M.R. Ahuja

Most forest tree species were considered recalcitrant a decade ago, but now with the improved in vitro techniques some progress has been made towards culture-of tree species. Micro propagation has been achieved from the juvenile tissues of a number of forest tree species. On the other hand, tissues from most mature trees are still very difficult to grow and differen tiate in vitro. Nevertheless, there has been slow but steady progress in the application of tissue culture technology for culture of tissues, organs, cells and protoplasts of tree species. As compared to most agricultural crops, and herbaceous plant species, trees are a different lot. They have long gene ration cycles. They are highly heterozygous and have a large reservoir of genetic variability. Because of this genetic variability, their response in vitro is also variable. On a single medium, the response of tissues from different trees (genotypes) of a single species may be quite different: some responding by induction of growth and differentiation, while others showing minimal or no growth at all. That makes the somatic cell genetics of woody plants somewhat difficult, but at the same time interesting.

Proceedings of the IUFRO Working Party S2. 04–07 Somatic Cell Genetics, held in Grosshansdorf, Federal Republic of Germany, August 10–13, 1987

Somatic Cell Genetics of Woody Plants

This volume covers recent advances in the vegetative propagation of woody plants by tissue culture. A wide range of topics relevant to micropropagation of woody plants are discussed by renowned international scientists. These include cellular contro of morphogenesis, light regimes in tissue culture, maturation and rejuvenation, synthetic seed, genetics of micropropagated plants, haploid embryogenesis, protoplast culture, and acclimatization of ex vitro woody plants. In addition to micropropagation of selected woody plants, both gymnosperms and angiosperms, this volume also includes in vitro genetic selection, strategic planning for application of biotechnology for genetics and breeding, and clonal options for woody plant improvement. A balanced view of both perspectives and limitations of woody plant micropropagation is presented.

Micropropagation of Woody Plants

S. Mohan Jain

Genetic erosion is the loss of genetic diversity within a species. It can happen very quickly, due to catastrophic events, or changes in land use leading to habitat loss. But it can also occur more gradually and remain unnoticed for a long time. One of the main causes of genetic erosion is the replacement of local varieties by modern varieties. Other causes include environmental degradation, urbanization, and land clearing through deforestation and brush fires. In order to conserve biodiversity in plants, it is important to targets three independent levels that include ecosystems, species and genes. Genetic diversity is important to a species’ fitness, long-term viability, and ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions. Chapters in this book are written by leading geneticists, molecular biologists and other specialists on relevant topics on genetic erosion and conservation genetic diversity in plants. This divisible set of two volumes deals with a broad spectrum of topics on genetic erosion, and approaches to biodiversity conservation in crop plants and trees. Volume 1 deals with indicators and prevention of genetic erosion, while volume 2 covers genetic diversity and erosion in a number of plants species. These two volumes will also be useful to botanists, biotechnologists, environmentalists, policy makers, conservationists, and NGOs working to manage genetic erosion and biodiversity.

M.R. Ahuja

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