Your Search Results
-
-
Aelurus Publishing / Impress Books
An independent publishing house with a small but passionate team, newly focused on the voices of the marginalised.
View Rights Portal
-
Promoted Content
November 2024Genetic Engineering of Vegetable Crops
by Pritam Kalia, Donata Arena, Suresh H. Antre, Rehna Augustine, S. Backiyarani, Nikita Balyan, Rafal Baranski, Satyaprakash Barik, D. R. Bhardwaj, Vinay Bhardwaj, S.K. Chakrabarti, Supriya Chakraborty, Branca Ferdinando, Megha Ganachari, P.H. Ramanjini Gowda, Rasmieh Hamid, Vageeshbabu S. Hanura, Feba Jacob, A. Jeevalatha, Anjala K, Varsha K, S. Kalpana, Ashish Kaushal, Magdalena Klimek-Chodacka, Manoj Kumar, Polumetla Ananda Kumar, Ravinder Kumar, Aneta Lukasiewicz, DC Lakshamanareddy, T Makeshkumar, M. Malavika, Manisha Mangal, Deepu Mathew, Pallavi Mishra, Upsana Mohapatra, N. Nagesha, T.M. Ningaraju, Saurabh Pandey, Naresh Ponnam, K N Poornima, Roshini Pydi, Manoj Prasad, K. V. Ravishankar, K. Madhavi Reddy, A. T. Sadashiva, Vidya Sagar, Koushik Saha, B.G. Sangeetha, Sanjay Sathian, K.M Senthilkumar, Sanjeev Sharma, M.N. Sheela, H.K. Shreyas, B.P. Singh, Arpita Srivastav, S Sundaresha, KRM Swamy, Kamil Szymonik, Brindha T. M, Arun TS, Jagesh K. Tiwari, Shailesh K Tiwari, Simone Trecc
Conventional plant breeding alone can no longer sustain the rising global demand for food. Genetic engineering technology makes it possible to develop new crop varieties with improved yield performance, specific quality attributes (external and internal in vegetable crops), resistance to diseases and insect pests, and environmental stresses. Genetic engineering technology for developing GM crops is complementary to genome editing and other breeding technologies. In addition to food requirements, transgenic crops have the possibility to carry edible vaccines and therapeutic proteins, to help combat human disease and malnutrition. This book reviews the importance and safety of transgenic vegetable crops and covers a wide variety of crops and different technologies. It includes: Genetic engineering in tomato, eggplant, peppers, amaranth, cauliflower, carrot, cucurbits, potato, tropical tubers and melons. Transgenic resistance to viral diseases. Embryogenic cell suspension culture. Genome editing and CRISPR/Cas9. Molecular techniques for biofortification. RNAi strategies for vegetable crop improvement. Designing futuristic vegetable crop varieties. This book is suitable for researchers in horticulture, plant science, and agricultural biotechnology as well as practitioners in vegetable breeding and seed production.
-
Promoted Content
Technology, Engineering & AgricultureJanuary 2024Vegetable Seeds
Production and Technology
by Gregory E Welbaum
Most food and fiber crops are produced from seed. This means that the world's population is dependent on annual seed production for its food supply. Vegetable seed production is much different and more challenging than production of grain crops. This book explains the biology and technology behind producing, maintaining, and enhancing the quality of vegetable seeds from breeding through to the marketed product. It begins with six chapters on a broad range of seed-related topics: the importance of seeds, reproductive biology of plants, genetic improvement strategies, quality assurance of seed production, post-harvest seed enhancement, and organic production. The remaining chapters cover seed production in eleven important vegetable families. Each chapter provides a description of the botany, types and cultivars, genetic improvement, pollination, soil fertility management, pest management, crop production, harvesting, post-harvest handling, and seed yields. The aim of this book is to educate how to produce high-quality vegetable seeds. Incorporating both current methodologies and recent research results, it is suitable for students, researchers, and professionals in the seed industry.
-
Trusted Partner
April 2021RNAi for Plant Improvement and Protection
by Bruno Mezzetti, Jeremy Sweet, Lorenzo Burgos
RNA interference (RNAi) has the potential to make major contributions towards sustainable crop production and protection with minimal environmental impacts compared to other technologies. RNAi is being developed and exploited both within plants (i.e. host-induced gene silencing, HIGS) and/or as topical applications (e.g. spray-induced gene silencing, SIGS) for targeting pest and pathogen genes and for manipulating endogenous gene expression in plants. Chapters by international experts review current knowledge on RNAi, methods for developing RNAi systems in GM plants and applications for crop improvement, crop production and crop protection. Chapters examine both endogenous systems in GM plants and exogenous systems where interfering RNAs are applied to target plants, pests and pathogens. The biosafety of these different systems is examined and methods for risk assessment for food, feed and environmental safety are discussed. Finally, aspects of the regulation of technologies exploiting RNAi and the socio-economic impacts of RNAi technologies are discussed. Chapter 1: Introduction to RNAi in Plant Production and Protection. Bruno Mezzetti, Jeremy Sweet and Lorenzo Burgos Chapter 2: Gene silencing to induce pathogen-derived resistance in plants. Zhen Liao, Elena Zuriaga, Ángela Polo and Maria L. Badenes Chapter 3: Exogenous application of small RNAs as a tool for gene function discovering. Barbara Molesini and Tiziana Pandolfini Chapter 4: The “Trojan Horse” approach for successful RNA interference in inscects. Dimitrios Kontogiannatos, Anna Kolliopoulou and Luc Swevers. Chapter 5: Biogenesis and functional RNAi in fruit-trees. Michel Ravelonandro and Pascal Briard Chapter 6: Gene silencing or gene editing: the pros and cons. Huw D Jones Chapter 7: Application of RNAi technology in Forest Trees. Matthias Fladung, Hely Haggman and S. Sutela Chapter 8: Host-induced gene silencing and spray-induced gene silencing for crop protection against viruses. Angela Ricci, Silvia Sabbadini, Laura Miozzi, Bruno Mezzetti and Emanuela Noris. Chapter 9: Small talk and large impact: the importance of small RNA molecules in the fight of plant diseases. Kristian Persson Hodén and Christina Dixelius Chapter 10: dsRNA stability during external applications – an overview. Ivelin Pantchev, Goritsa Rakleova and Atanas Atanassov Chapter 11: Boosting dsRNA delivery in plant and insect cells with peptide- and polymer-based carriers: cases-based current status and future perspectives. Kristof de Schutter, Olivier Christiaens, Clauvis Nji Tizi Taning and Guy Smagghe Chapter 12: Environmental safety assessment of RNAi plants for pest control. Salvatore Arpaia, Olivier Christiaens, Paul Henning Krogh, Kimberly Parker and Jeremy Sweet Chapter 13: Food and feed safety assessment of RNAi plants and products. Hanspeter Naegeli, Gijs Kleter and Antje Dietz-Pfeilstetter Chapter 14: Regulatory aspects of RNAi in plant production. Werner Schenkel and Achim Gathmann Chapter 15: The Economics of RNAi technology in plant breeding: from the innovation landscape to consumer acceptance. Dario Frisio and Vera Ventura Chapter 16: Communication challenges of RNAi and selected communication messages from iPLANTA for dissemination. Hilde-Gunn Opsahl-Sorteberg
-
Trusted Partner
October 2023Vegetable Brassicas and Related Crucifers
by Geoffrey R Dixon, Rachel Wells
The Brassica genus contains diverse and economically important species and crops, for example, Brassica oleracea including cauliflower to kohlrabi, B.rapa including pak choi to mizuna, and aquatic crucifers such as watercress. These provide humankind with huge diversities of foods, promoting health and well-being. This substantially expanded second edition reflects the significant advances in knowledge of plant breeding and crop production which have occurred since publication of the original book in 2006. Embracing new Brassicaceae research and concepts of sustainable and automated crop production, topics include: Brassica evolution and transcontinental spread as the basis for crop breeding Gene-editing, rapid sequencing, genetic markers and linkage mapping to enable efficient plant breeding Seed development, F1 cultivars and rapid maturing crops for profitable cropping Environmental impacts on pests, pathogens, crop reliability and quality Soil health and fertility as agronomic principles Environmental sustainability, biocontrol and integrated pest management Vegetable brassicas as nutrient-rich foods for optimal health benefits An invaluable resource for all those involved in Brassica production, this is essential reading for researchers and students in horticulture and plant science, growers, producers, consultants and industry advisors.
-
Trusted Partner
Pharmaceutical industriesAugust 1996Plant Adaptation and Crop Improvement
by Edited by Mark Cooper, Graeme L Hammer
This book discusses various plant adpatations and techniques for crop improvement.
-
Trusted Partner
HorticultureAugust 1997Physiology of Vegetable Crops
by Fred J Muehlbauer, James L Brewster, Mary M Peet. Edited by H C Wien.
Many vegetable crops represent high value products and so it is essential to have a clear understanding of the physiology that lies behind successful production, as this enables the crop to be managed in the most effective way. The first section of the book takes a general look at the key stages during the growth of a plant, such as germination, transplanting and flowering and also looks at what can influence those stages. The second section is a detailed consideration of each of the major crops. Each chapter discusses the physiological aspects of vegetative growth, the induction of the reproductive structure, reproductive growth, senescence and any physiological disorders. Leading workers from the USA and Europe are brought together in one volume to produce a unique reference work for all advanced students of horticulture and crop production. This book is also an important resource for all research workers and teachers concerned with plant physiology.
-
Trusted Partner
Technology, Engineering & AgricultureMarch 2020Physiology of Vegetable Crops
by Hans Christian Wien, Hartmut Stützel, T W Chen, P J Davies, Martine Dorais, H Dodson-Swenson, Daniel Drost, Jim Giovannoni, I L Goldman, S K Gupta, Franziska S. Hanschen, Ep Heuvelink, K E Jaeger, R Kamenetsky Goldstein, Daniel Leskovar, Fred J Muehlbauer, Susanne Neugart, R C O Okello, Mary M Peet, Haim D Rabinowitch, I M Rao, C Rosen, Monika Schreiner, S Shuler, E F C Souza, A G Taylor, W F Tracy, P A Wigge, H Yasuor
Completely updated and revised, this bestselling book continues to explain the growth and developmental processes involved in the formation of vegetables. Since the publication of the successful first edition significant discoveries, particularly in the area of molecular biology, have deepened and broadened our knowledge and understanding of these processes. This new edition brings the topic up-to-date and is presented over two sections: the first provides general knowledge on germination, transplanting, flowering, the effects of stress and modelling, whilst the second section details the physiology of specific crops or crop groups. The second edition of The Physiology of Vegetable Crops: · contains two new chapters looking at stress effects on vegetable crops with a particular emphasis on climate change and models of vegetable growth and development · is fully updated to reflect recent discoveries and the advent of new production techniques such as growing in artificial environments · provides enhanced understanding of the growth and function of 18 different vegetable crops · is heavily illustrated and published in full colour throughout With contributions from renowned international experts, this is an essential resource for horticultural researchers and extension educators and consultants, as well as a reference for students and researchers in vegetable production, plant breeding, entomology and plant pathology.
-
Trusted Partner
Science & MathematicsNovember 2023Crop Pollination by Bees, Volume 2
Individual Crops and their Bees
by Keith S Delaplane
Since the second half of the 20th Century, our agricultural bee pollinators have faced mounting threats from ecological disturbance and pan-global movement of pathogens and parasites. At the same time, the area of pollinator-dependent crops is increasing globally with no end in sight. Never before has so much been asked of our finite pool of bee pollinators. This book not only explores the evolutionary and ecologic bases of these dynamics, it translates this knowledge into practical research-based guidance for using bees to pollinate crops. It emphasizes conserving wild bee populations as well as culturing honey bees, bumble bees, and managed solitary bees. To cover such a range of biology, theory, and practice from the perspectives of both the pollinator and the crop, the book is divided into two volumes. Volume 1 focuses on bees, their biology, coevolution with flowering plants, foraging ecology and management, and gives practical ways to increase bee abundance and pollinating performance on the farm. Volume 2 (this volume) focuses on crops, with chapters addressing crop-specific requirements and bee pollination management recommendations. Both volumes are essential reading for farmers, horticulturists and gardeners, researchers and professionals working in insect ecology and conservation, and students of entomology and crop protection.
-
Trusted Partner
Botany & plant sciencesDecember 2010Tropical Vegetable Production
by Raymond A T George
Sustainable crop production is vital to ensure that supplies of fresh vegetables and their products are readily available. However, food security still remains a huge problem in areas of the world, including the tropics and sub-tropics, where communities rely solely on subsistence farming to meet their day to day food demands. It is evident that food production needs to become more sustainable to ensure economic stability and poverty reduction. With this in mind Tropical Vegetable Production addresses the problems surrounding vegetable production in developing countries. Divided into two parts this volume discusses firstly the principles and practise of tropical vegetable production, from site selection, security and management to seeds, crop preparation and pesticides, and secondly provides details of those crops which are of particular importance in developing countries.
-
Trusted Partner
Agricultural scienceOctober 2015Crop Improvement, Adoption and Impact of Improved Varieties in Food Crops in Sub-Saharan Africa
by Edited by Dr Thomas S. Walker, Jeffrey Alwang
Following on from the CGIAR study by Evenson and Gollin (published by CABI in 2003), this volume provides up-to-date estimates of adoption outcomes and productivity impacts of crop variety improvement research in sub-Saharan Africa. The book reports on the results of the DIIVA Project that focussed on the varietal generation, adoption and impact for 20 food crops in 30 countries. It also compares adoption outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa to those in South Asia, and guides future efforts for global agricultural research
-
Trusted Partner
Biology, life sciencesMay 2016Enhancing Crop Genepool Use
Capturing Wild Relative and Landrace Diversity for Crop Improvement
by Edited by Nigel Maxted, Mohammad E Dulloo, Brian V Ford-Lloyd
Based on the 2014 'Enhanced Genepool Utilization? Capturing wild relative and landrace diversity for crop improvement' conference , in this book a team of international contributors address all aspects of utilization and conservation of crop wild relative (CWR) and landrace (LR) diversity for crop improvement. Focussing on characterisation techniques, conservation strategies, facilitating CWR and LR use and informatics development, this book highlights exotic plant germplasm as a potentially critical but neglected resource for crop improvement.
-
Trusted Partner
Agronomy & crop productionJune 2008Onions and Other Vegetable Alliums
by James L Brewster
This fully revised, expanded and updated edition of the successful text, Onions and Other Vegetable Alliums, relates the production and utilization of these familiar and important vegetable crops to the many aspects of plant science underpinning their production and storage technologies. Chapters cover species and crop types, plant structure, genetics and breeding, physiology of growth and development as well as pests and diseases, production agronomy, storage after harvest and the biochemistry of flavour, storage carbohydrates and colour and how this relates to nutritional and health benefits. From this wide perspective it is possible to see many examples where underlying scientific knowledge illuminates, explains and can improve agronomic practice. The reader will get an insight into how molecular methods are revolutionizing the study of taxonomy, genetics, pathology and physiology and how these methods are being applied in the breeding of improved crops.
-
Trusted Partner
Technology, Engineering & AgricultureApril 2017Vegetable Grafting
Principles and Practices
by Giuseppe Colla, Francisco Pérez-Alfocea, Dietmar Schwarz
This book provides comprehensive, current scientific and applied practical knowledge on vegetable grafting, a method gaining considerable interest that is used to protect crops from soil-borne diseases, abiotic stress and to enhance growth/yield. Though the benefits of using grafted transplants are now fully recognized worldwide, understanding the rootstock/scion interactions under variable environmental pressures remains vital for grafting-mediated crop improvement. In this book the authors attend to this need and explain the reasons for, and methods and applications of, grafting. Vegetable Grafting: Principles and Practices covers: · rootstock breeding, signalling, and physiological and molecular mechanisms involved in grafting; · beneficial effects of grafting including reducing disease damage and abiotic stress; · side effects relating to the impact of grafting on fruit quality; and · practical applications and speciality crops. Including high-quality colour images and written by an international team of expert authors, this book provides up-to-date scientific data and is also concerned with translating science to the field. It is an essential resource for researchers, advanced technicians, practitioners and extension workers. ; This book provides comprehensive and current scientific and practical knowledge on vegetable grafting, a method gaining considerable interest as an alternative to the use of fumigants to protect crops from soil-borne diseases. ; 1: Introduction to vegetable grafting1.1: Importance and use of vegetable grafting1.2: The process of vegetable grafting 1.3: Problems associated with vegetable grafting1.4: Conclusions2: Genetic resources for rootstock breeding2.1: Genetic diversity2.2: Genebank collections 2.3: Current usage of genetic material in rootstocks2.4: Germplasm collection of other plant families2.5: Concluding remarks3: Rootstock breeding: current practices and future technologies3.1: Introduction3.2: Stacking traits: meiosis or grafting or both?3.3: Developing stable, core collections of germplasm for breeding3.4: Deploying genetic diversity for rootstocks3.5: Grafting as a tool for genetic hybridisation and chimera production3.6: Selection of improved rootstocks3.7: Transgenic rootstocks3.8: Rootstock registration and commercialization4: Rootstock-scion signalling: key factors mediating scion performance 4.1: Introduction4.2: Current knowledge of ionic and chemical signalling between rootstock and scion4.3: Conclusions5: Physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying graft compatibility5.1: Introduction5.2: Anatomical and physiological steps during graft union development5.3: Role of secondary metabolites at the interface in graft incompatibility5.4: Cell-to-cell communication between graft partners5.5: Understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in graft union formation and compatibility.5.6: Methods for examining graft union development and compatibility5.7: Conclusions and future perspectives6: Grafting as agro-technology for reducing disease damage6.1: Introduction6.2: The first step: Managing diseases in the nursery 6.3: Disease spread from the nursery to the field, the example of powdery mildew of watermelons6.4: Intra- and interspecific grafting and their relations to diseases6.5: Biotic or abiotic stress? Different responses of grafted plants to environmental conditions, the case of "physiological wilt", and germplasm selection for rational breeding6.6: Grafted plants' response to nematodes6.7: Commercial rootstocks and unknown genetics6.8: Different mechanisms involved in disease resistance induced by grafting6.9: Conclusions7: Grafting as a tool to tolerate abiotic stress7.1: Introduction7.2: Temperature stress7.3: Salinity stress7.4: Nutrient stress7.5: Stress induced by heavy metals and metalloids7.6: Stress by adverse soil pH7.7: Drought and flood stress7.8: Conclusions8: Quality of grafted vegetables8.1: What is quality?8.2: Rootstock effects on fruit quality8.3: Effects of grafting on ripening and postharvest behaviour 8.4: Bio-physiological processes affecting fruit quality8.5: Conclusion and perspectives9: Practical applications and speciality crops9.1: Establishment of grafted transplant under Mediterranean climate conditions9.2: Recommendations for the use of grafted plants in greenhouses. The case of the Netherlands9.3: Role of grafting in speciality crops9.4: Conclusions and future perspective of vegetable grafting10: Index
-
Trusted Partner
April 2018New Mexican Chiles
by Dave DeWitt
As the foods and recipes of Mexico have blended over the years into New Mexico's own distinctive cuisine, the chile pepper has become its defining element and single most important ingredient. Though many types were initially cultivated there, the long green variety that turned red in the fall adapted so well to the local soil and climate that it has now become the official state vegetable.To help chefs and diners get the most from this unique chile's great taste–without an overpowering pungency–Dave DeWitt, the noted Pope of Peppers, has compiled a complete guide to growing, harvesting, preserving and much more–topped off with dozens of delicious recipes for dishes, courses, and meals of every kind.
-
Trusted Partner
August 2020The Papaya
Botany, Production and Uses
by Sisir Mitra
Papaya (Carica papaya) is an important and widely-cultivated tropical fruit, grown in more than 70 countries of the world. Global papaya production has grown significantly over the last few years, mainly as a result of increased production in India. Papaya has become an important agricultural export for developing countries where export revenues of the fruit provide a livelihood for thousands of people, especially in Asia and Latin America. There have been a number of recent research developments with the potential to improve crop yields and quality. New research has contributed to our understanding of the crop environment, plant growth and physiology of tree and fruit development with implications for both breeding and cultivation. Analysis of the papaya genome promises new, faster breeding techniques to improved cultivars. These and other advances are helping to tackle disease like papaya ring spot viruses and major pests which still cause significant losses. With contributions from international experts, the book presents the current state of knowledge concerning the history, physiology, culture and marketing of papaya throughout the world. It is an essential resource for researchers, growers and all those involved in the papaya industry.
-
Trusted Partner
Technology, Engineering & AgricultureSeptember 2018Mutation Breeding in Oil Palm
A Manual
by Fazrin Nur, Brian P Forster, Samual A. Osei, Samuel Amiteye, Jennifer Ciomas, Soeranto Hoeman, Ljupcho Jankuloski, Brian P Forster, Peter D. S. Caligari
This is a practical guide to mutation breeding in oil palm, representing completely novel work supported by the Plant Breeding and Genetics Section of the Joint FAO/IAEA Division (Vienna, Austria). Oil palm is the top oil crop and the only major crop and only oil crop not to have been improved by plant mutation breeding. The manual is hands-on, providing step-by-step illustrated methods in mutation induction, mutation detection and mutant line development for oil palm improvement. Presenting sound practices based on scientific innovation and knowledge, this guide provides techniques integrated with expertise and is authored by practitioners actively engaged in oil palm seed production and breeding. Promoting green, eco-friendly agriculture, this book features coverage of: Radio-sensitivity testing Challenges and opportunities for mutation breeding Protocol for developing mutant generations for mutant screening Services in irradiation treatments The only available resource containing protocols and guidelines on how oil palm can be manipulated for mutation breeding, this book is essential reading for oil palm breeders, seed producers and plantation companies, oil palm traders, students and research institutes across the world. It provides a resource for training, a knowledge base for people new to oil palm and a reference guide for managers, to ensure best practices in maximising sustainability and production of this important crop. .
-
Trusted Partner
HorticultureDecember 1995Cherries: Crop Physiology, Production and Uses
by Edited by A D Webster, Norman E Looney
The sweet cherry is one of the most popular of temperate fruit crops with consumers and is grown commercially in more than 40 countries of the world, in temperate, Mediterranean, subtropical and arid regions of all continents. The sour cherry is cultivated in fewer countries, mainly in Europe and the USA, and is used mainly in processed cherry products. Until recently, horticultural improvement of cherries as a commercial crop has been slow, and major production problems such as bird damage, rain-induced cracking, and bacterial diseases, have remained. However, in the last 25 years, major developments have occurred. New improved varieties of sweet cherry have been bred which have larger fruit, are more disease resistant and set fruit more reliably. Improved sour cherry varieties have also been bred and mechanised systems of harvesting introduced. New dwarfing rootstocks are now being released. This book provides a comprehensive review of all of these topics, and many more. It covers all aspects of the botany, production and uses of sweet and sour cherries, and represents a definitive reference work for students and research workers in horticulture as well as professional fruit growers.
-
Trusted Partner
Agricultural scienceMay 2010Climate Change and Crop Production
by E Barrett-Lennard, H Braun, Jose Crossa, Peter Hobbs, David Hodson, Andy Jarvis, Peter Langridge, Anne Legrève, David Lobell, Mark Mazzola, Ivan Ortiz-Monasterio, Martin A J Parry, Daniel Mullan. Edited by Matthew P Reynolds.
Current trends in population growth suggest that global food production is unlikely to satisfy future demand under predicted climate change scenarios unless rates of crop improvement are accelerated. In order to maintain food security in the face of these challenges, a holistic approach that includes stress-tolerant germplasm, sustainable crop and natural resource management, and sound policy interventions will be needed. The first volume in the CABI Climate Change Series, this book provides an overview of the essential disciplines required for sustainable crop production in unpredictable environments. Chapters include discussions of adapting to biotic and abiotic stresses, sustainable and resource-conserving technologies and new tools for enhancing crop adaptation. Examples of successful applications as well as future prospects of how each discipline can be expected to evolve over the next 30 years are also presented. Laying out the basic concepts needed to adapt to and mitigate changes in crop environments, this is an essential resource for researchers and students in crop and environmental science as well as policy makers.
-
Trusted Partner
Geography & the EnvironmentMay 2017Climate Change and Crop Production
by E Barrett-Lennard, Matthew P Reynolds, H Braun, Jose Crossa, Peter Hobbs, David Hodson, Andy Jarvis, Peter Langridge, Anne Legrève, David Lobell, Mark Mazzola, Ivan Ortiz-Monasterio, Martin A J Parry, Daniel Mullan
Current trends in population growth suggest that global food production is unlikely to satisfy future demand under predicted climate change scenarios unless rates of crop improvement are accelerated. In order to maintain food security in the face of these challenges, a holistic approach that includes stress-tolerant germplasm, sustainable crop and natural resource management, and sound policy interventions will be needed. The first volume in the CABI Climate Change Series, this book provides an overview of the essential disciplines required for sustainable crop production in unpredictable environments. Chapters include discussions of adapting to biotic and abiotic stresses, sustainable and resource-conserving technologies and new tools for enhancing crop adaptation. Examples of successful applications as well as future prospects of how each discipline can be expected to evolve over the next 30 years are also presented. Laying out the basic concepts needed to adapt to and mitigate changes in crop environments, this is an essential resource for researchers and students in crop and environmental science as well as policy makers.
-
Trusted Partner
BiotechnologyJune 1998Plant Breeding and Whole-System Crop Physiology
Improving Adaptation, Maturity and Yield
by Don H Wallace, Weikai Yan
Improvements in adaptation and maturity leading to greater yield are the most important criteria for the acceptance of a new crop cultivar, since it is the yield which dictates the economic value of the crop. Therefore, yield improvement is one goal of virtually every crop breeding program. Many such programs have tended to concentrate on identifying the genetic traits responsible for higher yield and selecting each of them in the later stages of the breeding cycle. However, selection for yield per se is still the most effective method, since it is a combination of traits, operating within the limits of the system, which finally determines yield. This book presents a whole-system, or holistic viewpoint for the improvement of adaptation, maturity and yield. Central to its thesis is recognition that system-established changes in levels of the components of the plant system, within a constant capacity, i.e. within the limitations of the system, determines yield and other cultivar characteristics. It goes on to describe how this can improve our understanding of plant systems and enable breeders to maximise performance under prevailing field conditions. Based principally on 25 years research by the authors, the ideas presented in this book are essential reading for crop physiologists and plant breeders.
