| dc.description | We applaud this practical guide to the application of physiology in wheat breeding, which
brings together in one volume the working knowledge of a broad range of experts in salinity,
drought, cold, waterlogging, micronutrients, and other key topics.
The more understanding plant breeders have of the physiological processes that underlie plant
performance, the more efficiently they can exploit relevant physiological mechanisms to
improve crop performance. Wheat breeders have become increasingly able to use physiological
traits directly as selection criteria, as their knowledge of physiological processes has expanded
and as traits have been identified that can be used as selection criteria to achieve results more
quickly and efficiently than selecting for yield performance alone.
Nonetheless, there are still major gaps in our understanding of how crops adapt to the
environment, and this calls for further physiological research. Indeed, a more complete
understanding of crop physiology will be a prerequisite to the effective application of new
techniques such as genetic transformation, functional genomics, and marker-assisted selection
in wheat breeding.
The improved varieties developed though wheat breeding are important catalysts for increasing
crop performance at the farm level, where a range of biotic and abiotic stresses impinge on
yields. However, for the maximum genetic yield potential of improved varieties to be fully
expressed, scientists must also pay due attention to crop management practices. Without
adequate soil fertility, appropriate planting methods, effective control of weeds and pests, and
efficient water management, the full economic benefits of genetic improvement can never be
realized.
Brief theoretical explanations are provided throughout this book, but the main focus is on
practical procedures breeders can readily apply. Such topics as economic issues related to the
role of physiology in wheat breeding and the search for genetic diversity that could contribute
to increasing yield will help breeders take full advantage of existing methodologies and
resources to do their work more efficiently. The chapter on the genetic basis of physiological
traits brings out the point that though field testing is indispensable, proper combination with
molecular data could lead to more efficient use of limited resources.
The collected wisdom contained in this book was generously contributed by the authors, and we
thank them for sharing the fruits of their varied experience. Through this book, their expertise
will be accessible to breeders everywhere, but especially in developing countries, where
information on this newly emerging field is rarely available.Libros Digitales. | |
