5 Genetic improvements for climate change adaptation using modern biotechnology have not reliably translated into the field , but good progress has been made by conventional breeding. Desirable traits that adapt plants to environmental stress are inherited as a complex of genes, each of which makes a small contribution to the trait . Adaptation by conventional breeding requires making rapid incremental changes in the best germplasm to keep pace with the environment . Further improvements would be difficult without in situ and ex situ conservation of plant genetic resources to maintain critical germplasm for breeding .
IPCC
Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability
IPCC Report