Biotechnology and Plant Productivity

Abstract

There is considerable potential for the application of biotechnology and genetic engineering to plant productivity. The basic manipulations for the isolation of genes and their transfer between species are well documented in model systems. However, more information is required concerning the basic processes governing plant productivity at the molecular level before practical applications can be achieved. In this paper, detailed consideration is given to (1) the use of restriction fragment polymorphisms as genetic markers, and (2) the molecular basis of hybrid vigor. In both cases it is clear that these techniques will be adjuncts to the already established methods for plant improvement but with far reaching potential for the future.