Forest Trees (Genome Mapping and Molecular Breeding in Plants, 7)

Genome Mapping and Molecular Breeding in Plants presents the current status of the elucidation and improvement of plant genomes of economic interest. The focus is on genetic and physical mapping, positioning, cloning, monitoring of desirable genes by molecular breeding and the most recent advances in genomics. The series comprises seven volumes: Cereals and Millets; Oilseeds; Pulses, Sugar and Tuber Crops; Fruits and Nuts; Vegetables; Technical Crops; and Forest Trees.

Forest trees cover one third of the global land surface, constitute many ecosystems and play a pivotal role in the world economy. Despite their importance in the economy, ecology and environment, genetic analysis and breeding efforts have lagged behind. Presented here are chapters on Populus trees, pines, Fagaceae trees, eucalypts, spruces, Douglas fir and black walnut, and a first-ever detailed review of Cryptomeria japonica. Innovative strategies to address the inherent problems of genome analysis of tree species are thoroughly discussed.

From the reviews:

"Editor Kole is a self-described novice to trees, he has put together a fine volume of contributions by an impeccable set of tree molecular experts from around the world. The volume presents genetic linkage maps for all major species, and quantitative-trait loci (QTL) maps for most. The applications of these maps for breeding efforts are clearly stated. This will be a valuable book for anyone interested in tree improvement and molecular biology. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Lower-level undergraduates through professionals/practitioners; general readers." (D. F. Karnosky, CHOICE, Vol. 45 (7), 2008)

“Much of the material presented is quite technical and will be of interest or intelligible primarily to specialists. ... The editor of this series of books comments, in his general preface, that ‘the huge volume of information generated on genome analysis and improvement is dispersed mainly through the pages of periodicals ... is a need for a ready reference for students and scientists alike that could provide more than just a glimpse of the present status of genome analysis and its use for genetic improvement.’” (Jonathan Cornelius, International Forestry Review, Vol. 11 (3), September, 2009)