Plant Conservation Biotechnology

The tools of contemporary biotechnology, such as molecular biology, tissue culture and cryopreservation are being increasingly applied to assist the international conservation of plant diversity. Plant Conservation Biotechnology introduces biotechnological techniques which are currently used to conserve horticultural and crop plant germplasm, forest tree genetic resources, endangered plant species, and plant cell culture collections. The first part of the book, Techniques , provides an introduction to the different conservation methodologies and offers very practical advice regarding the application of biotechnology in plant diversity prospecting; germplasm acquisition and exchange; genetic resource management, and conservation. The second part of the book concerns Applications and it explores the more detailed use of biotechnology in the context of specific conservation areas. All chapters are written by international experts who are, in the main, biotechnologists and conservationists. They represent many different geographical regions and their contributions exemplify the continued importance of international co-operation in the sustainable management and conservation of plant diversity. This concise, readable volume will prove a useful reference to students, researchers and professionals across a range of life science and ecology disciplines - whether experienced in biotechnological plant conservation or not.