Inherent Plant Productivity

摘要

We believe that biotechnology has a major role to play in exploring and manipulating aspects of the development, structure and composition of arable crops, leading to improvements in performance and end use quality. However, increased public understanding and consumer choice are essential if these benefits are to be maximised. The present special theme report therefore explains how biotechnology is currently being used within the Institute with the aim of improving arable crops grown in the UK. There is, of course, relevant work in other themes, most notably on improving plant resistance to pests and pathogens (integrated Crop Protection Theme) and the efficiency of nutrient uptake and utilisation (Environmental Interactions Theme).