Biology and Breeding of Crucifers

ISBN-13: 9781420086089 / Angielski / Twarda / 2009 / 406 str.

Surinder Kumar Gupta

Opis

Considerable interest has developed in recent years in crucifers and particularly in their wild relatives, as they contain genetic material that may be utilized for further evolution of superior crop varieties through introgression and distant hybridization. Until now, there has been no single volume that focuses exclusively on the biology and breeding aspects of the wild brassica species. Bringing together contributions of leading international experts, Biology and Breeding of Crucifers provides a unique perspective on this species which is so important to research in crop genetics. This treatise begins by exploring the systematics and phylogenies of wild crucifers. Supported by sharp close-up photos and descriptions to assist in identification of wild crucifers, the book further examines breeding methods, self-incompatibility, male sterility, germination, viability of seeds, and plant-insect interactions. Detailed accounts of comparative cytogenetics, distant hybridization, and the role of phytoalexins are also presented. The book contains comprehensive discussions on floral variations, biotechnology, and haploidy breeding. Reflecting the concern of botanists and plant genetic engineers in enhancing rapeseed-mustard production, the contributors also examine genetic improvement of vegetable crucifers, industrial products from wild crucifers, and the preservation and maintenance of plant genetic resources. The information contained in this text will assist researchers in developing ways to increase genetic variability among brassicas, improve crop productivity and quality, and adopt synergistic approaches to ensure food and nutritional security worldwide.

Recenzje

The book contains 18 review chapters by different authors of various aspects of the Cruciferae. The general theme is the genetic exploitation of wild species, with some emphasis on Asian oil-seed species. Several chapters are authoritative and comprehensive, covering systematics and evolution, manipulation of the sexual process, interspecific hybridization, cytogenetics and gene introgression. Some topics (e.g. cytoplasmic male sterility, C3-C4 photosynthesis, somatic hybridization) are repeated in separate chapters. The figures within each chapter are monochrome and some are of poor quality, but are replicated in high quality colour in a separate section in the centre of the book. These reviews are likely to make the book valuable to researchers and plant breeders for at least a decade.
     - Peter Crisp writing in Expl Agric. (2010), volume 46 (1), C Cambridge University Press 2009

O autorze

Dr. Gupta is on the faculty at S.K. University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology in Jammu, India.