Phytochemicals are compounds accumulated by plants which have health-promoting properties such as prevention of certain chronic ailments. Many of these compounds also protect plants from damaging effects of environmental stresses. A better understanding of the environmental conditions and processes controlling the synthesis and accumulation of phytochemicals will facilitate development of strategies to improve not only plant tolerance to stresses, but also the health-promoting properties of target crops.
The benefit to consumers of this research is improved eating quality and health-promoting properties of vegetables; reduced health care costs. Benefits to growers, retailers and industry include improved market quality, shelf life and value of produce.
Bioenergy feedstock production: Agronomic considerations
The success crops grown primarily for energy depends on the efficiency, profitability and sustainability of the crop production system. Research in this area is evaluating a range of potential bioenergy feedstock crops for adaptability to Texas growing conditions in order to optimize environmental and agronomic (water/nutrient use, yield, energy density) practices for their sustainable production. This research benefits local and national economies, creates alternative land use, crops and markets. Consumers benefit by having a reduced reliance on fossil fuels. The environment also benefits by having increased carbon sequestration in soils and reducing greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere.
