Introduction to Crop Physiology

Crop physiology conducts a comprehensive and in-depth investigation into the functions of crop plants, specifically the mechanisms underlying yield formation, quality development, and resistance to abiotic stress across multiple levels of biological organization. It serves as a crucial link between the genome and phenome, playing a fundamental role in crop science by facilitating advancements in both breeding and management. This chapter commences by providing an overview of crop domestication, emphasizing the importance of crop production and the fundamental principles of crop science. Next, the concepts of crop physiology are interpreted in detail, highlighting its distinctions from plant physiology. Subsequently, the challenges and opportunities facing crop physiology in the era of Omics are outlined. This chapter concludes with an emphasis on the significance of integrating a physiological perspective into crop improvement strategies.