European plant science: a field of opportunities

Plants have a pivotal role in eco- and agricultural systems.Genomics is driving a rapid expansion of our understanding ofhow genes, individually and in networks, determine plant function.Technological developments in breeding and genomics are providingstrategies to translate this knowledge into crop improvement.The possibilities range from improvement of existing crops andthe systematic use of natural diversity through to the domesticationof completely new species. As examples of possible goals, itis discussed how profiling of composition will integrate plantbreeding and agronomic practice with emerging knowledge aboutnutrition and health, how improved and novel crops will contributeto the creation of new bio-based economies revolving aroundplant products, and how advances in our knowledge about plant–environmentand plant–pathogen interactions will provide novel strategiesto stabilize agricultural yield in a fluctuating environmentand contribute to integrated approaches in which modern agricultureis carried out in concert with the environment. In addition,knowledge generated by plant science will be needed to monitor,understand, and cope with climate change and its impact on agricultureand ecosystems. Realization of these goals will require closeinteractions with related disciplines including agronomy andecology. Further, it will be important to continue and deepenopen support for research in the developing world. Key words: Agronomic practice, biodiversity, domestication, ecosystems, environment, genomics, novel crops, plant breeding, plant products, yield