CAST papers are the foundation of CAST’s science communication work. Developed by expert-led task forces, these peer-reviewed publications translate agricultural science into trusted insights that inform policy, guide public understanding, and fuel CAST programs, dialogues, and educational initiatives.

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Developing Global Priorities for Plant Research

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Authors
ETH Zurich
Boyce Thompson Institute
Bayer Crop Science
University of East Anglia
University of Cambridge
Huazhong Agricultural University
University of California, Davis
BGI Group
University of Melbourne
Chinese Academy of Sciences
Chinese Academy of Sciences
Abstract
This report synthesizes insights from leading plant scientists across the United States, Europe, and China to establish global research priorities aimed at helping agriculture adapt to accelerating climate variability. Through expert interviews and a virtual workshop convened by the Supporters of Agricultural Research (SoAR) Foundation in 2020, the study identifies five interconnected priority domains essential for building resilient, resource-efficient crop systems: (1) harnessing plant genetic diversity through large-scale sequencing, trait mining, and improved germplasm characterization; (2) advancing field- and laboratory-based phenotyping integrated with microbiome analysis to understand genotype–environment–microbiome interactions; (3) developing mechanistic, multi-scale models that link genomic, physiological, and environmental data to predict crop performance under diverse conditions; (4) improving climate models for both abiotic and biotic stresses, particularly pests and pathogens whose ranges are shifting with climate change; and (5) deepening understanding of soil systems, nutrient cycling, and water-use efficiency to enhance carbon sequestration and reduce agricultural inputs.
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