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Pollination mechanisms, reproduction and plant breeding
Scientia Horticulturae, 8(1978) 91--92 Elsevier Scientific Publishing Company, Amsterdam -- Printed in The Netherlands
91
B o o k Review REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEMS AND PLANT BREEDING Pollination Mechanisms, Reproduction and Plant Breeding. R. Frankel and E. Galun. Monographs on Theoretical and Applied Genetics No.2, SpringerVerlag, Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 1977, 77 figs, 281 pages, price, U.S. $ 26.00, DM 60.00. ISBN 3-540-07934-3. This second edition in the Monographs on Theoretical and Applied Genetics series is set forth in three chapters, {1) an introduction covering reproductive considerations of native populations, basic reproductive biology, abiotic and biotic pollen vectors, progeny testing, and related topics, (2) autogamy covering the biology and breeding strategies for self-pollinated crops, (3) allogamy covering the biology and breeding strategies for cross-pollinated crops. The two authors are particularly qualified to prepare this monograph as they are actively involved in research and graduate student instruction. They have successfully combined the research and writing talents of a geneticist and a plant physiologist who have been intimately concerned with several of the subject matters covered. The text is fluently written, concise, and there is virtually no duplication of subject matter. The tables are comprehensive and set up in a format that lends for an easy grasp. Similarly, the figures, line drawings, reproductions and photomicrographs, are clear, concise and adequately labelled. The authors begin their monograph by reviewing the relationship of pollinating mechanisms to crop improvement, the historical aspects, control and types of higher plant reproduction, floral biology and general pollination dynamics. Thus, the stage is set for a consideration of reproductive behaviour and breeding schemes for self-pollinated crops. Cleistogamy and chasogamy are covered, and several fine drawings of floral types and pollinating procedures illustrate the basic techniques for self-pollinated species. The third and most extensive chapter begins with a brief review of sexual reproduction covering anatomical and developmental aspects. Section 3.1.2 follows, which deals with the production of haploid plants by anther and pollen culture; thus reflecting the growing interest and utilization of these techniques in plant breeding. The next section deals with genetic and environmental control of sexexpression and modification of sex-expression. These sections are followed by a review in detail of these factors as they interact and can be manipulated for breeding and seed production in the Cucurbitaceae. Finally, there follow two sections that I feel are particularly impressive due to their thorough coverage and continuing relevance; these are 3.3, incompatibility, and 3.4, male sterility. The reference list was not intended by the author to be all inclusive, b u t it is more than adequate and could serve as a good starting point to pursue any of the separate topics.
92 The monograph should serve as a fine collateral t e x t b o o k for advanced undergraduate and graduate courses in plant breeding of agronomic, horticulturaland forestry crops. In addition, it will be a good reference for researchers and commercial plant breeders involved in ongoing studies and in dealing with problems encountered in reproductive biology, sex-expression systems, genetics, biochemistry of incompatibility and handling of male sterility and related inheritance patterns. K.C. SINK
Dept. of Horticulture Michigan State University East Lansing, U.S.A.
91
B o o k Review REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEMS AND PLANT BREEDING Pollination Mechanisms, Reproduction and Plant Breeding. R. Frankel and E. Galun. Monographs on Theoretical and Applied Genetics No.2, SpringerVerlag, Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 1977, 77 figs, 281 pages, price, U.S. $ 26.00, DM 60.00. ISBN 3-540-07934-3. This second edition in the Monographs on Theoretical and Applied Genetics series is set forth in three chapters, {1) an introduction covering reproductive considerations of native populations, basic reproductive biology, abiotic and biotic pollen vectors, progeny testing, and related topics, (2) autogamy covering the biology and breeding strategies for self-pollinated crops, (3) allogamy covering the biology and breeding strategies for cross-pollinated crops. The two authors are particularly qualified to prepare this monograph as they are actively involved in research and graduate student instruction. They have successfully combined the research and writing talents of a geneticist and a plant physiologist who have been intimately concerned with several of the subject matters covered. The text is fluently written, concise, and there is virtually no duplication of subject matter. The tables are comprehensive and set up in a format that lends for an easy grasp. Similarly, the figures, line drawings, reproductions and photomicrographs, are clear, concise and adequately labelled. The authors begin their monograph by reviewing the relationship of pollinating mechanisms to crop improvement, the historical aspects, control and types of higher plant reproduction, floral biology and general pollination dynamics. Thus, the stage is set for a consideration of reproductive behaviour and breeding schemes for self-pollinated crops. Cleistogamy and chasogamy are covered, and several fine drawings of floral types and pollinating procedures illustrate the basic techniques for self-pollinated species. The third and most extensive chapter begins with a brief review of sexual reproduction covering anatomical and developmental aspects. Section 3.1.2 follows, which deals with the production of haploid plants by anther and pollen culture; thus reflecting the growing interest and utilization of these techniques in plant breeding. The next section deals with genetic and environmental control of sexexpression and modification of sex-expression. These sections are followed by a review in detail of these factors as they interact and can be manipulated for breeding and seed production in the Cucurbitaceae. Finally, there follow two sections that I feel are particularly impressive due to their thorough coverage and continuing relevance; these are 3.3, incompatibility, and 3.4, male sterility. The reference list was not intended by the author to be all inclusive, b u t it is more than adequate and could serve as a good starting point to pursue any of the separate topics.
92 The monograph should serve as a fine collateral t e x t b o o k for advanced undergraduate and graduate courses in plant breeding of agronomic, horticulturaland forestry crops. In addition, it will be a good reference for researchers and commercial plant breeders involved in ongoing studies and in dealing with problems encountered in reproductive biology, sex-expression systems, genetics, biochemistry of incompatibility and handling of male sterility and related inheritance patterns. K.C. SINK
Dept. of Horticulture Michigan State University East Lansing, U.S.A.