Why maize is different from other crops; Investment in maize breeding research; Products of maize breeding research; Adoption of modern varieties (MVs); Economic benefits associated with MV adoption.

Scientific breeding in the twentieth century greatly accelerated wheat`s evolution, producing high-yielding varieties that helped avoid famine in many developing countries. Emerging scientific tools hold promise for identifying and tapping new, useful genetic diversity within wheat`s primary and secondary gene pools and, through genetic engineering, beyond.The book describes generally how policies affect wheat genetic diversity; it looks at historical changes in wheat genetic diversity, as policy and priorities have evolved; it identifies factors that explain changes and differences in spatial diversity; and finally, it analyzes the productivity impacts of changes in diversity. Chapters define various types of crop genetic diversity and ways to measure them, framing the definitions and metrics in the contexts for which they are most relevant.

History and development. The FAO global system for the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture. The International treaty on plant genetic resources for dood and agriculture. The Convention on Biological Diversity. Origin and movement of OGR: implications for acess and benefit-sharing policies. The TRIPS agreement. UPOV. Phytosanitary and biosafety measures. Development and improvement of genetic resources. Cross-cutting issues. Economic issues.

Addressing a topic of major importance to the maintenance of world food supplies, this reference identifies knowledge gaps, defines priorities, and formulates recommendations for the improvement of the rice-wheat farming system. The book reveals new systems of rice intensification and management and illustrates the application of no-till and conser