Search for New Genes

by Chopra, V. L.; Sharma, R. P.; Bhat, S. R.; Prasanna, B. M.

• ISBN13: 9788171886326
• ISBN10: 8171886329
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2007-09-01
• Publisher: Academic Foundation

Summary

Recent progress in molecular biology and biotechnology is impacting the life sciences as well as the lives of people in unprecedented ways. Plant genetic transformation and molecular marker technologies have led to a paradigm shift in plant genetic resource management and crop improvement. Granting patent protection to genes has not only provided incentive for gene discovery and placed monetary value on germplasm resources, but also raised concerns about ownership and access to genetic resources. This book is an outcome of the presentations made during Dr. B.P. Pal Birth Centenary Symposium organised by the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS), New Delhi, India, in February 2006. It begins with the commemorative lectures, which trace the evolution of approaches to the search for new genes in the last seven decades, since the seminal article written by Dr. B.P. Pal on the 'search for new genes' in 1936. The book provides a comprehensive update of the modern biotechnological options for biodiversity management, gene prospecting, development of 'designer crops' and bioremediation. The power of molecular genetics in dissection of complex biological processes, and the potential utility of the knowledge that links genes to metabolic pathways and phenotypes for plant improvement are highlighted. The book covers strategies for harnessing the community and individual knowledge for genetic resource management and gene discovery, and presents models for benefit sharing and participatory plant breeding. Written by eminent experts in the field, the book shall be of significant interest not only to the academic and research community worldwide, but also to the policy makers and science administrators. Book jacket.

Author Biography

V. L. Chopra is a former secretary of the Indian Department of Agricultural Research and Education and director general of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. R. P. Sharma is a fellow at the Indian National Science Academy and the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences. S. R. Bhat is a scientist at the National Research Centre on Plant Biotechnology in India. B. M. Prasanna is a fellow at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.

Table of Contents

Editors/Contributors	p. 9
Preface	p. 15
Benjamin Peary Pal: A Tribute	p. 19
Impact of Gene Science in Agriculture	p. 31
Dr. B.P. Pal and India's Agricultural Renaissance	p. 39
Search for Genes in an Evolving Agriculture	p. 53
The Search for New Genes: Then and Now	p. 61
Genetic Improvement of Rose	p. 75
Novel Approaches for Characterisation of Genetic Resources	p. 93
Novel Approaches for Prospecting Genes and Promoters	p. 107
Allele Mining	p. 121
Pyramiding of Genes/QTLs for Crop Improvement using Marker-Assisted Selection (MAS)	p. 145
Molecular Genetics of Floral Induction and Flower Development	p. 173
Genetic Engineering of Metabolic Pathways: The Case of Plant Metabolomics	p. 197
Molecular Pharming: Plants as Bioreactors	p. 211
Biodegradation of Nitroaromatic Pesticides	p. 221
Bioremediation of Toxic Metal Ions: A Focused View of Metal Transportomes	p. 231
Participatory Plant Breeding: Science or Dogma?	p. 245
Participatory Search and Utilisation of Genes	p. 265
Community Rights and Models for Benefit Sharing	p. 277
Harnessing Community and Individual Knowledge in Plant Genetic Resources Management	p. 311
Index	p. 325
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