Plant Conservation Biotechnology

Plants are the backbone of life on Earth. Today, however, plant communities around the world are under threat. Scientists estimate that at least 100,000 plants are threatened with extinction—that’s more than one-third the total known species of plants on the planet! The main threats to plants today are habitat destruction, invasive species, and over- collection. The loss of a plant species can have devastating effects on ecosystems as a whole, as other species lose their sources of food and shelter. Additionally, plants play a crucial role in stabilising soils and help prevent erosion. The tools of contemporary biotechnology, such as molecular biology and tissue culture etc. are being increasingly applied to assist the conservation of plant diversity. This book introduces the reader to biotechnological techniques which are currently used to conserve endangered plant species, genetic resources, horticultural and crop plant germplasm etc. It is believed that the book will act as a useful reference to students, researchers and professionals across a range of agricultural sciences, life science and other allied fields. Contents: Applications in Agriculture Biotechnology; Vegetables and Fruits in the Fertile Crescent; Soil Moisture and Water Saturation; Principles in Organic Farming; An Introduction to Restoration Genetics; Agricultural Microbes; Biotechnology for the 21st Century: New Horizons; Major Breeding Objectives.