{"product_id":"9780792367079","title":"Current Plant Science and Biotechnology in Agriculture","description":"\u003ch1\u003eCurrent Plant Science and Biotechnology in Agriculture\u003c\/h1\u003e \u003ch2\u003eMaxted, Nigel; Bennett, Sarita Jane\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eGenetic erosion, that is, the loss of native plant and genetic  diversity has been exponential from the Mediterranean Basin through  the Twentieth century. This careless eradication of species and  genetic diversity as a result of human activities from a 'hot-spot' of  diversity threatens sustainable agriculture and food security for the  temperate regions of the world. Since the early 1900s there has been a  largely ad hoc movement to halt the loss of plant diversity and  enhance its utilisation. The Convention on Biological Diversity and  Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations International  Undertaking on Plant Genetic Resources, both highlight the need to  improve conservation methodologies and enhance utilisation techniques.  It has been argued that the most important component of biodiversity  is the genetic diversity of crop and forage species used to feed  humans and livestock. These cultivated and related wild species  provides the raw material for further selection and improvement. \u003cbr\u003e  Leguminosae species are of major economic importance (peas, chickpeas,  lentils and faba beans, as well as numerous forage species) and  provide a particularly rich source of protein for human and animal  foods. Their distribution is concentrated in the Mediterranean region  and therefore the improvement of their conservation and use in the  region is critical. \u003cbr\u003e  This text is designed to help ensure an adequate breadth of legume  diversity is conserved and to help maximise the use of that conserved  diversity. The subjects of conservation and use of legume diversity,  the Mediterranean ecosystem and taxonomy of legumes are introduced.  Generic reviews of the taxonomy, centre of diversity, ecogeographic  distribution, genetic diversity distribution, conservation status,  conservation gaps and future research needs are provided, along with a  discussion of the importance of rhizobia to the maintenance of legume  diversity. Current ex situ and in situ conservation activities as well  current legume uses are reviewed. In conclusion future priorities for  ex situ and in situ plant genetic conservation and use of  Mediterranean legumes are highlighted. All contributors look forward  rather than simply reviewing past and current activities and therefore  it is hoped that the identification of genetic erosion, location of  taxonomic and genetic diversity and promotion of more efficient  utilisation of conserved material will be enhanced.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch3\u003eDetails\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003ePublished by: Springer\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePublication Date: 2001-05-31\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFormat: Hardcover\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eISBN-13: 9780792367079\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDOI: 10.1007\/978-94-015-9823-1\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDimensions: 240cm x160cm\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePages: 380\u003c\/p\u003e ","brand":"Springer Netherlands","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46265539002508,"sku":"9780792367079","price":197.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0710\/9545\/1788\/files\/9780792367079.jpg?v=1770782820","url":"https:\/\/fh90cf-fv.myshopify.com\/products\/9780792367079","provider":"Late Knight Books and Services, LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}