ARS | Publication request: GENETIC PROGRAMMING OF CROPS TO SUSTAIN OR INCREASE YIELDS UNDER REDUCED IRRIGATION

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: May 15, 2006
Publication Date: May 19, 2005
Citation: Burke, J.J. 2005. Genetic programming of crops to sustain or increase yields under reduced irrigation[abstract]. World Water & Environmental Resources Congress.

Technical Abstract: Crop productivity is determined by the plant's capacity to convert energy, nutrients, and water into harvestable yield of high quality and high value. The challenge is to sustain or enhance the outputs with a declining land base, reduced water supplies, and a changing global environment. The process of crop adaptation to the environment is restricted by the genetic potential of the plant. Improving the capacity of crops to overcome or adapt to factors that limit growth would increase yield and quality, while reducing demand for irrigation. Ongoing research to define and improve the molecular and biochemical factors underlying crop productivity, adaptation to stressful environments, and production of high-value end-products will be discussed. Characterization of existing genetic diversity within U.S germplasm collections for water and temperature stress resistance; and the use of biotechnology to enhance yield stabilization in water limited environments will be described.