Food supply, plant growth and productivityAgricultural production
The human population is increasing and this increases demand for food. Farmers can alter genes, control pests and ensure acceptable well-being to increase yields of plants and livestock.
Most human food comes from a small number of plant crops, such as:
cereals
potato
roots
legumes
Breeders will seek to develop crops that have higher nutritional values, pest and disease resistance. Crops that have physical characteristics that are suited to rearing and harvesting and can thrive in particular environmental conditions are also characteristics that are desirable to breeders.
Ultimately all food production, plant or animal, depends on the process of photosynthesis.