Plant Physiology: Characteristics, Breeding and Genetics

Plants are the primary gatherers and providers of cellular energy and suppliers of organic nutrients for virtually all other organisms. Some fulfil this role by growing wild in uncultivated areas. Plants are a renewable resource that can be generated in an environmentally acceptable manner and provide a route to an environmentally sustainable development. In order to understand plant physiology therefore, we need to know the nature of the cells which make up the tissue and organs of plants and the spatial arrangement of these organs. The book constitutes a compilation of articles presented at the workshop “Plant Physiology – Characteristics, breeding and Genetics” held in June 2001 at Babtai Horticultural Research Institute, Babtai, Kaunas, Lithuania. Dealing with various issues pertaining to plant physiology, genetics and breeding, the book additionally includes fresh information on current scientific research activities ongoing in similar fields worldwide. This book focuses on factors affecting physiological changes occurring during the growth and development of plants with a view to crop breeding. Breeding is also considered an approach to improving the quality traits of some crops. This book should be useful to scientists, researchers, students or experts dealing with plant physiology, plant biotechnology, plant pathology breeding and genetics.