The contributions of plant genetics to the production of higher yielding
crops of superior quality are well documented. These successes have been
realized through the application of plant breeding techniques to a
diverse array of genetically controlled traits. Such highly effective
breeding procedures will continue to be the primary method employed for
the development of new crop cultivars; however, new techniques in cell
and molecular biology will provide additional approaches for genetic
modification. There has been considerable speculation recently
concerning the potential impact of new techniques in cell and molecular
biology on plant improvement. These genetic engineering techniques
should offer unique opportunities to alter the genetic makeup of crops
if applied to existing breeding procedures. Many questions must be
answered in order to identify specific applications of these new
technologies. This search for applications will require input from plant
scientists working on various aspects of crop improvement. This volume
is intended to assess the interrelationships between conventional plant
breeding and genetic engineering.