Practical Applications of Plant Molecular Biology

The application of molecular biology to the analysis and manipulation of plant genomes provides practical approaches to enhancement of the efficiency of agriculture, forestry and food production by improvement of both the quantity and quality of production. These techniques are also useful for the study and management of wild plant populations for species conservation and the control of undesirable plants (weeds). Much has been made of the potential of biotechnology to impact upon agriculture and food production, resulting in frequent expression of disillusionment by those with inflated expectations of the scope and rate of application of this technology. This book aims to address this issue by clearly identifying and illustrating the current practical possi- bilities and limitations of the technology, in the hope that this will allow a more realistic appreciation of the potential of this vital tech- nology. This is an important perspective for scientists and the wider community. Appropriate application of plant molecular biology will increasingly play a crucial role in ensuring an adequate world food supply and minimizing adverse effects of agriculture on the environ- ment. This book outlines the current available techniques and their prac- tical applications. Details of useful protocols are included, but the emphasis is on the identification and definition of the major oppor- tunities to apply molecular biology in the agricultural and plant sciences. Wherever possible, specific examples of practical applications are provided to illustrate the potential uses of the technique.