Enhancing Resource Use Efficiency in Crops Through Plant Functional Traits

In the scenarios of global challenges such as climate change, burgeoning populations, limited agriculture resources, food security, etc., enhancing the resource use efficiency in crops becomes a crucial need for sustainable agriculture. This chapter explores the potential role of plant functional traits (PFTs) in augmenting resource use efficiency and facilitating crop adaptation amid the aforementioned global challenges. We emphasize the complex interactions between plant functional traits and their influence on crops’ resource use efficiency. This chapter explores the potential role of various functional traits, such as physiological, morphological, root architecture, biochemical, and molecular, which govern the plant’s ability to harness soil (water, nutrients) and atmospheric (sunlight) resources. Further, this chapter paves the direction to develop climate-resilient crop varieties capable of maintaining productivity under changing environmental conditions by exploring the potential role of PFTs in stress tolerance and climate adaptability. This chapter not only highlights the intrinsic potential of plant functional traits in resource use efficiency but also emphasizes their capacity to transform agricultural practices in the face of global challenges, fostering sustainable and resilient agriculture in the future. This insight may benefit academicians and researchers in developing efficient crop varieties in resource acquisition and utilization by exploring the potential of plant functional traits to ensure food security and achieve sustainable development goals.