Physiology-Breeding of Winter Cereals for Stressed Mediterranean Environments

Abstract

"Physiologie-Selection des cereales d'hiver en conditions mediterraneennes"

The development of improved cereal germplasm for the Mediterranean environments of North Africa and South West Asia is a significant challenge, especially for low rainfall rainfed crops. Drought, low winter temperatures, high terminal temperatures, and salinity can hinder production. The International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) specializes in these environments. Twelve years of cereal improvement research have demonstrated that genetic advances are possible by addressing important issues such as selection environments, major adaptation traits, heritabilities, and others. The Center has developed a breeding philosophy and associated methodologies but still faces challenges related to direct selection for yield in harsh environments. Progress has been made in identifying traits useful for indirect selections, with contributions from world-leading scientists. Morphophysiological traits show promise for advancement. Two previous International Conferences have provided guidance. The first, in Capri, Italy (1985), focused on environments, drought problems, breeding strategies, and introducing physiological concepts. The second, in Cordoba, Spain (1987), addressed improvement under stresses of heat, cold, salinity, and their interaction with drought, utilizing physiological concepts. These conferences facilitated rewarding interactions between agrometeorologists, physiologists, and breeders. At present, two major goals need to be achieved: a. Focus on actual physiology breeding examples, analyze their successes or failures, discuss the methodologies involved, and project timelines. b. Find ways to institutionally implement the recommendations for physiology/breeding for dry environments.