Plant Physiology discussion paper

In the future, which crops must be grown and which sacrificed, to feed the billions? The majority of agricultural land is used to cultivate the staple food crops wheat (Triticum aestivum), maize (Zea mays) and rice (Oryza sativa), the oilrich crops soy (Glycine max), canola (Brassica napus), sunflower (Helianthusspp.) and oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) and commodity crops such as cotton (Gossypiumspp.), tea (Camellia sinensis) and coffee (Coffeaspp.). As the world population expands and meat consumption increases, there is a growing demand for staples and oilrich crops for both human needs and animal feed. We may be forced to choose between production of staple food crops to feed the world population and the production of luxury crops, such as tea, coffee, cocoa (Theobroma cacao), cotton, fruits and vegetables