Water Conservation Traits To Increase Crop Yields In Water Deficit Environments

Water-Conservation Traits to Increase Crop Yields in Water-deficit Environments

This volume explores specific approaches that have shown to result in crop yield increases. Research on the physiological understanding of these methods has led to the development of practical applications of plant breeding approaches to genetically improve crops to achieve higher yields. Authoritative entries from crop scientists shed new light on two water-conservation traits: one that is based on an initiation of the decrease in transpiration earlier in the soil drying cycle, and the second that is based on a sensitivity of transpiration rate under high atmospheric vapor pressure deficit that results in partial stomatal closure. Both these approaches involve partial stomatal closure under well-defined situations to decrease the rate of soil water loss. Readers will be able to analyze the circumstances under which a benefit is achieved as a result of the water-limitation trait; and key discussion points in the case studies presented will help answer questions such as what species, which environments, how often will yield be benefited for various crop species? Contributions also review the genetic variation for these two traits within each crop species and the physiological basis for the expression of these traits.

Response of Crops to Limited Water

Water stress and heat stress are considered to be two primary factors that limit crop production in many parts of the world. Global warming appears to be increasing the water requirements of plants. Understanding the impact of water deficit on plant physiological processes and efficient water management are of great concern in maintaining food production to meet ever increasing world food demand. The book addresses various climatic soil and plant factors that contribute to the water use efficiency in plants subjected to water stress. It covers all issues related to soil, plant and climatic factors that contribute to the crop responses to water stress. The books advances the knowledge in improving and sustaining crop yields in ever increasing unpredictable climatic fluctuations This book uses crop simulation models for response of crops to limited water under various management and climatic conditions.

Water-Use Efficiency: Advances and Challenges in a Changing Climate