ISHS Acta Horticulturae 289: International Symposium on Plant Biotechnology and its Contribution to Plant Development, Multiplication and Improvement
FOREWORD |
| Author: | Dr. Jean-Michel MASCHERPA |
| Abstract:
After the first two editions of the International Exhibition of New Varieties of Plants, we have decided to offer to our exhibitors and professional visitors a fundamental change this year and to create a triple event. This includes an exhibition in which breeders of new varieties of plants and laboratories specialized in biotechnology, an International Symposium and also a poster session presenting the state of the art in international research in plant biotechnology on the very contemporary theme: "Plant Biotechnology and its Contribution to the Improvement, the Multiplication and the Development of Plants." At first, these events were intended to constitute a meeting point for breeders, professional multipliers and floriculturists and potential buyers of their newly cultivated varieties. But we soon became aware of the fact that an important link of the chain was missing: the scientist, the person through whom new techniques of cultivation, multiplication or propagation actually arrive in greenhouses or in the fields. It is often to them that we owe the appearance of new plants, more attractive, more resistant, with diverse characteristics and better adapted to different types of culture. Among all the subjects which could be discussed during a Symposium based on these considerations, it is obvious that plant biotechnology soon obtained the unanimous approval of the Organizing Committee and three main themes were selected:
Their synthesis has been developed by the world's most eminent specialists and is apparent in very detailed texts. These are followed by résumés of the research of international scientists whose work is presented on posters and discussed during the Symposium. No less than 80 posters are presented by researchers from 54 countries, It is therefore no exaggeration to state that this publication gives full coverage of the work presently being carried out in the field of plant biotechnology. Furthermore, the Organizing Committee and the Scientific Commission are extremely proud to have succeeded in finishing the publication of these papers before the opening of the Symposium, so that participants will receive a copy at the same time as their accreditation to the sessions.
We wish to thank all those who have contributed to this success, as well as all scientists who tirelessly work towards the improvement of varieties of plants, thus allowing the creation of new varieties at the service of humanity. | |
