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Following on from earlier titles in this series, this volume presents further material generated by the World Bank/ISNAR/Australian government biotechnology study. It covers the present status and future prospects for the application of biotechnology to solve agricultural and environmental problems in twelve countries: Kenya, Zimbabwe, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brazil, Colombia and Mexico. ... Read more

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Soybean is one of the worlds leading sources of seed oil and seed protein and is grown extensively, particularly in the Americas and Asia. Indeed, soybean is the lowest-cost producer of vegetable oil, since the oil is a coproduct of its protein-rich meal. Major advances have recently been made in our understanding of soybean genetics and of the application of new technologies to soybean improvement. Thus it is now possible, using molecular methods, to alter the protein and oil composition of soybean, as well as produce other foreign proteins in the plant. Further progress should permit the improvement of nitrogen fixation and other desirable traits. This book focuses on recent progress in our understanding of the genetics and molecular biology of soybean and provides a broad review of the subject, from genome diversity to transformation and integration of desired genes using current technologies. It is aimed at workers in legume agronomy, plant genetics, breeding and biotechnology. ... Read more

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Of value and recommended to anyone interested in the subject.--Agricultural Science ... Read more

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This third volume on In Vitro Haploid Production in HigherPlants consists of 20 chapters. Each chapter contains someintroductory material on the selected plant, the techniques used mostsuccessfully for haploid production (anther culture, microsporeculture, and ovary culture), the factors that influence the success ofthese techniques, the identification and genetic characterization ofhaploid regenerants, the applications of haploids in breeding, and abrief conclusion on the potential of haploid breeding for the crop.The plants covered include vegetable crops (Allium spp.,Capsicum, Chicorium, Cucumis, Solanum melongena, Solanumtuberosum); fruit crops (Malus, Fragaria, Vitis); and othermiscellaneous crops (Beta, Coffea, Ginkgo, Glycine, Medicago,Saccarum, Sinocalamus latiflora, forest trees). Some chapters alsocover protoplast manipulation and genetic transformation. ... Read more

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Biotechnology processes are fundamentally changing the nature of the products being produced in the industry. Canola has been developed in Canada through such processes.It is a type of rapeseed that has an enhanced level of mono-unsaturated fatty acids, thus producing a healthier oil for human consumption.It is now being introduced to many other countries.This book reviews for the first time the global canola sector in order to identify fundamental trends resulting from the adoption of biotechnology. It examines the canola sector over an extended period, looking at:its local originsregional growth and international expansionanalyses of public policy affecting commercialisationestimates of the costs and benefits of changes.It is essential reading for government and industry researchers and students involved in the areas of agricultural economics, plant biotechnology and crop science. ... Read more

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Genetic erosion, that is, the loss of native plant and geneticdiversity has been exponential from the Mediterranean Basin throughthe Twentieth century. This careless eradication of species andgenetic diversity as a result of human activities from a 'hot-spot' ofdiversity threatens sustainable agriculture and food security for thetemperate regions of the world. Since the early 1900s there has been alargely ad hoc movement to halt the loss of plant diversity andenhance its utilisation. The Convention on Biological Diversity andFood and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations InternationalUndertaking on Plant Genetic Resources, both highlight the need toimprove conservation methodologies and enhance utilisation techniques.

It has been argued that the most important component of biodiversityis the genetic diversity of crop and forage species used to feedhumans and livestock. These cultivated and related wild speciesprovides the raw material for further selection and improvement. Leguminosae species are of major economic importance (peas, chickpeas,lentils and faba beans, as well as numerous forage species) andprovide a particularly rich source of protein for human and animalfoods. Their distribution is concentrated in the Mediterranean regionand therefore the improvement of their conservation and use in theregion is critical.

This text is designed to help ensure an adequate breadth of legumediversity is conserved and to help maximise the use of that conserveddiversity. The subjects of conservation and use of legume diversity,the Mediterranean ecosystem and taxonomy of legumes are introduced.Generic reviews of the taxonomy, centre of diversity, ecogeographicdistribution, genetic diversity distribution, conservation status,conservation gaps and future research needs are provided, along with adiscussion of the importance of rhizobia to the maintenance of legumediversity. Current ex situ and in situ conservation activities as wellcurrent legume uses are reviewed. In conclusion future priorities forex situ and in situ plant genetic conservation and use ofMediterranean legumes are highlighted. All contributors look forwardrather than simply reviewing past and current activities and thereforeit is hoped that the identification of genetic erosion, location oftaxonomic and genetic diversity and promotion of more efficientutilisation of conserved material will be enhanced. ... Read more

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This fifth and final volume on In Vitro Haploid Productionin Higher Plants comprises 13 chapters and is divided intothree sections. Most chapters are crop specific and each chaptercontains an introduction about the selected plant, the techniques(anther culture, microspore culture, ovary/ovule culture) that havebeen successfully used for haploid production, the factors that haveinfluenced the success of these techniques, the identification andgenetic characterization of haploid regenerants, the application ofhaploids in breeding, and a brief conclusion on the potential ofhaploid breeding in the specific crop. The chapters contained inSection 1 focus on selected oil crops, including linseed (Linumusitatissimum), sunflower (Helianthus annuus) and niger(Guizotia abyssinica). Section 2 deals with ornamental plantsincluding (Petunia, lily (Lilium spp.), tulip(Tulipa spp.), and Camellia japonica). The final Section 3comprises miscellaneous plants including various fruit, vegetable, orspecialty crops (asparagus (Asparagus officinalis), tobacco(Nicotiana spp.), cotton (Gossypium spp.), gynogenichaploids in angiosperms, Citrus, tomato (Lycopersiconesculentum), and interspecific somatic hybrids of potato(Solanum brevidens and S. tuberosum)). Some chapters alsoinclude a discussion of the potential of protoplast manipulations andgenetic transformation of the particular crop under discussion. ... Read more

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This fourth volume on In Vitro Haploid Production in HigherPlants comprises 11 chapters on cereal haploid production. Allchapters are crop specific and each chapter contains an introductionabout the selected plant, the techniques (anther culture, microsporeculture, ovary/ovule culture) that have been successfully used forhaploid production, the factors that have influenced the success ofthese techniques, the identification and genetic characterization ofhaploid regenerants, the application of haploids in breeding, and abrief conclusion on the potential of haploid breeding in the specificcrop. The chapters contained review haploidy in cereal crops includingrice (Oryza sativa), maize (Zea mays), wheat (Triticumaestivum), barley (Hordeum vulgare), triticale, ryegrass(Lolium spp.), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), buckwheat(Fagopyrum esculentum), pearl millet (Pennisetumglaucum), rye (Secale cereale) and oat (Avenasativa). Some chapters also include a discussion of the potentialof protoplast manipulations and genetic transformation of theparticular crop under discussion. ... Read more

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Deals with biotechnological approaches incorporated into po-tato improvement progammes. These methods have far-reachingimplications for the synthesis of improved, disease- resist-ant and nutritious cultivars of potato. ... Read more

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The 18 chapters making up In Vitro Haploid Production inHigher Plants are divided into two sections. Section 1 (eightchapters) covers historical and fundamental aspects of haploidy incrop improvement. Section 2 deals with methods of haploid production,including anther culture, micropore culture, ovary culture,pollination with irradiated pollen, in vitro pollination, andspecial culture techniques, including polyhaploid production in theTriticeae by sexual hybridization, the influence of ethylene andgelling agents on anther culture, conditional lethal markers, andmethods of chromosome doubling. ... Read more

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In recent decades, livestock producers have moved away from open grazing for a number of reasons, none having to do with the health of consumers. Genetic Resources, Chromosome Engineering, and Crop Improvement: Forage Crops demonstrates how state-of-the-art technology can encourage the raising of livestock in open pastures where they can be fed grasses grown in nature rather than meals enriched with hormones and other by-products.

The volume brings together the world’s leading innovators in crop science who furnish information on the availability of germplasm resources that breeders can exploit for the improvement of major forage crop varieties including alfalfa, wheatgrass and wildrye grasses, Bahiagrass, birdsfoot trefoil, clover, Bermudagrass, and ryegrass.

An introductory chapter outlines the cytogenetic architecture of forage crops, describes the principles and strategies of cytogenetic and breeding manipulations, and summarizes landmark research. Ensuing chapters provide a comprehensive account of each crop: its origin; wild relatives; exploitation of genetic resources in the primary, secondary, and tertiary, and, where feasible, quarternary gene pools through breeding and cytogenetic manipulation; and genetic enrichment using the tools of molecular genetics and biotechnology.

. Certain to become the standard reference, this volume—

• Discusses taxonomy, genomic and chromosomal constitution, and the geographical distribution
• Stresses the role of germplasm exploration, maintenance, and assimilation for increasing yield
• Presents practical improvement methodologies including conventional, cytogenetic, mutation, molecular, cell and tissue cultures, and genetic transformation

In addition to serving as fodder, forage crops provide ground cover, aid in abetting erosions, yield a number of pharmaceuticals, and are critical to honey production. Solving the world’s food crisis requires approaches that will lead to healthier, more enriched food sources, as well as more bountiful harvests. It also requires that we make the best use of resources we have. Moving livestock away from grain and back to forage crops is one approach that can help us achieve a balanced food chain capable of meeting ever-growing demand.

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This volume on Transgenic Trees, comprising 22 chapters, deals with the genetic transformation of fruit and forest trees such as Allocasuarina verticillata, Casuarina glauca, Cerasus vulgaris, Citrus spp., Coffea species, Diospyros kaki, Eucalyptus spp., Fagara zanthoxyloides, Larix spp., Lawsonia inermis, Malus x domestica, Picea mariana, Pinus palustris, Pinus radiata, Poncirus trifoliata, Populus spp., Prunus species, Rhododendron, Robinia pseudoacacia, Solanum mauritianum, Taxus, and Verticordia grandis. It is of special interest to advanced students, teachers, and research workers in the field of forestry, horticulture, molecular biology, plant tissue culture, botany, and plant biotechnology in general. ... Read more

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This book describes recent advances in the application of biotechnology to the solution of agricultural problems in forage legume production.Forage legumes include alfalfa and clovers and are of major economic importance throughout the world.Methods of biotechnology are being used to improve forage quality, enhance abiotic and biotic stress tolerances, and enhance nitrogen fixation.Several chapters describe how techniques such as plant transformation, somatic embryogenesis, cryopreservation, somatic hybridization, and molecular DNA markers can be applied to forage legumes.Written by leading scientists from Europe, North America, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, the book provides a timely review for workers in plant breeding and biotechnology, as well as agronomists concerned with forage crops. ... Read more

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Our knowledge of the molecular biology and genetics of peas, particularly in the fields of storage product biology, genetic mapping, transformation, plant development and the rhizobium symbiosis, has increased dramatically in recent years. The pea is also a model plant for research on a number of topics including starch biosynthesis and gene regulation by light. This book contains a number of reviews on progress in various aspects of pea molecular genetics. It places them in perspective for those concerned with breeding, agronomy and exploitation of peas and will also be of value to those working on other grain legumes. It is an important volume for research workers and advanced students in many areas of plant sciences, especially plant genetics and biotechnology. ... Read more

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This major book reviews our current knowledge of the genetics and molecular biology of barley and how biotechnology can be used to improve crop yields and their quality for feed or in the brewing industry. The book is divided into six main sections covering: phylogeny and wild relatives; basic genetics; molecular analysis of metabolism and development; seed structure and composition; pathogen resistance; genetic engineering and biotechnology. ... Read more

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The first edition of this book, "Molecular techniques in crop improvement" published in 2002 provided comprehensive information on the latest tools and techniques of molecular genetics and applications in crop improvement, and highlighted molecular genetics from the perspective of plant breeders. Since then, major advances have been made in molecular tagging of genes/QTLs governing complex agronomic traits, identification of candidate genes and in applying marker assisted breeding for tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses and quality traits. Recent advances in transgenic technologies, genome sequencing and functional genomics offer tremendous opportunities to support plant breeding programs. We have covered new developments in molecular biology and their potential applications in plant breeding in this second edition. The book has a total of 31 chapters and divided into 4 sections: A) Plant breeding in the genomics era, B) Molecular markers and their application, C) Genomics, and D) Transgenic technologies. The book features major topics, which are QTL analysis, comparative genomics, functional genomics, bioinformatics, DNA marker technology automation, gene-based marker systems, application of molecular markers for tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses as well as in germplasm conservation, gene pyramiding, gene silencing, TILLING, CISGENESIS, microarray, metabolomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, microRNAs, marker-free transformation, gene targeting/homologous recombination, and genetic engineering. This book will be especially useful to scientists engaged in molecular genetics and plant breeding. It will also be a valuable book for the graduate and post graduate students specialising in crop science, genetics, plant breeding and biotechnology.

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Introduction to Biotechnology: An Agricultural Revolution provides students with a basic understanding of the concepts that contribute to agriculture’s biotechnology revolution. Each chapter of this comprehensive text includes topics such as cell functions, genetics and genetic engineering, the uses of biotechnology and biotech careers. Also included is a thorough examination of the controversy and concerns over the use of genetic engineering, genetically modified organisms, cloning and their potential dangers to humans and the environments. This information enables students to engage and utilize the text’s science-based content in classroom discussions and research activities. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A textbook full of inaccuracies
I am using this book as a textbook for the biotechnology freshman class at a vocational highschool. To make it short, the book is horrible. The images are from a stock photography agency, with little relevance to the text and are often pointless. The picture of one scientist working on a 96-well plate dispenser shows up as somebody working to wipe out the cotton weevil and as a scientist sequencing the bovine genome. Punnett squares are done wrong, and images of cells in interphase stained to visualize the Barr bodies are supposed to show the Y-chromosome. There is at least one factual mistake on almost every page, and the writing does not raise any questions that may arise with the use of genetic engineering in agriculture.
Very little thought and discussion seem to have gone into the writing of this book, and I would not spend the money on it again
... Read more

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Biotechnology is one of the major technologies of the twenty-first century. Its wide-ranging, multi-disciplinary activities include recombinant DNA techniques, cloning and the application of microbiology to the production of goods from bread to antibiotics. In this edited book, the authors provide a complete overview of biotechnology. The fundamental principles that underpin all biotechnology are explained and a full range of examples are discussed to show how these principles are applied; from starting substrate to final product. With the use of comparative studies, this book also discusses the legal, agribusiness and public policy issues that connect intellectual property protection with advancements in agricultural biotechnology. ... Read more

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Building on the well-received Plant Tissue Culture: Concepts and Laboratory Exercises, Plant Development and Biotechnology possesses the added value of including material on developmental biology, plant molecular biology, and genetic engineering. Divided into six major parts, the book covers everything from the history of plant tissue and cell culture to propagation and development concepts to crop improvement techniques. The book serves as a useful reference for protocols needed in the daily operations of tissue culture research laboratories. ... Read more

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The volume on oil crop breeding is the third volume in the series, Handbook of Plant Breeding after the initial volumes on Vegetables and Cereals. Like the other volumes in the series, the volume will present information on the latest in applied plant breeding using the current advances in the field. The book consists of a total number of 19 chapters, with 17 being devoted to individual crops and two chapters dealing with general aspects of oil crop breeding. Outstanding scientists for each crop species are proposed as senior authors, who may invite co-authors to contribute part of a chapter. In order to increase the overall acceptance of the volume, authors from different research groups/countries have been asked to collaborate (if possible) on one and the same chapter in particular crops.

The book is comprised primarily of specific issues and techniques pertaining to individual crops. It provides an update of the new oilseed crop development covering mainly Limnanthes ssp. and Cuphea ssp., which represent newly domesticated oil crop species with unique crop or oil characteristics. The last two chapters in the book are designed as introductory or review chapters; they highlight topics of general interest in oil crop breeding such as domestication/genetic diversity, oil crop breeding targets, oil crop and human health issues, selection strategies with biotechnologies and analytical techniques as well as genetic engineering of fatty acid profiles. This book is of interest to researchers in both academic and industrial setting as well as students and teachers of plant breeding.