Plant Hormones in Crop Improvement

Plant Hormones in Crop Improvement explores the signaling pathways and mechanisms of phytohormones, focusing on stress resilience. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for sustainable agricultural production and food security, as phytohormones play a significant role in controlling physiological, agronomic, and growth traits, metabolites, and sustained crop productivity.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 356 pages
Publication date: 24 February 2023
Publisher: Elsevier Science & Technology

The study of plant hormones in crop improvement delves into the intricate signaling pathways and mechanisms associated with phytohormones, with a particular emphasis on stress resilience. As the global population continues to rise and the climate becomes increasingly unpredictable, the pressure on agricultural production intensifies. Current constraints, including rising temperatures, drought, salinity, cold, nutrient deficiency, and biotic interactions, trigger finely tuned responsive mechanisms in plants. Phytohormones, as the primary coordinators of all stress-related mechanisms, play a pivotal role in regulating physiological, agronomic, and growth traits, metabolites, and sustained crop productivity. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms that influence the stress responses mediated by phytohormones is crucial for ensuring the continuity of agricultural production and food security.

This book aims to provide comprehensive insights into sustainable agricultural approaches to enhance biotic and abiotic stress resilience in crop plants. It encompasses a range of topics, from the perception and signaling of plant hormones to the physiological and molecular changes that occur under different cues. By exploring these aspects, the book aims to equip students, researchers, and agriculturalists with the knowledge and tools necessary to improve plant performance and productivity in a changing climate.

Plant hormones play a vital role in regulating various aspects of plant growth and development, including seed germination, stem elongation, flower formation, fruit ripening, and response to environmental stresses. Understanding the mechanisms underlying these processes is essential for developing effective crop management strategies. Phytohormones, such as auxins, cytokinins, gibberellins, and abscisic acid, are key players in regulating these processes.

One of the key challenges facing agriculture today is the impact of climate change on crop yields. Rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events are causing significant disruptions to crop production. Phytohormones can play a crucial role in mitigating these impacts by regulating plant responses to stress, such as water deficit, heat stress, and nutrient deficiency.

For example, auxins promote cell division and elongation, which can contribute to increased plant height and biomass production. Cytokinins, on the other hand, stimulate cell division and differentiation, leading to the development of flowers and fruits. Gibberellins promote stem elongation and seed germination, while abscisic acid plays a role in regulating water uptake and stress response.

In addition to their role in stress response, phytohormones also play a significant role in crop yield improvement. By regulating the timing and intensity of flowering, they can optimize the use of resources and improve crop productivity. They can also influence the development of fruits, which can affect their size, shape, and flavor.

However, the application of phytohormones can also have unintended consequences, such as environmental pollution and the development of herbicide-resistant weeds. Therefore, it is essential to use phytohormones judiciously and in conjunction with other sustainable agricultural practices to minimize their negative impacts.

In conclusion, plant hormones in crop improvement are a rapidly evolving field with significant potential for improving agricultural productivity and sustainability. By understanding the mechanisms underlying phytohormone signaling and their role in stress response, we can develop innovative strategies to enhance crop yields and mitigate the impacts of climate change. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge in this field and highlights the importance of sustainable agricultural practices in ensuring food security for a growing population.

Weight: 728g
Dimension: 189 x 234 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780323918862