J. B. Passioura
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation
Papers
1
Total Citations
292
H-Index
1
About
J. B. Passioura is a pioneering figure in crop physiology, best known for his foundational work on drought tolerance and water-use efficiency in grain crops. His research has reshaped how breeders and agronomists understand plant responses to water stress, emphasizing that drought is not a single, uniform stress but a complex of varying intensities, timings, and durations. In his highly cited 2012 paper, "Phenotyping for drought tolerance in grain crops: when is it useful to breeders?" (292 citations), Passioura argued that the search for a generic drought-tolerance trait—especially through single-gene transformations—has been largely disappointing. Instead, he championed a nuanced, trait-based approach tailored to specific drought scenarios, a perspective that has guided breeding programs worldwide. His work has also clarified the critical role of root architecture, soil water dynamics, and the timing of water use in determining yield under stress. With a career spanning decades, Passioura’s insights have influenced both fundamental plant science and applied crop improvement, making him a key voice in the global effort to secure food production in water-limited environments.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1Phenotyping for drought tolerance in grain crops: when is it useful to breeders?292 citations · 2012