Plant genetic resources from both wild and cultivated plants are the basis for plant breeding and for the use of plants by man for a variety of purposes. This book explains what these genetic resources are, how they are handled and why they should be conserved for the future. The political problems associated with the global heritage of these resources are also discussed.
1. Plant genetic resources - what they are and why they are needed; 2. What needs to be collected and how is it maintained?; 3. A global strategy for safe storage; 4. Access to the resource - core collections and databases; 5. Have we all that we need for the future?; 6. Have genetic resources already been of value?; 7. When there are no seeds; 8. Genes and politics; 9. A glimpse from 2050; Index.
' ! a concise, well-written introduction to the preservation and utilisation of crop genetic diversity.' Jeffrey Bennetzen, Trends in Genetics ' ! more than any other book of this size (small) and accessibility (considerable), it does an excellent job of placing plant genetic conservation in the wider context of crop domestication and improvement.' Bookshelf ' ! readers of this book,whether they be professional scientists or interested laypeople, will finish it with a solid grasp of the issues facing those who seek to conserve genetic diversity among crop plants and with an appreciation for the complexities involved.' Trends in Ecology and Evolution 'It is well written and uses a minimum of jargon so that the issues can be understood clearly by those with little previous knowledge of the subject ! a useful addition to the literature on this subject which will appeal particularly to students and administrators wishing to explore the background of this important subject.' Plant Varieties and Seeds ' ! it is a valuable contribution to the subject and is well worth reading.' Agricultural Science