Organic crop production utilizes different approaches and growing environments compared to conventionally raised crops to achieve production in growing systems that mimic natural ecosystems. These systems seek to employ fewer direct inputs and innovative agronomic methods to achieve this goal. This alternative approach has attracted great interest in this rapidly expanding method of crop production.
Organic Crop Breeding brings together the latest research on the development of new varieties and cultivars best suited to thrive under organic production. It will also be of interest to those breeding in conventional systems who wish to adapt their breeding goals to sustainable low input agriculture.
Organic Crop Breeding will be a useful tool to helping meet the increasing global demand for organically produced grains, vegetables, and fruits. The book is divided into two sections that logically cover the topic from foundational principles to crop-specific examples of organic breeding efforts. The opening section looks at general topics related to organic crop breeding ranging from nutrient management to disease and pest resistance. The second section looks at the applications of these principles to economically important crops such as wheat, maize, rice, potato, legumes and tomato.
Written by a global team of the leading experts in the field, Organic Crop Breeding is a field-defining reference that will be of both academic and practical use.
