Cereal Crops: Genetic Resources and Breeding Techniques

This book is about genetic improvement, breeding, and plant genetic resources for higher crop production, which is of international concern. It presents practical approaches for enhancing crop production in a sustainable way.

Format: Hardback
Length: 412 pages
Publication date: 22 April 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Here is the rephrased text:
Cereals, including rice, wheat, maize, barley, sorghum, and millet, form the staple diets of both vegetarians and non-vegetarians worldwide, making the need for further genetic improvement, breeding, and plant genetic resources all the more pressing to secure our future food supply. This book specifically delves into cropping systems, genetics, and genome engineering to enhance crop production, a global concern. It offers practical strategies for sustainable crop improvement.

The cultivation of cereals has a rich history, dating back thousands of years. These staple foods have played a crucial role in human civilization, providing sustenance and nourishment to countless populations. Cereals have not only been a source of nutrition but also a foundation for economic development and trade.

Today, cereals continue to be an important crop, with global production reaching over 700 million tonnes in 2016. However, there is still room for improvement in crop yield and quality. Genetic engineering and breeding techniques offer promising solutions to address these challenges.

Cereals are complex organisms that possess a wide range of genetic traits. These traits can be influenced by various factors, including environmental conditions, soil type, and genetic predisposition. By understanding these traits and utilizing genetic engineering tools, scientists can develop new crop varieties that are more resistant to pests, diseases, and environmental stresses.

Genome engineering is a powerful tool that allows scientists to modify the genetic makeup of plants. It involves the insertion, deletion, or modification of genes to achieve desired traits. For example, scientists can introduce genes that confer resistance to pests or diseases, improve nutrient uptake, or enhance drought tolerance. Genome engineering has the potential to revolutionize crop production and help meet the growing demand for food.

Crop production is not only about increasing yield; it is also about ensuring sustainability. Sustainable agriculture practices are essential to protect the environment and promote long-term food security. These practices include the use of organic fertilizers, conservation tillage, and crop rotation. By adopting sustainable practices, farmers can reduce their environmental footprint and improve the health of the soil.

In addition to genetic engineering and breeding, other technologies such as precision agriculture, remote sensing, and data analytics are also being used to enhance crop production. These technologies allow farmers to optimize their farming practices and make informed decisions based on real-time data.

Cereals are not only a source of food but also a valuable raw material for various industries. For example, rice is used in the production of rice flour, rice wine, and rice noodles. Wheat is used in the production of bread, pasta, and other baked goods. Maize is used in the production of corn syrup, corn oil, and animal feed. Barley is used in the production of beer, whiskey, and other alcoholic beverages. Sorghum is used in the production of sorghum syrup, sorghum beer, and other food products.

Cereals also have significant environmental benefits. They require less water and land than other crops, and they can help mitigate climate change by sequestering carbon in the soil. Cereals also contribute to biodiversity by providing habitat for various species of plants and animals.

In conclusion, cereals are a vital crop that plays a crucial role in human nutrition and economic development. Genetic engineering and breeding techniques offer promising solutions to improve crop yield and quality, while sustainable agriculture practices are essential to promote long-term food security. Cereals also have significant environmental benefits and can be used as valuable raw materials for various industries. By continuing to invest in research and development, we can ensure that cereals remain a staple food for generations to come.

Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032164496