Crop Productivity and Quality: Chairman’s Introduction

Abstract

If you ask a plant breeder about the major objectives of his/her program, the answer will likely include controlling pests, enhancing yield potential, reducing losses due to stress (such as salt and drought), and improving crop quality. This portion of the conference focuses on these four topics which are at the heart of plant breeding. They are pertinent topics from the standpoint of the plant breeder who is at times frustrated with slow progress, and uncertain about how to proceed in the breeding program. They are also pertinent to genetic engineers and others who desire to learn about plant breeding goals and new approaches in dealing with them. The four speakers consider selection strategies and genetic stocks that may have utility in improvement programs as well as important fundamental aspects of the traits. In considering selection strategies the authors do not limit themselves to molecular genetics, but rather emphasize a full range of possibilities which are emerging as an outgrowth of ongoing research in the four areas.