Plant breeding practices have improved the livelihoods of millions. Current breeding practices have allowed farmers to produce enough crops to feed growing populations, added significant profits in the grain trade, and minimized the amount of land needed for agricultural production by permitting more intensive use of existing crop lands. This volume reviews the status of the major challenges, approaches, and accomplishments of plant breeding programs from around the world.

This volumeoriginated from the Arnel R. Hallauer International Symposium held in Mexico City in 2003, and represents contributions from an international field of leading plant breeding researchers. The coverage is broad and comprehensive and provides the latest developments affecting grains, trees, fruits, nuts, and forage crops.

Plant Breeding: The Arnel R. Hallauer International Symposium is an essential resource for agronomists, horticulturists, and plant biologists.

Kendall Lamkey, Ph.D., is the Pioneer Distinguished Chair in Maize Breeding and Director of the Raymond F. Baker Center for Plant Breeding, Agronomy Department, Iowa State University.

Mike Lee, Ph.D., is Professor and Chair of the Plant Breeding and Genetics Panel, Agronomy Department, Iowa State University. Lee’s research focuses on developing and utilizing genetic techniques and principals to complement the programs in maize breeding and genetics with the most recent advances in applied plant molecular genetics.