Crop Biotechnology

Genetic Modification and Genome Editing

Plant molecular biology came to the fore in the early 1980s and there has been tremendous growth in the subject since then. The study of plant genes and genomes, coupled with the development of techniques for the incorporation of novel or modified genes into plants, eventually led to the commercialisation of genetically modified (GM) crops in the mid-1990s. This was seen as the start of a biotechnological revolution in plant breeding. However, plant biotechnology became one of the hottest debates of the age and, in Europe at least, has been mired in controversy and over-regulation. Nevertheless, recent years have seen further technological innovation in the development of a range of techniques that enable scientists to make specific changes to target genes.

Through a detailed history and development of the science and techniques that underpin crop biotechnology, this title is concise, comprehensive and readable. As well as new sections on genome editing, this edition includes expanded sections on current GM crops and future developments in plant biotechnology, and updated sections on techniques, legislation and the GM crop debate.

The previous edition of this book, titled Genetically Modified Crops, 2nd Edition, was published in November 2011.

Contents:

• DNA, Genes, Genomes and Plant Breeding
• The Techniques of Plant Genetic Modification and Genome Editing
• The Use of Genetically Modified (GM) and Genome-edited Crops in Agriculture
• Legislation Covering Genetically Modified (GM) Crops and Foods
• Issues that Have Arisen in the GM Crop and Food Debate

Readership: It is accessible to a general readership with a scientific background but also provides useful information for the specialist, particularly those interested in the production of genetically modified (GM) and genome edited crops, the use of GM and genome edited crops in commercial agriculture.
Key Features:

• Written by an acknowledged expert in the field
• Now includes genome edited as well as GM crops
• Greatly expanded sections on current GM and genome edited crops and future developments in plant biotechnology
• Updated sections on legislation and the GM crop debate
• A concise reference with all the important facts in one place
• A readable treatise of an issue with implications for science in society that go well beyond plant breeding and crop science