Molecular Biology In Crop Protection

Few individuals can be unmoved by the impact of molecular biology. Advances in the discipline over four decades have progressed at a rate unrivalled in other scientific areas. In its formative years, molecular biology examined the chemical and physical structures of biological molecules, subsequently elucidated the nature and function of DNA and evolved into molecular genetics. From this exponential growth of scientific knowledge, tremendous opportunities were created for the application of molecular approaches to solve problems in applied biology. This book describes the new productive association between novel state of-the-art molecular biology and crop protection, a discipline with a sound heritage in traditional applied biology and chemistry. Never before has crop protection faced such diverse challenges. It is charged with improving global food supplies and with the pressure of population increases of one billion in the next decade. But to consider protection of crops simply in terms of weed, pest and disease control would be a gross oversimplification of the mission. Rather, crop protectionists must develop measures which will maintain crop yield and quality without harm to the environment. Chemical, cultural and biological approaches to crop protection must also fulfil evolving legislative demands and address the issues which confer public acceptability.

This book provides comprehensive information on the latest tools and techniques of molecular genetics and their applications in crop improvement. It thoroughly discusses advanced techniques used in molecular markers, QTL mapping, marker-assisted breeding, and molecular cytogenetics.

While many books are available on biological control, this is the only book to detail the application of molecular biology to control of pests and diseases. Each chapter deals with a different pathogen and the application of new molecular biological techniques to the biocontrol of the pathogen. This new reference presents the most comprehensive list of organisms available. Internationally respected experts discuss viruses, bacteria, fungi, nematodes, protozoa, weeds, and insects. Types of control methods are described, and techniques commonly used in molecular biology to identify the etiological agents, diagnose diseases, and develop control methods are reviewed.

Practical Applications of Plant Molecular Biology is an important new title which covers the major techniques and how they are applied to a range of vitally important areas. Divided broadly into four sections, this book covers key subjects including the identification of plants and plant pathogens using molecular techniques, the estimation of genetic variation in plants, the use of molecular markers in plant improvement and the use of plant transformation techniques for the improvement of quality and the introduction of resistance. Also included is a comprehensive listing and description of the most frequently used techniques and a set of appendices covering useful topics of reference for the reader. All undergraduates studying plant sciences, molecular biology, biotechnology and agricultural sciences would benefit from having access to this title as would those studying for upper-level Masters courses concentrating on the disciplines covered. This book also provides an invaluable source of reference for professionals in agriculture, plant breeding, crop protection and improvement, biotechnology and molecular biology.

This book offers a range of environmentally benign molecular mechanisms which are safer alternative strategies for effective insect pest management. In modern era of biotechnology, there has been much advancement in the field of molecular biology, where many more techniques have evolved which can be helpful in the field of pest management too. Plant resistance, development of transgenic plants, and many more techniques are being considered the panacea to pest problems. On the other hand, there are wide spread concerns of the safety of biotechnological interventions with nontarget organisms including humans. While the world stands divided on the ethical issues of these approaches and the many safety concerns, scientists believe that well thought of biotechnological interventions are probably the only safest ways possible for reducing pest attacks on crops. It explores various techniques and aspects related to molecular pathways for crop pest control. This book is a useful resource for postgraduate students and researchers of agriculture sciences, plant pathology and plant physiology. It is also useful for policy planners in agriculture.

Researches and studies of plants at molecular levels of structure and functioning have facilitated the development of significant techniques for plant breeding, crop protection, etc. It has also influenced the discipline of biotechnology to a great extent. Replete with significant details and examples, this book covers the structure, function, mechanisms and regulatory processes which occur within plants at molecular levels. Also included in this book are detailed explanations of the various concepts and applications of plant genomics which would enhance the knowledge of the readers. This book strives to aid the students and researchers of botany and associated fields of biology.