Biotechnology has brought about a revolution in the way that plant genetic resources can be utilized. Plants are the basis of life on planet Earth. Plants are the only organisms capable of using the solar energy for transforming the carbon dioxide in the air into organic substances. Agriculture, with nurturing and utilizing plant diversity, plays a key role in feeding millions and protecting our natural resources and the environment. Plant genetic resources are any living material of present and potential value for humans. Plant genetic resources include all our agricultural crops and some of their wild relatives because they possess valuable traits. It describes the application of novel genomic technologies, as well as their integration with established techniques, towards the understanding of the genetic variation captured in both in situ and ex situ collections of crop and non-crop plants. These advances in biotechnology, brought about by a combination of in-vitro (tissue culture) technology, genetics and molecular biology, are changing the way that we look at gene pools and at the potential for crop improvement. This book focuses on current trends and techniques in biotechnology and plant genetics. It outlines the processes and applications of this subject in detail. It describes embryology of flowering plants, cytogenetic studies, molecular marker, genetic diversity assessment, pollen allergenicity, genetic resources, legume-rhizobium symbiosis, gene targeting and genetic transformation. It also delves in epigenetic modifications and induced mutation. Any resource of value clearly needs to be protected and plant genetic resources are no exception. The topic covered in the extensive book deal with the core subjects of this field. Coherent flow of topics, student-friendly language and extensive use of examples make this book an invaluable source of knowledge. As this field is emerging at a rapid pace, the contents of this book will help the readers understand the modern concepts and applications of the subject.
