Breeding for heat-stress tolerance

Abstract

Heat stress is one of the main abiotic stresses that affect the production of various crops in many parts of the world. High temperatures alter several metabolic processes reducing photosynthesis activity that results mainly in grain yield losses. In this context, identifying heat-stress tolerant genotypes with high yield potential could contribute to increasing food production. This chapter deals with aspects of breeding for heat-stress tolerance. First, heat stress and the tolerance mechanisms are characterized along with the main characteristics associated with heat stress, such as cell membrane thermal stability, canopy temperature depression, and some morphological characteristics. It then presents genetic control and selection environments for heat-stress tolerance, breeding methods, and selection strategies. The chapter ends with information on the use of biotechnological tools applied to breeding for heat-stress tolerance.