Development of climate-resilient bread wheat genotypes for cultivating in Oman

In Oman, drought and high temperature are among the most important threats attributable to climate change. The most limiting factor responsible for food security in the climate change scenario is drought stress. Wheat production in Oman challenges yield and agricultural practices due to salinity, drought, and extreme temperatures year wise. In the Sultanate of Oman, its production has declined dramatically in recent decades. Considering the social, economic, and environmental aspects, developing abiotic stress-tolerant varieties can be achieved. In this context, our proposal addresses introducing and utilizing the drought and heat tolerance genotypes present in Triticum aestivum present at SQU to modern landrace cultivars through pre-breeding. The Department of Plant Sciences at SQU has a range of bread wheat lines that are known for their drought tolerance. Furthermore, broad hybridization with backcrossing to the most well adapted parent coupled with selection will be assessed in order to provide the best potential for expanding the genetic base of climate- resilient bread wheat genotypes for sustainable agriculture in Oman. It will also enable the youth to understand breeding and the issues provided by current circumstances while acquiring research and training may go a long way toward directing state agriculture in an environmentally friendly, sustainable, and profitable manner.