The Handbook Of Plant Genome Mapping

While the complete sequencing of the genomes of model organisms such as a multitude of bacteria and archaea, the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the worm Caenorhabditis elegans, the fly Drosophila melanogaster, and the mouse and human genomes have received much public attention, the deciphering of plant genomeswas greatly lagging behind. Up to now, only two plant genomes, one of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana and one of the crop species rice (Oryza sativa) have been sequenced, though a series of other crop genome sequencing projects are underway. Notwithstanding this public bias towards genomics of animals and humans, it is nevertheless of great importance for basic and applied sciences and industries in such diverse fields as agriculture, breeding in particular, evolutionary genetics, biotechnology, and food science to know the composition of crop plant genomes in detail. It is equally crucial for a deeper understanding of the molecular basis of biodiversity and synteny. The Handbook of Genome Mapping: Genetic and Physical Mapping is the first book on the market to cover these hot topics in considerable detail, and is set apart by its combination of genetic and physical mapping. Throughout, each chapter begins with an easy-to-read introduction, also making the book the first reference designed for non-specialists and newcomers, too. In addition to being an outstanding bench work reference, the book is an excellent textbook for learning and teaching genomics, in particular for courses on genome mapping. It also serves as an up-to-date guide for seasoned researchers involved in the genetic and physical mapping of genomes, especially plant genomes.

"The three volumes in this series ... containing 41 chapters contributed by over [one] hundred globally reputed scientists, provide lucid deliberations on the concepts, strategies, tools, methodologies and achievements of plant genomics presented in a typical class-room approach."--Back cover.

The main application of genomic markers is the mapping, diagnosis, understanding, manipulation and eventual molecular cloning of loci of medical, biologic or economic interest. These achievements are likely to have a practical impact not only in basic science, e.g. in the elucidation of the basic processes involved in a particular pathway or in retracing the history of plant speciation, but also in breeding practice. In agriculture this translates into the exploitation of this knowledge for further genetic improvement since traits of agronomic interest are often polygenic. The elucidation of the genetic basis of polygenic inheritance and the subsequent efficient utilization of this knowledge in breeding schemes require the availability of an adequate network of genetic markers spanning the entire genome. The purpose of the present manual is to provide new investigators in this area with an introduction and a basic practical state-of-the-art description of how to proceed.

This book presents the basic and applied aspects of sequencing of genes and genomes and their implication in the fine-scale elucidation of the plant genomes. The third volume presents an overview on the advances of plant genomics made in the past century; deliberations on the genomics resources; concepts, tools, strategies, and achievements of comparative, evolutionary, and functional genomics and whole-genome sequencing. It also presents critical reviews on the already completed genome initiatives and glimpses on the currently progressing genome initiatives. This volume is an ideal reference book for students, scholars and scientists in academia, industry, and government.

In this incisive, concise overview of this booming field, the editors -- two of the leading figures in the field with a proven track record -- combine their expertise to provide an invaluable reference on the topic. Following a treatment of transcriptome analysis, the book goes on to discuss replacement and mutation analysis, gene silencing and computational analysis. The whole is rounded off with a look at emerging technologies. Each chapter is accompanied by a concise overview, helping readers to quickly identify topics of interest, while important, carefully selected words and concepts are explained in a handy glossary. Equally accessible to both experienced scientists and newcomers to the field.

Maize is one of the world’s highest value crops, with a multibillion dollar annual contribution to agriculture. The great adaptability and high yields available for maize as a food, feed and forage crop have led to its current production on over 140 million hectares worldwide, with acreage continuing to grow at the expense of other crops. In terms of tons of cereal grain produced worldwide, maize has been number one for many years. Moreover, maize is expanding its contribution to non-food uses, including as a major source of ethanol as a fuel additive or fuel alternative in the US. In addition, maize has been at the center of the transgenic plant controversy, serving as the first food crop with released transgenic varieties. By 2008, maize will have its genome sequence released, providing the sequence of the first average-size plant genome (the four plant genomes that are now sequenced come from unusually tiny genomes) and of the most complex genome sequenced from any organism. Among plant science researchers, maize has the second largest and most productive research community, trailing only the Arabidopsis community in scale and significance. At the applied research and commercial improvement levels, maize has no peers in agriculture, and consists of thousands of contributors worthwhile. A comprehensive book on the biology of maize has not been published. The "Handbook of Maize: the Genetics and Genomics" center on the past, present and future of maize as a model for plant science research and crop improvement. The books include brief, focused chapters from the foremost maize experts and feature a succinct collection of informative images representing the maize germplasm collection.