Vertical Pathosystem Management

Abstract

The scientific breeding of plants began some seventy years ago. The breeders, understandably, were primarily interested in the positive aspects of breeding: increased yield and increased quality. They have some outstanding successes on record, including the development of hybrid maize, soya breeding and, more recently, the miracle wheats and rices of the green revolution. Breeding for resistance to pests and diseases was always considered somewhat negative, involving the prevention of crop loss, rather than the promotion of crop gain.