Plant breeding and genetics: an investment in the future of farming

摘要

Plant breeders and geneticists serve the public in many ways. Perhaps the most important is to assure that growers always have the productive and adapted varieties that form the foundation of their crop production systems. Although university breedersdevelop improved varieties in crops such as soybeans, cotton, and wheat, where there is a strong industry presence, varieties developed and released by Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station plant breeders are specifically adapted to Louisiana and may be adapted to broader regions. Industry-developed varieties are adapted to broader regions and may or may not be as well adapted to Louisiana. This is an important distinction for growers in Louisiana.