The World Wheat Book

It is ten years since Volume 1 of The World Wheat Book was completed and the
intervening years have seen many changes in the world economy, in agriculture
in the countries where wheat is grown, and major developments in the
techniques of wheat breeding.
This second volume therefore updates – but does not replace – the first volume
by adding to the countries discussed, giving an update on agronomy and
cropping practices, and reviewing the technological advances in wheat breeding
techniques. The opening chapters summarise the history of wheat growing, the
development of wheat breeding, and the current status of breeding in the
countries covered. The next set of chapters looks at agronomy and cropping
practices in a wide range of wheat growing regions across the world. The third
set of chapters records the latest advances in wheat breeding, looking at
concepts and strategies as well as current and developing techniques. The
fourth set reviews the developing end uses. The final group of chapters
examines specifi c biotic and abiotic threats from viruses, insect pests and
diseases. This book is subtitled A History of Wheat Breeding. It would be even
more accurate to say that it records and discusses the continuing history of
wheat breeding. As stated by Pierre Pagesse, Chairman of Groupe Limagrain, in
his Preface: “The future of wheat rests in our hands and in those who succeed
us. Let us try to do this together in a visionary and determined manner”.