Breeding cereals for Mediterranean conditions: ecophysiological clues for biotechnology application

Water stress is the main environmental factor limiting cereal yield in Mediterranean environments. For particular regions, such as the Mediterranean basin, the agroecological conditions are expected to get worse. In response to this challenge attempts are being made to improve crop yield through farm-management practices and plant breeding efforts. Here we examine traits that may be used as selection criteria for breeding C-3 cereal crops with improved yield and stability in Mediterranean conditions. Emphasis is made on the potential implications of defining proper selection traits and target environments when adopting biotechnology approaches in breeding programmes.