"Double Fertilization" provides a comprehensive overview of all aspects of this central event in the reproduction and development of flowering plants. Written by Val Raghavan, The Ohio State University, an acknowledged expert in plant developmental biology, the book vividly describes the molecular and cellular steps of the unique and complex fertilization process that culminates in the formation of embryo and endosperm, focusing on the latest results from the model plant Arabidopsis. The text is complemented by excellent illustrations, including 16 color plates.

Since embryo and endosperm constitute the edible parts of many seeds and grains widely used in human and animal nutrition, an understanding of the fertilization process has great relevance for genetic engineering aimed at improving the nutritional quality of crop plants. This book is ideally suited to researchers and graduate students seeking a coherent view of current perspectives on embryogenesis and endosperm development in flowering plants.

Since 1978, Val Raghavan has been a Professor at The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio (USA), where he is currently affiliated with the Department of Plant Cellular and Molecular Biology. After obtaining a Ph.D. degree from Princeton University, Dr. Raghavan held post-doctoral positions at Harvard University, Rockefeller University, and Dartmouth College, and faculty appointments at the University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur and the National University of Singapore. He has published extensively on various aspects of the development of vascular plants, especially on zygotic and asexual embryogenesis in flowering plants.