Cytogenetics In Plant Breeding

An introductory discussion of basic chromosome structure and function preceeds the main text on the application of cytogenetic approaches to the analysis of the manipulation of both the genetic make-up and the genetic transmission system of plant breeding material. Analysis using light and electron microscopy, segregations and molecular techniques, yields information for assessing the material before and after manipulation. Much attention is given to quantitative methods. Manipulation not only involves the construction of specific genotypes, but also chromosomal transmission systems. Although analysis and manipulation in the somatic cycle are considered, the focus is on the generative cycle, with emphasis on analysis and subsequent segregation of specifically constructed material. The book is intended for plant breeders and other scientists interested in the analysis and manipulation of breeding material at the chromosomal level. Comparisons with molecular and cell biological approaches are made, and the potential of the various methods is evaluated.

Cytogenetics plays an important role in understanding the chromosomal and genetic architecture of plant species. Plant Cytogenetics, Third Edition follows the tradition of its predecessors presenting theoretical and practical aspects of plant cytogenetics. Chapters describe correct handling of plant chromosomes, methods in plant cytogenetics, cell division, reproduction methods, chromosome nomenclature, karyotype analysis, chromosomal aberrations, genome analysis, transgenic crops, and cytogenetics in plant breeding. This new edition begins with a brief introduction on the historical aspect of cytogenetics and flows directly into handling of plant chromosomes by classical and modern cytological techniques, classical Mendelian Genetics, brief description of cell division, and chromosome identification by karyotype analysis. The comprehension of cytogenetics is incomplete without information on the role of aneuploidy in associating a gene on a particular chromosome, and the book covers these methodologies as a primary topic. Covering classical to modern cytogenetics, the book presents to the reader the crucial role of cytogenetics in improving crops.

Earlier books on the handling of plant chromosomes have not included many of the innovations in cytological techniques for many important crops that have become available in recent years, including information on associating genes with chromosomes. The aim of this book is to compile all the plant cytogenetic techniques, previously published in earlier books, into a laboratory manual. The first part of the book describes standard cytological techniques that are routinely used by students. The second part covers methods used for specific crops for which common cytological methods do not work satisfactorily. The third part discusses cytogenetic techniques (cytology and genetics) for physically locating genes on specific chromosomes. This novel book will be highly useful to students, teachers, and researchers as it is a convenient and comprehensive reference for all plant cytogenetic techniques and protocols.

Plant cytogenetics has progressed at a rapid rate since the publication of the first edition. Plant Cytogenetics, Second Edition presents an up-to-date review of cytogenetics. It covers the latest in the various classical and modern techniques in the handling of chromosomes, karyotype analysis, genetics of meiosis, genomic relationships, and chromosome manipulation. It includes new chapters on extra chromosomal inheritance and the mode of reproduction in plants, paricularly apomixis, as well as new sections on the molecular basis of heredity, genomic in situ hybridization, and the classical and molecular methods of genome analysis. The author also elaborates on the cytogenetic basis of somaclonal variation generated through cell and tissue culture.

This reference book provides information on plant cytogenetics for students, instructors, and researchers. Topics covered by international experts include classical cytogenetics of plant genomes; plant chromosome structure; functional, molecular cytology; and genome dynamics. In addition, chapters are included on several methods in plant cytogenetics, informatics, and even laboratory exercises for aspiring or practiced instructors. The book provides a unique combination of historical and modern subject matter, revealing the central role of plant cytogenetics in plant genetics and genomics as currently practiced. This breadth of coverage, together with the inclusion of methods and instruction, is intended to convey a deep and useful appreciation for plant cytogenetics. We hope it will inform and inspire students, researchers, and teachers to continue to employ plant cytogenetics to address fundamental questions about the cytology of plant chromosomes and genomes for years to come. Hank W. Bass is a Professor in the Department of Biological Science at Florida State University. James A. Birchler is a Professor in the Division of Biological Sciences at the University of Missouri.

This two-volume work surveys the entire range of general aspects of chromosome research on plants. This first volume is divided into two sections. Section A consists of 11 chapters covering the entire range of general aspects of chromosome research in plants (including a chapter on genetic engineering in crop improvement). Section B is devoted to cytogenetics of cereals and millets (wheat, rye, barley, triticale, oats, maize, rice, pearl millet, and minor millets). More than one chapter is devoted to the same crop to give a detailed treatment of chromosome research (including molecular biology) in these crops. The second volume deals with cytogenetics of plant materials including legumes, vegetable and oil crops, sugar crops, forage crops, fibre crops, medicinal crops and ornamentals. This work will be useful both as a reference work and a teaching aid to satisfy a wide range of workers. Every chapter has been written by an expert who has been involved in chromosome research on a particular plant material for many years.