The yield losses in cereal crops because of abiotic stress and the expected huge losses from climate change indicate our urgent need for useful traits to achieve food security. The stay-green (SG) is a secondary trait that enables crop plants to maintain their green leaves and photosynthesis capacity for a longer time after anthesis, especially under drought and heat stress conditions. Thus, SG plants have longer grain-filling period and subsequently higher yield than non-SG. SG trait was recognized as a superior characteristic for commercially bred cereal selection to overcome the current yield stagnation in alliance with yield adaptability and stability. Breeding for functional SG has contributed in improving crop yields, particularly when it is combined with other useful traits. Thus, elucidating the molecular and physiological mechanisms associated with SG trait is maybe the key to defeating the stagnation in productivity associated with adaptation to environmental stress. This review discusses the recent advances in SG as a crucial trait for genetic improvement of the five major cereal crops, sorghum, wheat, rice, maize, and barley with particular emphasis on the physiological consequences of SG trait. Finally, we provided perspectives on future directions for SG research that addresses present and future global challenges.

Crop yield is severely affected by biotic and abiotic stresses. Plants adapt to these stresses mainly through gene expression reprogramming at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Recently, the exogenous application of double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) and RNA interference (RNAi) technology has emerged as a sustainable and publicly acceptable alternative to genetic transformation, hence, small RNAs (micro-RNAs and small interfering RNAs) have an important role in combating biotic and abiotic stresses in plants. RNAi limits the transcript level by either suppressing transcription (transcriptional gene silencing) or activating sequence-specific RNA degradation (post-transcriptional gene silencing). Using RNAi tools and their respective targets in abiotic stress responses in many crops is well documented. Many miRNAs families are reported in plant tolerance response or adaptation to drought, salinity, and temperature stresses. In biotic stress, the spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS) provides an intelligent method of using dsRNA as a trigger to silence target genes in pests and pathogens without producing side effects such as those caused by chemical pesticides. In this review, we focus on the potential of SIGS as the most recent application of RNAi in agriculture and point out the trends, challenges, and risks of production technologies. Additionally, we provide insights into the potential applications of exogenous RNAi against biotic stresses. We also review the current status of RNAi/miRNA tools and their respective targets on abiotic stress and the most common responsive miRNA families triggered by stress conditions in different crop species.

Societal Impact Statement: Iron deficiency anaemia remains a major public health challenge in Sub‐Saharan Africa, where population growth, displacement and limited resources heighten nutritional insecurity. We compiled a list of indigenous African underutilized wild food plants and examined their potential for addressing micronutrient deficiencies. Many wild species offer micronutrient‐rich edible plant parts that are available throughout seasons. Integrating local biodiversity into the diets of vulnerable groups, particularly pregnant women, children and displaced populations, offers a sustainable strategy to combat iron deficiency anaemia. This report intends to inspire public health policy, humanitarian interventions and raise awareness for promoting resilient, culturally appropriate alternative food systems. Summary: Iron deficiency anaemia caused by malnutrition is prevalent among women of reproductive age and children in Sub‐Saharan Africa, with 42% of children experiencing stunting and a significant number of women suffering from anaemia. Dietary diversity is essential for sustainable nutritional food security and a sufficient iron supply. Africa has a rich biodiversity heritage with hundreds of indigenous wild food plants that are important components of Africa's traditional diets. The great interest in the use of wild food plants has been based on the assumption that plant resources will be available on a continuing basis. Here, we documented over 40 species of indigenous African wild food plants, used for food and drink that have a reported high iron content. Many parts of wild food plants are a rich source of iron. The bioavailability of iron is associated with other nutritional factors. Hence, we discuss the iron absorption enhancers such as ascorbic acid, minerals and organic acids and their potential to increase iron availability in selected wild food plants. Our assembly of wild food plants across multiple plant families with the use of leaves, fruits, flowers, seeds, or tubers demonstrates a remarkably sustainable source of plant‐based iron that can have a great impact on health in Africa. Therefore, a resilience and sustainability policy that incorporates wild food plants should be adopted, and research that aims to document, commercialize and manufacture the wild food plants is urgently required.