Developments in Crop Science Series

This authoritative work has been written by a man whose career as an active wheat geneticist has spanned sixty years and has earned him a world-wide reputation. The book contains descriptions and much original data on genetical and cytogenetical findings concerning cultivated wheats and their relatives. It covers chromosomal analyses, genome analyses, ancestors of wheat, artificial synthesis of wheat, evidence of cytoplasmic inheritance and variations of wild species. The author explains how these facts and concepts have been discovered, points out the importance inherent in these discoveries, and shows how they can be utilized in genetical and breeding studies. Special emphasis is placed on the motives, processes and development of the studies.

Now available only in paperback, this book has been described as ``...by far the most comprehensive book on plant tissue culture...few publications in this field can compare with this book in terms of subject matter covered and literature surveyed. Overall, the book is a fine achievement for Drs. Bhojwani and Razdan. It also serves the authors' avowed purpose of integrating the theoretical and practical aspects of plant tissue culture. If you like a text and a laboratory manual on plant tissue culture combined, this is obviously a book to be considered seriously.'' (Plant Science Bulletin). Plant tissue culture has become an invaluable aid in the field of experimental botany and has many practical applications in agriculture and horticulture. In recognition of its importance in basic and applied areas of plant science, many universities have included this subject in undergraduate and postgraduate courses but find that they lack a suitable introductory text. This book has been written primarily to fill that need. Starting with an introductory history, the book covers such practical aspects as laboratory requirements and media preparation. The authors go on to discuss fundamental aspects of cellular totipotency (e.g. production of haploids, diploids and triploids, and raising new genotypes through single cell culture), in vitro approaches to plant breeding, raising high health plants, micropropagation, and techniques of in vitro storage of germplasm. Profusely illustrated with line drawings and original photographs, the book is further enhanced by the inclusion of a complete bibliography.

This book presents a wealth of both general and specific information about rice. The first section outlines the distribution and mutual relationships of various types of rice with special attention to the adaptive strategy of wild and cultivated rice, and to the relationships between different ecotypes and their adaptation to low temperature, different photoperiods or different humidities. The section on rice morpho-physiology compares the characteristics of rice and dry land crops and different ecotypes with regard to seed dormancy and germination; describes the important steps in the photosynthetic structure process and its adjustment to the course of evolution of cultivated rice; studies the root and nutrient uptake and the responses to hormones in terrestrial and aquatic plants; considers the reproductive nature in relation to tolerance to environmental stress; and discusses the morphological characteristics of rice panicle in relation to grain filling, sink-source balance and variation in yield components of panicle structure. The last section reviews the genetics of rice and includes new findings on chromosomal analysis, cytoplasmic analysis and gene analysis and reviews recent achievements in tissue culture and genetic engineering techniques. The book is authoritative, well-documented and international in scope. It presents new and useful information of direct use to rice research workers and students, and of interest to crop physiologists, agronomists, plant physiologists and breeders throughout the world.

Trace element science has undergone some dramatic changes in recent years and considerable discoveries have been made in the wide field of botany. This monograph reviews and summarizes the advances made in trace element research in botanical geography, taxonomy, phytocenology, geochemical ecology, morphology, anatomy, embryology and genetics. After a discussion of some general aspects of trace elements, the author makes a detailed critical analysis of their physiological role - a role that is not only of theoretical importance but one that can also provide a basis for the development of a rational system of plant nutrition. Various aspects of the problems dealt with, therefore, bear on practical issues in agriculture.

This monograph provides basic and empiric information underlying processes believed to be involved in the doubtless multifunctional plant senescence syndrome. While essentially assuming a `basic science' approach the authors, drawing on data obtained from many of the main laboratories and research centres involved in senescence research the world over, and also on findings of the research groups they are associated with, have described how principles of basic science have been applied to practical problems, and have outlined the partial means presently available to man for achieving plant senescence control. Moreover, information is provided on current problems in the forefront of senescence research. This approach will hopefully engender further enquiry and lead at least to partial solutions to some of the as yet unsolved problems. The book will be an asset to the book shelves of students on advanced courses in agriculture, biology and biochemistry as well as scientists and research workers, university and agricultural research station libraries and horticulturalists.

This book deals with the theoretical background and breeding methods of the single dominant male sterile gene, a spontaneous mutant discovered for the first time in wheat. The book is divided into three sections: the discovery of Taigu genic male-sterile wheat and its determination, such as genetic analysis, cytological observation, location of the gene, etc.; theory and method of the new way of breeding, such as recurrent selection, creating and developing the gene-pool; mechanism of male-sterility, for example morphological anatomy, cytochemistry and bio-chemical analysis. The book will prove valuable to plant breeders, agronomists, bio-technicians, botonists, geneticists and cytologists.

This book aims to up-date our present understanding of the origin of cultivated rice and in doing so involves different disciplines of biology and the archaeological-historical sciences. Various recent discoveries are reviewed and questions posed for further consideration by the reader. The book covers a wide range of studies on problems relative to the origin of cultivated rice, placing emphasis on ecological and genetical aspects. Comparisons are made between two cultivated rice species, independently evolved in Asia and Africa from respective wild progenitors. Phenomena are observed during mixed planting and hybrids discussed. Detailed information is presented about Asian common wild rice, thought to be the ancestor of common rice. The dynamics of domestication are considered with regard to hybridization, selection, formation of weedy types and the accumulation of genetic diversity. Also included are recent archaeological findings in relation to the beginnings of rice culture, leading to the hypothesis of diffused origins. Cultivars of common rice fall into one of two types called Indica and Japonica. The dynamics of differentiation are discussed, giving evidence and different hypotheses. Information on the genetic bases and functions of various reproductive barriers found between the cultivated and wild taxa is presented and discussed. The practical aspects of crop-evolutionary studies concerned with the breeding phylosophy and germplasm conservation are briefly commented on and arguments for rediversification of crop germplasm and conservation of the environment given. Senior scientists and post-graduate students interested in rice genetics, crop evolution, and related sciences will find this book invaluable.

This book gives a detailed overview of production processes and yield formation in field crops and permanent grasslands. Yield formation is discussed by the authors as a dynamic process, involving many factors at each stage. Knowledge of the optimum levels of individual yield components makes it possible to control this dynamic process. It is intended that this approach will help to point out gaps in the understanding of the production processes and indicate the direction for further research on this subject. The authors report on various aspects which are involved in yield formation, such as uptake of nutrients, root growth, water use, photosynthesis, transport, distribution and accumulation of photosynthates, etc. A separate chapter discusses the production process as seen from a genetic standpoint. It includes an analysis of phenotype and genotype with respect to production potential, also the heredity, variability of yield potential and new cultivation methods are mentioned. The main part of the book deals with the theory and practice of yield formation in cereals, maize, legumes, sugarbeet, potatoes, clovers and perennial grass stands.

This book is a comprehensive survey of breeding principles and practices employed by sugarcane growers and researchers throughout the world. Included within its scope are important genera and species concepts, morphological information, clarification of certain generic names, a description of germplasm collection and utilization, discussion of the complex issues involved in genetic manipulation, and a summary of sugarcane improvement through breeding over the past century. The book is compiled so that information proceeds from the general to the specific. Basic concepts of evolution, taxonomy, morphology, and anatomy form the groundwork for information regarding germplasm collection, cyto-genetics, genetics, and flowering. Methods of practical application are presented in the ensuing chapters, which deal with hybridization, tissue culture, seed handling, selection criteria, and breeding for tolerance. Figures, tables, and photographs accompany text where appropriate. All key words are indexed and extensive bibliographies follow each chapter.

During the past decade, Plant Tissue Culture (PTC) has attracted considerable attention because of its vital role in plant biotechnology. PTC offers novel approaches to plant production, propagation, and preservation. Some in vitro techniques are being applied on a commercial scale while many others hold great potential. Consequently, the literature in this area has grown rapidly. This book deals with recent developments in plant tissue culture, and presents a critical assessment of the proven and potential applications of the various in vitro techniques, it also highlights current problems limiting the application of tissue culture, and projects the future lines of research in this field.

This book deals in detail with all aspects of hop growing, hop cone handling, drying, storage and processing into hop products and preparations, and with their utilization in the brewing industry. Particular attention is given to theoretical and practical hop production problems from the perspective of biology, chemistry, and economics, the ultimate objective of the book being high-quality hop raw materials for the brewing industries. The book is intended for hop growers, traders, brewing specialists, agricultural colleges, hop research and brewing industry institutes.

In 1983, the book ``Experimental Plant Morphology'' was written in Czech by the above named authors. Widespread interest in the publication outside Czechoslovakia encouraged the authors to prepare this new English edition, ``Experimental Morphogenesis and Integration of Plants''. It is more than a mere translation of the original: the contents have been extended and further aspects of structural integrity and regulation in plants have been included, especially on the molecular, cellular and tissue level. The overall concept of the book is new and has been supplemented with the latest information on the subject. It aims to inform the scientific public, of current studies on morphogenesis and structural integration in plants. In addition, this book will show the possible way of regulating morphogenesis and structural integrity in plants with regard to the practical needs of agriculture, horticulture and silviculture.

No other book on natural rubber covers such a broad spectrum of subjects as this unique publication. Subjects related to the biology, cultivation and technology of natural rubber are dealt with, along with such important aspects as its history, production and processing, through to its sophisticated engineering applications. Every chapter follows a monograph style of presentation, with comprehensive citations and depth of treatment. Contributions from highly experienced, and still active, renowned scientists reflect the truly international effort to the development of this commodity. In addition to the wealth of information presented, most of the chapters contain elaborate lists of earlier contributions in the respective fields; one chapter each has been included on rubber wood, ancillary products and guayule.