Embracing new practices in plant breeding for agroecological transition: A diversity-driven research agenda

Societal Impact Statement: Plant breeding for agroecological transition (AET) holds the potential to transform agriculture by fostering crop diversification and empowering farmers through collaborative, inter- and transdisciplinary research. By adopting a systemic, co-learning approach, we can deepen our understanding of the complex interactions between plant diversity, management practices and socio-ecological contexts. Achieving this transition requires responsible governance to co-design cropping systems and ensure sustainable, safe and resilient agricultural systems with healthy nutrition. Embracing these integrative practices will not only advance plant breeding science for the transformation of sustainable food systems but also strengthen food security, safety and resilience in the face of pressing environmental and societal challenges. Summary: This opinion paper advocates for a transformative approach to plant breeding to support the agroecological transition (AET), essential for addressing global challenges such as biodiversity loss and climate change. It emphasizes the need for inter- and transdisciplinary, collaborative and inclusive research to enhance plant and crop diversity while empowering farmers. Key strategies include co-designing agroecological systems with stakeholders, leveraging crop inter- and intraspecies diversity and establishing responsible governance. The participatory approach encourages collaboration between farmers and researchers to co-develop solutions that enhance crop inter- and intra-species diversity within cropping systems. Through responsible governance, we aim to ensure inclusivity, participation and equitable access to knowledge at individual and institutional levels. In addition, researchers and institutions must collaborate with farmers to co-design systems that prioritize context-specific solutions, sustainability and diversity. Enhancing plant diversity for AET requires plant breeding tailored to diverse agroecological contexts and farming needs, supported by collaborative networks, participatory methods and appropriate experimental and modelling tools. We conclude with a call for inter- and transdisciplinary training to better prepare future researchers in plant breeding for AET.