Role of Biotechnology in Exploring and Protecting Agricultural Genetic Resources

Description

Plant genetic resources have been defined as the genetic material of plants, which is of value as a resource for present and future generations of people. Traditionally, this definition focused on crop plants and their wild relatives, but it is increasingly considered that all plant species are a potential resource for humanity. The ultimate goal of genetic resources conservation is to ensure that the maximum possible genetic diversity of a taxon is maintained and available for utilization. Plant genetic resource conservation acts as a link between the genetic diversity of a plant and its utilization or exploitation by humans. This book provides an up-to-date overview of the current status of the world’s genetic resources for food and agriculture; of the use of biotechnology tools for characterizing and conserving these genetic resources, and of the many specific issues involved in using them for these purposes in developing countries.