. climate change and other challenges require the world’s food security systems to be adaptable & even more resilient  Cont.., humans are meeting their demand for food and ‘socio-economic progress’ at the expense of the environment – 100% reality destruction of plant and animal habitats, deforestation, and exhaustion of natural resources are unrelenting among other problems, this behavior increases carbon dioxide levels and exacerbates climate change the global rate of species loss is greater now than at any known time in human history  Cont.., most of our food comes from a very small number of crops out of 380,000 plant species, fewer than 20% are known to be eaten most plants are unpalatable, or produce poisonous chemicals to defend themselves against microorganisms, insects, and foraging animals humans have only domesticated about 150 plant species for farming of these, 30 account for more than 85% of global crop production the world’s key crops are not only few in number. their genetic diversity within species is also worryingly narrow. the likelihood of natural resilience to pests, diseases, and potential environmental changes is low.  Cont.., several factors have contributed to the lack of crop biodiversity; the decrease in public investment in crop improvement over the last few decades national plant breeding programs have tended to maximize the use of genes already in domesticated varieties they have put insufficient emphasis on breeding in more diverse genetic characteristics or native traits from wild relatives  Cont.., points should be considered to maintain biodiversity of agricultural crops improvement of water management and land use better management and careful use of fertilizers and pesticide considers food security issues alongside environmental sustainability and maintenance of biodiversity - (policy perspective) education and stewardship of new technology developments and agricultural biotechnology  Cont.., points should be considered - maintain biodiversity of agricultural crops broadening the genetic resilience base of crops and increasing use of native traits from wild relatives create modern varieties adapted to changing environmental demands, pests, weeds, and diseases, and innovative market-driven opportunities for farmers to provide agrobiodiversity services.  Biodiversity of animals Animal biodiversity; o the incredible variety of animal species on earth, spanning from the tiniest insects to the largest mammals o critical for ecosystems to function effectively o each species plays a unique role in maintaining ecological balance, be it through o pollination, decomposition, or as part of the food chain  Biodiversity of animals Animal biodiversity; o within the realm of agrobiodiversity refers to the variety of domesticated animals, their wild relatives, and the myriad microorganisms and insects that play crucial roles in agriculture. o think of the diverse breeds of cattle, chickens, pigs, and even bees - all vital for different farming systems o this diversity ensures resilience: different breeds thrive in various conditions, from scorching deserts to chilly highlands  Biodiversity of animals Animal biodiversity; o insects, like bees, pollinate crops, while others, like soil microbes, break down organic matter, enriching the soil o predatory insects keep pests in check, reducing the need for chemical pesticides o reducing this diversity can mean entire ecosystems become more vulnerable to diseases, climate change, and other disruptions o agriculture isn't just about planting seeds and harvesting crops; it's an intricate dance involving countless species working in harmony  Biotechnology in Agriculture Biotechnology use of biology to develop new products, methods and organisms intended to improve human health and society Cellular and bimolecular processes to develop technologies and products that help improve our lives and the health of our planet application of scientific techniques to modify and improve plants animals, and microorganisms to enhance their value used in agriculture to improve plant growth and yields, increase resistance to pests and diseases, and enhance nutritional content  Cont.., some examples of agricultural biotechnology are the following – biologically produced pesticides & herbicides are less harmful than chemical ones – drought-resistant crops – minimal space-resilient crops – meat grown in labs or using 3D printers – gluten-free grains friendly to sufferers of celiac – selective breeding that produces healthier, bigger livestock and crops – nutrient supplementation that infuses food with added nutrients to improve diets and medical treatments 19  Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) Genetically modified crops and animals; – created by inserting genes from different organisms into the DNA sequence of specific crop varieties – produces traits that would not occur naturally, such as resistance to pests or environmental conditions like drought – GMO industry has evolved over the years, with progress being made in developing crops that are tolerant to herbicides, resistant to disease, and insect-resistant – many people oppose GMOs because they are not sure about their long-term effects on human health and the environment 21  GMOs cont.…, ❖ however, many scientific studies have suggested that GMOs, as an example of successful biotechnology application in agriculture, are safe for both humans and the environment. ❖ advantages of GMO biotechnology increased efficiency and reduced costs higher crop yields ability to generate new food products improved quality of life for farmers 22  Examples of Agricultural Biotechnology 1) Genetically Modified Crops – created by inserting genes from different organisms into the DNA sequence of specific crop varieties – produces traits that would not occur naturally, such as resistance to pests or environmental conditions like drought – results higher crop yields, ability to stand extreme environmental change, better resistance for disease, pest and insect; and improved quality of life for farmers 23  Cont.., 2) Developing of Biofuels – produced using natural inputs like algae, corn stover, and sugarcane bagasse instead of petroleum products – helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions because they do not emit any carbon when burned – does not take away from the food supply because some inputs, like algae can be grown on wastewater /using arable land that isn’t fit to grow crops – gives more options for where the fuel source comes from and may increase competition, which could lower prices 25  Cont.., Developing of Biofuels… – using advanced biotech methods to develop biofuels has the potential to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide a more reliable fuel source. ❑ Advantages of biofuels – reduced greenhouse gas emissions – increased competition may lead to lower prices – more options for where fuel source comes from 26  Cont.., 3) Improving plant growth – breeding plants to get more desirable traits such as larger fruits size, more robust plant growth, or improved flavor – an example of traditional cross-breeding methods where a farmer selects what she/he thinks are the best examples from each generation for further breeding – this method requires generations of experiments to obtain the desired result – however, with the advent of biotechnology, sustainable plant growth can be achieved quickly and efficiently 28  Cont…, Improving plant growth…. – plants are altered in a laboratory to possess a specific trait, such as resistance to pests, abiotic stress, and several other factors. ❑ Advantages of biotechnology for plant growth – increased tolerance to stress factors (drought or salinity) – faster growth rates and shorter generation times – costs less than traditional breeding methods 29  Cont…, 4) Improving plant seed quality – allowed for more effective & efficient ways of improving the crops that feed our population, & ensuring high-quality seeds at harvest time – seed quality has always been the basis for a good crop, and biotechnology has allowed seeds to be improved in several ways – e.g., improve the ability of seeds to withstand different conditions; drought or flooding by using DNA technology that targets specific genes responsible for water uptake during these stressful times 32  Cont…, Improving plant seed quality…. – biotechnologists introduced new genetic material into plants that can lead to higher nutritional value in many foods we eat every day ❑ Advantages of biotechnology in improving seed quality – improved crops – more food for the world’s population. – better crop yields in the face of changing conditions around the globe – increased nutritional value 33  Cont…, 5) Improve animal health and breeding – improving animal health and breeding – used in livestock production, allows animals to grow faster with less food for better meat quality – It can even be used for cloning – animals that are resistant to diseases can also be bred using biotechnology – farmers can increase their production and improve the quality of animal products 35  Cont…., Improve animal health and breeding…. – has great advantages over conventional methods and may be a key to feeding our growing population in the future – when combined with plant-based biotechnology, the potential for increased food production is even greater ❑ Advantages of biotechnology in animal breeding – improved animal product quality – faster growth – resistance to diseases – increased food production potential 36  Collection and management of genetic resources Germplasm; – the genetic materials that can perpetuate a species or a population of an organism – used both to reproduce and, through hybridization and selection, to change or enhance the organism conserving genetic resources – safeguarding the living materials exploited by agriculture, industry, forestry, and aquaculture to provide products for human being – tremendous practical and historical significance for human life from daily survival to generating the wealth of nations – yet their crucial role in supporting human society is 39 frequently overlooked and undervalued  source of germplasm crop germplasm animal germplasm land races live animal (conservation with utilization – in-situ) obsolete varieties zoo/captive breeding (in- cultivated varieties vivo of ex-situ) semen, oocytes, somatic cells breeding lines and embryos etc. (in-vitro – wild form and wild relatives cryopreservation of ex-situ  Cont.., Genetic conservation – genetic diversity is endangered by modern agriculture and globalization – concerned with protecting plants, animals, microorganisms, and communities of organisms that help to mold and stabilize the environment and maintain the quality of air, water, and soil – ensures that future generations will benefit from earth's biological resources – modern production and marketing depend on genetically uniform 41 varieties that deliver uniform food products  Cont.., – a relatively small number of high-yielding uniform crop and animal varieties have largely replaced the many landraces that were a feature of earlier times – meanwhile, climate change will force farmers to change their choice of which crops or animals and varieties to grow – as a result, more of the older varieties and breeds may disappear. – furthermore, the wild relatives of crops that still grow in nature might not be able to adapt or migrate in time 42  Cont.., – programs should develop to support farmers in maintaining genetic diversity in their fields (genetic resources have been collected and managed) – gene banks have been established to conserve our genetic diversity in living collections, and to study and use the properties contained in these collections 43