Benefit of Within-Field Genetic Diversity for Production Stability and Other Ecosystem Services

This study examines the benefits of maintaining high genetic diversity within crop fields for improving yield stability and delivering multiple ecosystem services. Using case studies on wheat varieties and multi-species temporary grasslands, the authors demonstrate that intraspecific genetic diversity can enhance disease and pest control, support associated wild biodiversity, and stabilize biomass production under varying environmental stresses. The paper discusses ecological mechanisms such as complementarity, sampling effects, and functional redundancy that underpin these benefits at the genotypic level. It also highlights the potential for developing breeding strategies and optimized cultivar mixtures that leverage genetic diversity to meet challenges in sustainable agriculture and climate adaptation.