Plant Biotechnology

The purpose of this book is to provide an overview of the production of GM crops, highlighting the key scientific and technical advances that underpin their development. The text begins with a summary of current knowledge about plant genome organisation and gene expression, followed by an introduction to the techniques of plant tissue culture and genetic transformation and their application to crop plants. A consideration of the design of constructs for plant genetic manipulation precedes a series of chapters covering specific targets for GM crops. These include the genetic manipulation of herbicide resistance, pest resistance and disease resistance. Strategies for engineering stress tolerance and the improvement of crop yield and quality are discussed, and the prospects for “molecular farming” are considered. Key themes and strategies are developed using appropriate case studies, which place the science in its broader agricultural/commercial context. The text concentrates on the core molecular biological issues, while the accompanying Online Resource Centre encourages an exploration of the wider implications and concerns about GM crops. Online Resource Centre All the figures from the book are available to download free from the Online Resource Centre. It also features weblinks to relevant sites with additional information or discussion including those hosted by the protagonists of the GM debate.