Systems Biology in Crop Improvement : Emerging Tools and Technologies

Systems Biology in Crop Improvement offers a detailed overview of how principles and methodologies from systems biology are transforming crop research and breeding. This volume, part of the Systems Biology in Agriculture and Plant Sciences series, explores the integration of omics technologies, computational modeling, and high-throughput phenotyping to deepen our understanding of plant responses and traits.

Addressing the urgent challenge of feeding a growing global population, the book emphasizes how systems biology enables insights into molecular, genetic, and environmental interactions that influence a crop’s traits and performance. It discusses applications ranging from stress resilience―abiotic and biotic―to nutrient use efficiency, nutritional enhancement, and quality markers. The volume highlights innovative strategies such as genomic editing and synthetic biology, and how these advances can be translated into practical breeding programs.

Bringing together contributions from leading researchers and practitioners, Systems Biology in Crop Improvement aims to inspire new collaborations, innovations, and discoveries, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and robust food system for future generations.

• Features case studies showcasing real-world issues and effective practical solutions
• Adopts an interdisciplinary approach to help readers understand the complexities and opportunities in sustainable agriculture
• Examines the application of systems biology to address crucial global agricultural concerns such as food security, climate change, and sustainability

Tariq Aftab received his PhD from the Department of Botany at Aligarh Muslim University, India, where he is currently a Senior Assistant Professor. He is the recipient of a prestigious Leibniz DAAD fellowship from Germany, a Raman Fellowship from the Government of India, and Young Scientist Awards from both the State Government of Uttar Pradesh and the Government of India. He has also served as a Visiting Scientist at IPK Gatersleben, Germany, and in the Department of Plant Biology at Michigan State University, United States. Dr. Aftab has edited numerous books for major international publishers, including Elsevier, Springer Nature, and CRC Press. He has co-authored several book chapters and published extensively in peer-reviewed, international journals. His research interests include physiological, proteomic, and molecular studies on medicinal and crop plants.