Crop germplasm: Current challenges, physiological-molecular perspective, and advance strategies towards development of climate-resilient crops

Germplasm is a long-term resource management mission and investment for civilization. An estimated-7.4 million accessions are held in 1750 plant germplasm centres around the world; yet, only 2% of these assets have been utilized as plant genetic resources (PGRs). According to recent studies, the current food yield trajectory will be insufficient to feed the world's population in 2050. Additionally, possible negative effects in terms of crop failure because of climate change are already being experienced across the world. Therefore, it is necessary to reconciliation of research advancement and innovation of practices for further exploration of the potential of crop germplasm especially for the complex traits associated with yield such as water-and nitrogen use efficiency. In this review, we tried to address current challenges, research gaps, physiological and molecular aspects of two broad spectrum complex traits such as water-and nitrogen-use effi-ciency, and advanced integrated strategies that could provide a platform for combined stress management for climate-smart crop development. Additionally, recent development in technol-ogies that are directly related to germplasm characterization was highlighted for further molec-ular utilization towards the development of elite varieties.