The objective of INTERDROUGHT is to serve as a platform for presenting and debating key issues and strategies relevant for increasing the yield and stability of crops under drought conditions by genetic and crop management approaches. Great advances have been made in recent years in understanding the molecular basis of plant responses and plant tolerance to drought stress. Hundreds of drought responsive genes have been identified and the function of some of these has been resolved at the cellular level. However, there is a huge gap between the molecular level science and the interpretation and application of this knowledge at the whole plant level in the field. There is an increasing demand in both public and private research sectors for crosstalk between disciplines involved with the molecular science and those involved with whole plant problems aimed at solving issues at the farm and field level in order to advance practical solutions to drought prone farming. INTERDROUGHT-IV offers a unique and timely platform for this purpose. Thus, the main mission of INTERDROUGHT-IV is to explore the possibilities of scientific and technological applications to crop improvement and crop management under drought-prone farming by linking progress made at the molecular level to that at the whole plant and crop levels in the field. This conference will provide recommendations on the most effective approaches to achieve better crop productivity under drought conditions as well as the research needed to move forward in this direction. A number of world renowned speakers have been confirmed to present at the conference, with a range of themes being addressed. INTERDROUGHT is especially concerned with the poorer developing countries that face an increasing problem of food production with less water and under increasingly drought-prone conditions. Attendance of experts and students from such countries is strongly encouraged. We are making every effort to create a comfortable and hospitable environment for you at this congress. We cordially extend our invitation to you and your colleagues.