A gold standard collection of Agrobacterium-mediated transformation techniques for state-of-the-art plant genetic engineering, functional genomic analysis, and crop improvement. Volume 1 details the most updated techniques available for twenty-six plant species drawn from cereal crops, industrial plants, legume plants, and vegetable plants, and presents various methods for introducing DNA into three major model plant species, Arabidopsis thaliana, Medicago truncatula, and Nicotiana. The authors also outline the basic methods in Agrobacterium manipulation and strategies for vector construction. Volume 2 contains another thirty-three proven techniques for root plants, turf grasses, woody species, tropic plants, nuts and fruits, ornamental plants, and medicinal plants. Additional chapters provide methods for introducing DNA into non-plant species, such as bacteria, fungi, algae, and mammalian cells. The protocols follow the successful Methods in Molecular BiologyT series format, each offering step-by-step laboratory instructions, an introduction outlining the principles behind the technique, lists of the necessary equipment and reagents, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.
From the reviews of the second edition: "This is, as the title suggests, a laboratory manual with protocols for using Agrobacterium tumefaciens to transform plant species ! . the book will be a valuable addition to the laboratory bookshelf. The protocols ! are clearly set out and the notes explain things ! . I was also pleased that some chapters mentioned the need to consider regulatory issues regarding disposal of genetically modified materials, something that is often ignored in lab manuals." (Heather Macdonald, SGM -- Society for General Microbiology, 2007)