The Moss Physcomitrella patens has rapidly become an experimental model of choice for many aspects of molecular, cell and developmental biology in plant sciences. With a recently sequenced genome, which has further fuelled interest and research, Physcomitrella is accruing various new labels, from ‘a green yeast’ to the Drosophila, Caenorhabditis or Zebra fish of plant sciences.

A truly international collaboration, this timely volume brings together a selection of chapters each composed by experts in their field. The chapters included cover a broad range:

• From those using P. patens as a marker against other species for evolutionary or ecological studies
• To those investigating the unique features of P. patens, e.g. gene targeting
• To those using moss, either as a comparator for other organisms or because of the ease of study in moss, to investigate standard biological processes

This landmark publication is essential reading for anyone studying plant evolutionary biology, genomics, molecular and cell biology and genetics. Libraries in all universities and research establishments, where biological and agricultural sciences are studied and taught, should have copies of this important book on their shelves.

Celia Knight is Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.

Pierre-François Perroud is Research Scientist at the Department of Biology, Washington University, St. Louis, USA.

David Cove is Visiting Professor at both the Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK, and the Department of Biology, Washington University, St. Louis, USA