When the world's top plant scientists meet in St. Louis for an international gathering this week, they will bring with them much of the world's expertise in plant genetics, evolution and physiology.

But a common focus at the International Plant Molecular Biology Congress will be what many describe as a rapidly diminishing global food supply that could usher in widespread global hunger.

This is the first time in almost 20 years the congress has come to the United States, and it is expected to draw more than 1,300 participants, almost half from overseas.

Perry Gustafson, a University of Missouri adjunct professor chairing this year's weeklong meeting, said global food security was at the heart of much of the scientists' research.

"If you understand plant biology, or animal biology, you will manage to find a way to produce more food," said Gustafson, a geneticist whose work focuses on gene manipulation in cereals. "For example, if you understand how pollenization works, you'll be able to prevent unwanted cross pollenization and produce more pollen, which will give you a better seed set, which ultimately will give you more grain."

This year's congress is being dedicated to Norman Borlaug, a Nobel-prize winning scientist considered the father of the "Green Revolution," which transformed agriculture through high-yield crop varieties and other innovations that helped double world food production between 1960 and 1990. Borlaug passed away last month in Texas at the age of 95.

The plant congress formally kicks off today with Borlaug's dedication, which will be led by Peter Raven, director of the Missouri Botanical Garden.

The global food crisis was recently underscored by a United Nations report that found world hunger is worsening — the world's food needs are not expected to be met by 2015.

And just last week, Ethiopian leaders, citing a prolonged drought that has desiccated much of the Horn of Africa, asked for emergency food aid for more than 6 million people.

On Thursday, the University of Missouri will host a panel, "Feeding the Planet in the 21st Century Under Climate Variability and Change," featuring Raven and scientists from Kenya, Australia and Austria.

"As a speaker, this is an opportunity to rub shoulders with and have direct exchanges with some of the best plant science people in the world," said Jack Schultz, a panel speaker and director of the Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center at the University of Missouri. "It's an unparalleled opportunity."

Other conference highlights include the unveiling of new research that focuses on drought, how traditional Chinese medicine holds clues to a cancer cure and new insights into plant cell wall biology.

During the conference, Missouri's leading plant research institutions will be showcased, including the garden, the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, the University of Missouri and Monsanto.

Robb Fraley, Monsanto's chief of technology, said the meeting is a great opportunity for St. Louis to showcase its leadership in the agriculture and biotechnology realms.

Among other issues, he will be discussing the challenge of doubling food production over the next 20 years as dictated by population growth.

"It's an exciting time," Fraley said. "The challenges are global and require global solutions. Just as it's important to increase crop yield in the United States, it's important in China, India, Africa and Brazil."