Synopses & Reviews
The genetic combinations found in plants are the basis for plant breeding programs, which are essential to the security of our present and future food supply. This book explains what these genetic resources are, how they are handled, and why they should be safely conserved for the future. The authors also explore the applications of this research to political and operational programs in all parts of the world and its impact on the conservation of biodiversity, ecosystem rehabilitation, and the future health of our planet.
Synopsis
This book describes the genetic resources of plants, their management and conservation.
Synopsis
The aim of this book is to provide an informed source for students and non-specialists interested in the future problems and prospects for plant genetic resources. These 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. As well as scientific aspects of this topic, political problems associated with the global heritage of these resources are discussed.
Table of Contents
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.