Genetic diversity is not only a fascinating sphere of study in its own right, but the maintenance of gene diversity is important for the health of all animal and plant species. Moreover a greater theoretical knowledge, together with refinements to PCR techniques for evaluating genetic diversity, will help improve the efficacy of breeding and conservation programs as well as safeguarding agricultural biodiversity, which is in steep decline.
This book provides a number of perspectives from researchers currently studying the genetic diversity of animals, plants and microorganisms. The largest section, on genetic diversity in plants, focuses mainly on crop plants from around the world including wheat, rice, citrus fruit, apricots, tomatoes, garlic, olives, cocoa, cashews and cotton. The section on genetic diversity of microorganisms deals with a range of species including viral pathogens such as HIV-1, as well as cyanobacteria, amebae, helminths and extremophiles.
The book covers several general topics in depth, including PCR techniques involving analysis of microsatellites, and the use of association mapping for studying DNA polymorphisms in plants.
This book will prove a highly useful source of information for students, researchers and practitioners in the fields of conservation and molecular biology, crop science and phylogeny.
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