Potential of Morpho-physiological Traits as Selection Criteria for Biotic and Abiotic Stress Resistance in Crops

Abstract

Increasing global warming associated with several abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, heat stress etc. are affect­ing crop productivity drastically, thereby, threatening food security and increasing hunger. Breeding for resistance to abiotic stresses is a complicated process as it is and governed by multiple genes.In this respect very little progress has been achieved by the breeders working on different crops. On the contrary extensive literatures are documented that several morpho-anatomical and physiological traits are related to biotic and abiotic stresses. In the light of world literatures and vast experience of the author working on various field and vegetable crops, it may be suggested that selection based on these characters would surely be helpful in gaining better result in crop improvement programme against biotic and abiotic stresses…..