Author Description

In a unique attempt to provide a theoretical basis for plant breeding, Dr. Mayo synthesizes ideas and techniques drawn from population genetics and quantitative genetics. He retains the succinct style for which he was much praised in the first edition, but has reorganized all the sections which relate to molecular biology in order to show how genetic engineering and the techniques of recombinant DNA will augment classical plant breeding in years to come. In addition, the chapter on perennial crops has been completely rewritten to take account of the increasing importance of this area, and the chapter on variation has been extensively revised to cover recent theoretical advances. This second edition should provide further insights for workers in the various fields involving plant breeding seek to apply their techniques to plant improvement.