Kang, M. S. Quantitative genetics, genomics and plant breeding

Abstract

This comprehensive volume brings together the expertise of internationally acclaimed experts in the areas of quantitative genetics, genomics and bioinformatics, applied to improve crops’ performance and to further our understanding of the intricacies of the genotype by environment (G × E) interaction. The complexity of the subject area dealt with by the book has been masterfully dissected and skillfully presented in a number of revealing chapters, providing the reader with the technical background and knowledge on how to more effectively examine the genetic and molecular bases of quantitative trait variation and G × E interaction. As compared with other books dealing with similar subject matter, this volume presents a well‐balanced, updated and critical review of the merits and shortcomings of spearheading approaches in the forefront of the dissection of quantitative trait variation and its implications for plant breeding activities. In the first section of the book, a number of introductory chapters illustrate the principles underlying quantitative genetics, QTL (quantitative trait loci) analysis and association mapping, a fast‐emerging approach providing novel opportunities for gene discovery and validation. These chapters have been written in a clear and concise style, which also make them accessible to the non‐specialist – often deterred from approaching these topics due to the complexity of the existing literature. Throughout the volume, mathematical formulae have been restricted to only those strictly necessary. One chapter explores the links between quantitative genetics and bioinformatics, while other chapters present the state of the art of molecular breeding approaches in the major cereal crops, and delineate future avenues for their improvement in key areas, such as tolerance to drought and low N‐levels, two fundamental traits for the sustainability of future agricultural practices. Another chapter illustrates how to link biophysical and genetic models to better integrate physiology, molecular biology and plant breeding. The contribution to plant breeding practices of simulation studies based on modelling is also analysed. Examples and case studies are presented in chapters describing how to best exploit marker‐assisted selection and marker‐assisted backcrossing, tissue culture and gene transfer from wild species for improving crops’ performance. The second section of the book provides an in‐depth analysis of G × E interaction, with a number of impressive articles explaining the theory of conventional and novel statistical approaches and presenting case studies, where these approaches have been applied, to understand and unravel the genetic and physiological basis of yield stability. Following a remarkable chapter reviewing the main features of conventional analysis of G × E interaction, one article illustrates the application of factorial regression to analyse ‘QTL × environment’ interaction in the response of maize to drought and low nitrogen stress. Subsequent chapters present further case studies of G × E interaction for photoperiod response in mazie and nitrogen use efficiency in cereals. A chapter on biplot analysis of multi‐environment trial data demonstrates how to use this approach to optimize the management of multi‐locations trials and to better understand the causes of G × E. The dissection of G × E interaction is then analysed in the four most mathematically daunting chapters of the volume, providing examples of the use of linear‐bilinear and AMMI (additive main effects and multiplicative interactions) models; some advanced mathematical knowledge is required to fully appreciate the value of the statistical approaches utilized. The final chapter defines adaptation stategies and yield‐stability targets in breeding programmes and presents a valuable flow chart summarizing the content of the article. Owing to its highly interdisciplinary nature, this volume is a must for the bookshelves of plant breeders, plant geneticists, crop physiologists, agronomists and, more generally, for all those researchers sharing an interest in understanding the basis of quantitative trait variation and how to best exploit it for improving agriculture profitability and sustainability. The concise style of all chapters makes this volume a valuable and handy reference source, particularly for graduate and postgraduate students approaching quantitative genetics and interested in the application of molecular techniques to plant breeding. In summary, a welcome and timely publication and a stepping stone in a fast‐expanding subject area that will play an increasingly important role for the future competitiveness of agricultural research.