Exploiting root biology to increase resource use efficiency and reproductive development of crops under water scarcity

摘要

One of the greatest challenges to humankind is to meet the increasing demand for food from an ever-growing world population, many of whom are increasingly wealthy and aspire to a richer, more resource-demanding diet. Population growth is accompanied by greater urbanization, environmental degradation, and climate change. These and a range of associated issues linked to water, nutrient, energy and land availability limit our capacity to provide all people at all times with a sufficient supply of safe,nutritious food which will ensure a healthy and active lifestyle (Godfrey et al., 2010).