Title : Applications of molecular biology in plant science: Recent advances and future perspectives
Abstract:
Plant science plays a fundamental role in ensuring global food security and sustainable agricultural development. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the world population is expected to reach nearly 9.7 billion by 2050, increasing the demand for food production by approximately 50%. In this context, molecular biology has emerged as a powerful tool for improving crop productivity, resistance to diseases, and tolerance to environmental stresses. This review explores recent advances in molecular biology and their applications in plant science. Particular attention is given to modern techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), DNA sequencing, marker-assisted selection, genetic engineering, and CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing. These technologies have significantly accelerated plant breeding programs and improved the identification of genes associated with desirable agronomic traits. Recent studies indicate that the application of molecular breeding techniques can reduce breeding cycles by up to 50% compared with conventional methods. Furthermore, genetically improved crop varieties have demonstrated increases in yield ranging from 10% to 30% under specific environmental conditions. Molecular diagnostic tools also contribute to the rapid detection of plant pathogens, reducing crop losses that can exceed 20–40% annually in some agricultural systems. Despite these advances, challenges related to biosafety regulations, public acceptance, and technology accessibility remain important. Future perspectives highlight the integration of molecular biology, artificial intelligence, and precision agriculture to enhance sustainable crop production and address global food security challenges.
Keywords: Molecular Biology, Plant Science, Plant Biotechnology, CRISPR-Cas9, Crop Improvement, Sustainable Agriculture.
