Combined Stresses in Plants

In nature plants face multiple stresses simultaneously. Even though there is a plethora of literature (journal articles and books) on plant stresses, most of them deal with single stresses. Over the last few years several research groups have shown that combination of stresses, (e.g. drought and heat) is perceived by plants as a new stress state and is not just an additive effect of the stresses applied singly. In the wake of the global climate change predicted for the future it is imperative that plant researchers understand the importance of analyzing multiple stresses that are likely to co-occur under field conditions. We need a critical mass of scientists delving into this type of practical research, if the fruits of a biotechnology-based second green revolution will become a reality. This book will be useful for scientists working on single stresses to broaden their horizons to consider other stresses that can affect their plants of interest. This book will also be useful for graduate students and post-doctoral fellows to pursue projects on combined stresses in their future careers and thus build a critical mass of plant scientists who can aid in producing enough food for the ever-increasing population. This book will persuade scientists working in agribiotech companies to expand their research arena to consider testing the cultivars in their pipelines for multiple stresses simultaneously. Last but not the least, this book will provide an opportunity for the federal and private funding agencies to realize the importance of supporting plant stress research that is based on realistic occurrence of two or more stresses under field conditions.