The development of phosphorus (P)-efficient crop varieties is urgently
needed to reduce agriculture's current over-reliance on expensive,
environmentally destructive, non-renewable and inefficient P-containing
fertilizers. The sustainable management of P in agriculture necessitates
an exploitation of P-adaptive traits that will enhance the P-acquisition
and P-use efficiency of crop plants. Action in this area is crucial to
ensure sufficient food production for the world's ever-expanding
population, and the overall economic success of agriculture in the 21st
century.
This informative and up-to-date volume presents pivotal research
directions that will facilitate the development of effective strategies
for bioengineering P-efficient crop species. The 14 chapters reflect the
expertise of an international team of leading authorities in the field,
who review information from current literature, develop novel
hypotheses, and outline key areas for future research. By evaluating
aspects of vascular plant and green algal P uptake and metabolism, this
book provides insights as to how plants sense, acquire, recycle,
scavenge and use P, particularly under the naturally occurring condition
of soluble inorganic phosphate deficiency that characterises the vast
majority of unfertilised soils, worldwide. The reader is provided with a
full appreciation of the diverse information concerning plant
P-starvation responses, as well as the crucial role that plant-microbe
interactions play in plant P acquisition.
Annual Plant Reviews, Volume 48: Phosphorus Metabolism in Plants is an
important resource for plant geneticists, biochemists and physiologists,
as well as horticultural and environmental research workers, advanced
students of plant science and university lecturers in related
disciplines. It is an essential addition to the shelves of university
and research institute libraries and agricultural and ecological
institutions teaching and researching plant science.
