Wheat Adaptation to Water-Limited Environments: Breeding Strategies for Rainfed and Semi-Arid Regions

Abstract

Wheat is one of the most important food crops worldwide, but its production is increasingly threatened by water scarcity, unpredictable rainfall, and rising temperatures. Rainfed and semi-arid regions, which depend entirely on seasonal rains, face the highest risk of yield loss. Developing wheat varieties that can adapt to these water-limited environments is essential for global food security. This review summarizes the main challenges of growing wheat in dry regions, explains the key plant traits that help wheat survive and produce under stress, and compares traditional and modern breeding approaches. Finally, we highlight the importance of combining scientific advances with farmer knowledge, open data sharing, and climate-smart breeding pipelines. By integrating these strategies, breeders can deliver stable, high-yielding wheat varieties tailored to rainfed and semi-arid farming systems.