Application of Physiology in Wheat Breeding

Abstract

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.