Applications of Molecular Biology and Genomics
to Genetic Enhancement of Crop Tolerance to Abiotic Stress
A Discussion Document

CONSULTATIVE GROUP ON INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH
interim SCIENCE COUNCIL

FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS
September 2003
   
 

Table of Contents


This document comprises:

(a) Applications of Molecular Biology and Genomics to Genetic Enhancement of Crop Tolerance to Abiotic Stress - A Discussion Document

(b) Status of Breeding for Tolerance of Abiotic Stresses and Prospects for Use of Molecular Techniques (Annex I)

(c) Genetic Engineering for Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Plants (Annex II)

Table of Contents

Preface

Applications of Molecular Biology and Genomics to Genetic Enhancement of Crop Tolerance to Abiotic Stress - A Discussion Document

Summary
Introduction
Abiotic stress - extent of the problem

Drought
Salt
Acid and degraded soils
Low and high temperatures

Gene mapping and marker development for genetic analysis and MAS in breeding
Genetic and physiological mechanisms that control stress tolerance
Progress in breeding - slow but real

Appropriate section screens

Genomics - the new genetics
Synteny and comparative genomics
Genomics applications in CGIAR mandate crops in relation to abiotic stress tolerance
Gene cloning

Map-based cloning

Microarrays
Knockout populations
Transformation in the crop and the model
Leads from model species
Germplasm collections

Allele mining
Association genetics

Conclusions
Options for the way forward

Abiotic stress research in the CGIAR Centers
Genomics and genomics resources in the CGIAR

Reference List
Annex 1 Genomics resources for CGIAR mandate crops

Annex I Status of Breeding for Tolerance of Abiotic Stresses and Prospects for Use of Molecular Techniques

Annex II Genetic Engineering for Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Plants

How to Order