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The central goal of many aspects of plant improvement is to
maximize the yield of plants while minimizing the inputs. The
maximum yield of most plants under optimal conditions is far
less than that obtained by the most highly productive species.
It is thought that this reflects the fact that, before
domestication, most plants allocated resources to maximizing
reproductive fitness rather than maximizing yield under the
conditions that are typical in agricultural situations. Thus,
many plants have unrealized yield potential.
Mendel has identified several genes that cause large increases
in plant vegetative and seed yield. These genes are being
used to improve the productivity of a number of crop species
in addition to plants used for biofuels.
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