The first resource of its kind, this book reviews research in crop plant physiology, plant biotechnology, and plant breeding aimed toward improving crop plants genetically while supporting a productive agriculture ecosystem. Emphasizing molecular approaches, this reference explores innovative perspectives in crop physiology aimed at the formulation of those crop cultivars that offer the greatest potential to increase crop yields in stress environments. Filled with contributions from plant scientists from all corners of the globe, the book provides readers with the background information needed to understand this cutting-edge work, and its potential applications.

PHYSIOLOGICAL BASIS OF YIELD AND ENVIRONMENTAL ADAPTATION. Physiology of Yield and Adaptation in Wheat and Barley Breeding. Genetic Yield Improvement and Stress Tolerance in Maize. Physiological Basis of Yield and Environmental Adaptation in Rice. Sorghum Physiology. Pearl Millet. Comparative Ecophysiology of Cowpea, Common Bean, and Peanut. The Physiological Basis of Soybean Yield Potential and Environmental Adaptation. The Physiological Basis of Yield and Environmental Adaptation. APPLICATION OF BIOTECHNOLOGY TO IMPROVE CROP YIELD AND ADAPTATION. Genome Mapping and Genomic Strategies for Crop Improvement. Marker-Assisted Utilization of Exotic Germplasm. Heterosis of Yield: Molecular and Biochemical Perspectives. Genetic Engineering for Enhancing Plant Productivity and Stress Tolerance. Genome Mapping and Marker-Assisted Selection for Improving Cotton (Gossypium spp.) Productivity and Quality in Arid Regions. Molecular Dissection of Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Sorghum and Rice. Genetic Dissection of Drought Resistance in Maize: A Case Study. Physiology and Biotechnology Integration for Plant Breeding: Epilogue.