Yield Gains in Major U.S. Field Crops [Hardcover]

When humankind began to save seed to plant for the next season, they did so hoping to secure a food supply for the future. With that came the inevitable question: Will it be enough? Scientists today are still asking that question. Our dependence on domesticated cultivated varieties has never been greater, even as increasing populations strain our resource base. This book provides a fascinating snapshot-in-time account of the productivity status of all major U.S. field crops. Each crop has a different story to tell. Plant breeding, biotechnology, and agronomy have shaped these stories. It is imperative that we learn from them to ensure continued productivity. The solution is long-term stewardship and the most effective use of our critical resourceswater, soil, genetic resources, and human intellect.Foreword | vii

Preface | ix

Contributors | xi

Chapter 1 | 1
Barley
Tom Blake, Victoria Blake, and Jochim Wiersma

Chapter 2 | 13
Cotton
B. Todd Campbell, Debbie Boykin, Zaid Abdo, and William R. Meredith, Jr.

Chapter 3 | 33
Cool-Season Forages
E. Charles Brummer and Michael D. Casler

Chapter 4 | 53
Lettuce and Spinach
Ivan Simko, Ryan J. Hayes, Beiquan Mou, and James D. McCreight

Chapter 5 | 87
Edible Grain Legumes
George J. Vandemark, Mark A. Brick, Juan M. Osorno, James D. Kelly, and Carlos A. Urrea

Chapter 6 | 125
Maize
Stephen Smith, Mark Cooper, Joseph Gogerty, Carlos L?ffler, Delos Borcherding, and Kevin Wright

Chapter 7 | 173