During the past 15 years cellular and molecular approaches have emerged as valuable adjuncts
to supplement and complement conventional breeding methods for a wide variety of crop plants.
Biotechnology increasingly plays a role in the creation conservation characterization and
utilization of genetic variability for germplasm enhancement. For instance anther microspore
culture somaclonal variation embryo culture and somatic hybridization are being exploited for
obtaining incremental improvement in the existing cultivars. In addition genes that confer
insect- and disease-resistance abiotic stress tolerance herbicide tolerance and quality
traits have been isolated and re-introduced into otherwise sensitive or susceptible species by
a variety of transgenic techniques. Together these transformative methodologies grant access to
a greater repertoire of genetic diversity as the gene(s) may come from viruses bacteria fungi
insects animals human beings unrelated plants or even be artificially derived. Remarkable
achievements have been made in the production characterization field evaluation and
commercialization of transgenic crop varieties worldwide. Likewise significant advances have
been made towards increasing crop yields improving nutritional quality enabling crops to be
raised under adverse conditions and developing resistance to pests and diseases for sustaining
global food and nutritional security. The overarching purpose of this 3-volume work is to
summarize the history of crop improvement from a technological perspective but to do so with a
forward outlook on further advancement and adaptability to a changing world. Our carefully
chosen case studies of important plant crops intend to serve a diverse spectrum of audience
looking for the right tools to tackle complicated local and global issues.
