Physiology of Growth and Development in Horticultural Plants

Book excerpt: The development of a plant is a multifaceted, dynamic phenomenon. Due to their immobility, plants respond not only to internal developmental cues, but also to changes in the prevailing environmental conditions. Climate change has increased vulnerability in plants due to increasing concentrations of CO2 and other pollutants, and fluctuations in the growing environment. These changes affect crop growth and productivity thereby posing a major risk to global food security. Physiology of Growth and Development in Horticultural Plants contains 22 chapters organized into six sections, beginning with an introduction on basic concepts of plant growth and development; followed by genetic basis of plant development; quantification of growth; and sensing and response of plants to various environmental signals. It also explores plant growth hormones and their role either singly or in combination in controlling various aspects of plant growth and development, and hormonal regulation of physiological and developmental processes. The book highlights intricate aspects of growth and development in horticultural plants with classic examples from the real world. Features · Presents information on plant growth and development; structure and genetic basis of plant development with quantification of growth; sensing and response of plants to various environmental signals; and various phytohormones and their role in controlling aspects of plant growth and development. · Provides key scientific and technical advances, issues, and challenges in various areas of growth and development of horticultural plants. · Demonstrates how the response of various plants to internal and external stimuli can be commercially exploited. Physiology of Growth and Development in Horticultural Plants encourages the development of new techniques, technologies and innovative practices, and is an ideal reference for students of advanced plant sciences courses, researchers, and commercial horticultural practitioners.