Role of Agronomists In Realizing the Potential of Future Agronomic Traits.

Hybrids and varieties are being developed with traits to improve drought tolerance and nitrogen use efficiency with both native and transgenic trait approaches.  To fully realize the benefits of these complex traits agronomists will need to work closely with breeders, crop physiologists, crop modelers, and growers to evaluate and understand the interactions of these genetics in various cropping systems and environments. For example, in water-limited environments adjustments in plant populations and irrigation management may be important and this will vary with soil water holding capacity, timing of stress, air temperature, and nutrient availability and management. As these new technologies are developed and become available to growers, agronomists will work daily with plant breeders and physiologists in hybrid/variety evaluation, advancement, characterization, and positioning in cropping systems. Increased interactions across disciplines beginning in graduate school is needed to enhance understanding and fostering of these relationships in the commercial workplace. Agronomists will also be the lead training interface with sales representatives and growers regarding knowledge and management of these technologies. Therefore, it is important that agronomists possess strong communication, information transfer, and adult education skills.