The discussion of the quantitative aspects of assessing growth and yield provides the basis for discussing the internal and external (environmental) factors which influence crop productivity. This text examines the effects of both abiotic and biotic factors on crop yields, and describes the issues involved in the production of crops in artificial environments. The diversification of crops, especially into the production of secondary products, is also described. The need for a cost effective training scheme for new and existing staff at all levels has been met by the University of Greenwich (formerly Thames Polytechnic) and the Open University of the Netherlands. As part of the European Community Education and Technology Training initiative (COMETT) and in conjunction with a number of other leading UK and European universities, they are developing BIOTOL, a training scheme in biotechnology using open learning materials, which will provide tailor-made courses, flexible in content, pace and place.
This book is aimed at biologists, microbiologists, zoologists seeking up-dating or orientation in plant biology, horticulturists, chemists, plant breeders, agriculturists and crop physiologists.