edited by Robert N. Trigiano
and Dennis J. Gray

• Integrates more traditional plant sciences with recent advances in molecular genetics and biology
• Includes chapters on hot topics such as genetic engineering technologies, genetically modified plant controversies, and biotechnology entrepreneurialism
• Introduces the three types of commonly-used culture regeneration systems: micropropagation; organogenesis; and nonzygotic embryogenesis
• Contains detailed information on establishing a tissue culture laboratory
• Examines ways of visualizing and documenting studies, including histology and microscopy/photography

Plant Development and Biotechnology addresses the major issues of the field, with chapters on broad topics written by specialists. The book applies an informal style that addresses the major aspects of development and biotechnology with minimal references, without sacrificing information or accuracy.

Divided into five primary parts , this volume explores how the field emerged from its early theoretical base to the technical discipline of today. It also covers progress being made with genetically engineered plants, providing a snapshot of the field's controversial present. Part III discusses methods for preparing media, creating solutions and dilutions, and accomplishing sterile culture work. It investigates common methods for visualizing and documenting studies, and quantifying responses of tissue culture in research.

Part IV delivers the essential foundation of plant tissue culture, introducing the three types of commonly used culture regeneration systems. Part V integrates propagation techniques with other methodologies for the modification and manipulation of germplasm.

Part VI concludes with special sections. Subjects include in vitro plant pathology, recent research into genetic and phenotypic variation, the mechanics of commercial plant production, and the importance of clean cultures and problems associated with maintaining in vitro cultures. The final chapter analyzes entrepreneurship in the field and outlines the do's and don'ts to consider when launching an enterprise.

Contents

1. Introduction
   • Introduction

2. History of Plant Tissue Culture
   • History of Plant Tissue and Cell Culture

3. Supporting Methodologies
   • Getting Started with Tissue Culture: Media Preparation, Sterile Technique, and Laboratory Equipment
   • Histological Techniques
   • Photographic Methods for Plant Cell and Tissue Culture
   • Elements of In Vitro Research
   • A Brief Introduction to Plant Anatomy
   • Plant Growth Regulators in Plant Tissue Culture and Development
   • Software and Databases as Tools for Analyzing Nucleic Acid and Protein Sequences
   • Molecular Approaches to the Study of Plant Development

4. Propagation and Development Concepts
   • Shoot Culture Procedures
   • Propagation from Nonmeristematic Tissues: Organogenesis
   • Molecular Aspects of In Vitro Shoot Organogenesis
   • Propagation from Nonmeristematic Tissues: Nonzygotic Embryogenesis
   • Some Developmental and Molecular Aspects of Somatic Embryogenesis (Nonzygotic Embryogenesis)

5. Crop Improvement Techniques
   • Use of Protoplasts for Plant Improvement
   • Haploid Cultures
   • Embryo Rescue
   • Genetic Engineering Technologies
   • Genetically Modified Plant Controversies: Sensational Headlines versus Pragmatic Research
   • Construction and Use of a Simple Gene Gun for Particle Bombardment
   • A Simple Illumination System for Visualizing Green Fluorescent Protein
   • Germplasm Preservation
   • Valuable Secondary Products from In Vitro Culture
   • In Vitro Plant Pathology

6. Special Topics
   • Variation in Tissue Culture
   • Commercial Laboratory Production
   • Indexing for Plant Pathogens
   • Entrepreneurship for Biotechnology Ventures: From Bench to Bag

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