Crop improvement for temperate Australia: Future opportunities

Abstract

Temperate crops, particularly wheat, grown during winter and spring dominate crop production in southern Australia. Environmental hazards are numerous, but lack of water is the most widespread and important one limiting yields. The key ingredients for high yield are considered to be an appropriate phenology, a high water-use efficiency and a high harvest index. Ways to improve these in temperate crops by selection and breeding are discussed. © 1991.