Plant Physiology in Agriculture and Biotechnology

Abstract

Plant physiology has significantly contributed to the feeding of human beings. Applications of our knowledge of key concepts and processes in plant physiology are continuously evolving with time. Plants face a number of constraints in their optimal growth right from seed germination. They have to face challenges of weeds which compete with crop plants for limited availability of nutrients. Through our current understanding of the process of water and nutrient absorption and photosynthesis, farmers in the current era are able to optimize nutrient uptake and eradicate weeds in the crop fields. Early observations on the significance of ethylene in senescence and fruit maturation got extended into our present-day extensive knowledge of plant growth regulators and their derivatives in controlling fruit maturation, lodging, grapevine production, vegetable production, and fruit maturation. Of late, biotechnological approaches have also encouraged scientists to explore the possibility of producing transgenic fruits, reduce caffeine content in tea and coffee, and produce key metabolites in bulk for use by mankind. This chapter focuses on the key applications of the principles of plant physiology which have led to enhanced crop productivity.