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Plant Biotechnology
Published in Firdos Alam Khan, Biotechnology Fundamentals, 2020
Modern plant-breeding techniques basically involve molecular or genetic engineering techniques to select or to insert desirable traits into plants. In recent years, biotechnology has developed rapidly as a practical means for accelerating success in plant breeding and improving economically important crops. Some of the modern plant breeding methods used today are described below.
Agricultural biotechnology
Published in Firdos Alam Khan, Biotechnology Fundamentals, 2018
Modern plant-breeding techniques basically involve molecular or genetic engineering techniques to select or to insert desirable traits into plants. In recent years, biotechnology has developed rapidly as a practical means for accelerating success in plant breeding and improving economically important crops. Some of the modern plant-breeding methods used today are described later.
Pastoral agriculture, a significant driver of New Zealand’s economy, based on an introduced grassland ecology and technological advances
Published in Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand, 2023
John R. Caradus, Stephen L. Goldson, Derrick J. Moot, Jacqueline S. Rowarth, Alan V. Stewart
The associated extensive plant- and microbial-based technologies that have had significant beneficial impacts on pastoral farming, are outlined in detail with appropriate references in Table 1 of Supplementary Information, include: Cultivar development through plant breeding across a range of species for improved annual and seasonal yield, persistence, nutritive value and feed quality, disease and pest resistance and seed yield. In addition, selection for adaptation to specific environments such as hill country or regional climatic extremes has also been the target of plant breeders.The use of legumes and herbs to improve feed and nutritive value of pasture.Use of specialist plant species for marginal land.Seed testing and certification to ensure reliable supply of high quality seed.Incorporating novel Epichloë endophytes into ryegrass and fescue for improved sward persistence and animal health and welfare outcomes.Improved biological N-fixation through use of effective rhizobium strains on legumes.Availability of biopesticides to manage damaging levels of insect pests.The introduction of beneficial insects such as pollinators and earthworms.Use of insect biocontrol agents to control weeds and pests.Chemical and biological herbicides used either directly or as seed coatings.Environmental plantings to manage health of rivers and wet-lands and improve soil conservation and nutrient leaching.Use of supplementary crops to fill feed gaps and improve spring/summer feed quality.Supplementary feed either conserved or imported to manage feed gaps.Management systems to optimise feed budgeting and improve pasture utilisation.