About Book

The science of genomics studies the entire DNA sequence of an organism, which covers all the chromosomes. Knowing the DNA sequence guides decisions about how to solve problems faced by that organism. In plants, it is used to determine the best genes to be selected for improved crop varieties. The final goal is to predict which plants will perform best, and under which conditions. This allows plant breeders to select the plants most adapted to farmers’ needs. The study of crop genetics has major economic impacts: many staple crops are genetically modified to increase yields, confer pest and disease resistance, provide resistance to herbicides, or to increase their nutritional value. Genetic modification has been the cause for much research into modern plant genetics and has also lead to the sequencing of many plant genomes. This book provides a clear, balanced and comprehensive introduction to genetics and genomics with respect to crops. It provides in-depth detail of genetic manipulation, genetic characterization, genetically modified crops, greenhouse crops, DNA marker, mediated gene flow and herbicide-resistant crops. Some of the diverse topics covered in this book address the varied branches that fall under this category. This brings forth some of the most innovative concepts and elucidates the unexplored aspects of crop genetics. For all readers who all are interested in the field of crop genetics, the case studies included in this book will serve as an excellent guide to develop comprehensive understanding.

Preface............................................................................................................v

Chapter 1 Ampelographic and Genetic Characterization of Montenegrin Grapevine Varieties....................................................................................1

Abstract...................................................................................................1

1. Introduction............................................................................................1

2. Materials and methods........................................................................4

3. Results and discussion.........................................................................5

4. Conclusions..........................................................................................14

Acknowledgements.............................................................................14

Conflict of interest..............................................................................15

Chapter 2 Molecular Approaches to Address Intended and Unintended Effects and Substantial Equivalence of Genetically Modified Crops.......19

Abstract.................................................................................................19

1. Introduction..........................................................................................20

2. Benefits and limitations of genetically modified crops...............21

3. Transformation techniques used for the production GM

crops.......................................................................................................21

4. Integration of transgenes into plant genomes:

Aspects of possible unintended effects in transgenics................23

5. Distribution of transgene integration sites....................................24

6. General views on the safety of GM crops.....................................25

7. Safety assessment of GM crops, food and feed...........................26

8. Outcomes of safety assessment, substantial equivalence, intended

and unintended effects.......................................................................27

9. The need for molecular characterization of GM crops...............28

10. Molecular comparison of transgenic plants:

Genome and transcriptome approaches.........................................29

11. Conclusion............................................................................................32

Acknowledgements.............................................................................32

Conflict of interest..............................................................................32

Notes......................................................................................................33

Chapter 3 Gene Flow from Herbicide-Resistant Crops to Wild Relatives....40

Abstract.................................................................................................40

1. Introduction ........................................................................................40

2. Herbicide-resistant crops...................................................................41

3. Benefits and risks associated with growing of herbicide-resistance

crops.......................................................................................................44

4. Gene flow from herbicide-resistant crops to wild or weedy

relatives.................................................................................................48

5. Gene flow from herbicide-resistance sunflower to wild or weedy

sunflower..............................................................................................57

Acknowledgements ...........................................................................60

Chapter 4 Ameliorating Drought-Induced Stress in Turfgrass through Genetic

Manipulation ............................................................................................71

Abstract ................................................................................................71

1. Introduction..........................................................................................72

2. Drought stress and experimental design.......................................75

3. Tall fescue biochemical response to short drought stress..........77

4. Osmoregulatory effects of proline...................................................79

5. Overexpression of Arabidopsis P5CS in F. arundinacea calli....80

6. NYE/SGR protein role during drought-mediated

chlorophyll degradation.....................................................................82

7. Conclusion............................................................................................84

Chapter 5 Risk Assessment of Herbicide Resistant Crops with Special

Reference to Pollen Mediated Gene Flow.........................................91

1. Introduction..........................................................................................91

2. Risk assessment of herbicide-resistant crops with flax as a model

species....................................................................................................94

3. Inter-specific pollen-mediated gene flow in flax..........................95

4. Intra-specific pollen-mediated gene flow in flax..........................99

5. Conclusion..........................................................................................103

Acknowledgements...........................................................................104

Chapter 6 Progression of DNA Marker and the Next Generation of Crop

Development............................................................................................113

1. Introduction........................................................................................113

2. Advancement in DNA marker technology..................................114

3. Application and contributions of DNA markers to cultivar

development.......................................................................................129

4. The bottom line: Prospect and current limitations....................133

5. Unraveling genetic potential globally...........................................137

6. Practical utilization: Global source, local purpose.....................138

Chapter 7 Generalist Predators, Food Web Complexities and Biological Pest

Control in Greenhouse Crops..............................................................152

1. Introduction........................................................................................152

2. Food web theory and effects in greenhouse crops....................153

3. A case study: Food web complexity in sweet pepper..............163

4. Conclusions........................................................................................166

5. Acknowledgment..............................................................................169

Citation......................................................................................................185

Index...........................................................................................................187

About Author

Lenny Jacob obtained his Ph.D. in Agricultural Biotechnology from Public Research University, Mariscala. His interests span from microbiology, bioengineering, bioinformatics, genetics and epigenetics. He is working as a Visiting Researcher at Engineering Institute, Trelew. Jacob has contributed numerous journals and articles on plant physiology, environmental protection and molecular genetics. He is also an active member of several scientific and technical societies.