Perspectives and challenges of plants breeding in the post-genomic era

Abstract

Nowadays achievements in the field of plant biotechnology exceed our earlier expectations. Prospects for their use are even more promising in near future. A better understanding of plant biology, related to new knowledge resources for molecular biology and new platforms for data analysis allowed the improvement of many crop species. With the advent of new technologies platforms, we are now capable to increase the control over the growth and development of plants (both in the vegetative and generative states), induce states of tolerance and even resistance to the ever-increasing risks associated with biotic and abiotic stresses and to support and assist traditional breeding methods by plant selection based on various types of molecular markers. The use of biotechnological tools has enabled the creation of genetically modified organisms and the use of plants for the production of biofortificated foods, biofuels and many new biomaterials. Due to persistent concerns about GM crops from various societies, making full use of new technologies depends on further progress of research and development, but mainly on favorable legislation and public acceptance. The sustainable intensification of agriculture requires efficient technologies for the production of economically competitive products of plant origin. It cannot be achieved without advanced research and development of biochemistry, physiology, genomics and agricultural sciences. Plant biotechnology therefore gives us opportunities to continue the agricultural revolution, that will meet the global demands of both food supplies and new biomaterials.