Food Crops for the Future: The Development of Plant Resources

by Colin Tudge

This book examines the current revolution in plant breeding which could make it possible to support the world's growing population. While presenting a general guide to genetic principles, the author reviews the available methods for improving plant species, from basic breeding practices that have served in the domestication of wild plants, to the latest techniques of tissue culture and genetic engineering. The book considers the central issues facing farmers and plant breeders how to improve the quality and yield of crops; how to increase resistance to drought and disease; and the possible introduction of less familiar, more versatile crops such as cassava and the cowpea. Improvement here does not simply mean increased yield; it is a matter of strategy as much as of biology. In different places and for different purposes it may mean working for a higher protein content and greater palatability or altering the life cycle of the crop to suit local physical and economic conditions.

225 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 1988

About the author

Colin Tudge was educated at Dulwich College, 1954-61; and read zoology at Peterhouse, Cambridge, 1962-65.

Since 1965 he has worked on journals such as World Medicine, New Scientist and Pan, the newspaper of the World Food Conference held in Rome, 1974.

Ever since then he has earned a living by spasmodic broadcasting and a lot of writing—mainly books these days, but with occasional articles. He has a special interest in natural history in general, evolution and genetics, food and agriculture, and spends a great deal of time on philosophy (especially moral philosophy, the philosophy of science, and the relationship between science and religion).

He has two daughters, one son, and four granddaughters, and lives in Oxford with his wife, Ruth (nee West).