This book the second of two volumes on the Gentianaceae is devoted to aspects of
biotechnology and their applications. It consists of 18 chapters and covers micropropagation by
means of organogenesis or somatic embryogenesis and single cell manipulation of various
species belonging to the horticultural genera Blakstonia Centaurium Gentiana Gentianalla and
Swertia. Furthermore the application of somatic cell hybridization haploidization and genetic
variation arising from tissue and organ culture for the production of plants with new
horticultural traits such as new flower colors or sizes or with special pharmaceutical values
is treated in detail. Also discussed are molecular markers that facilitate breeding and
cultivar identification the preservation of genetic resources by cryopreservation the
postharvest physiology of cut Gentian flowers and potted plants and different analytical
methods for the evaluation of Gentians as sources of secondary metabolites such as xanthones
and flavonoids secoiridoids and C-glucoflavonoids and their positive impacts on human health.
This volume as well as the companion book The Gentianaceae - Volume 1: Characterization and
Ecology will serve as key reference works for scientists and students in the fields of botany
plant breeding biotechnology and horticulture as well as professional gardeners.
