Plant biotechnology: the genetic manipulation of plants. * Slater A, Scott N, Fowler M. 2003 Oxford: Oxford University Press. 19.99 (softback). 346 pp.

Abstract

Few areas of science have progressed as rapidly, or have had such an impact on public consciousness and governments, as recent advances in plant biotechnology. These exciting scientific discoveries and their increasing application are continuing to generate considerable economic, social and ethical considerations. Particular concerns have been expressed, however, about potential ‘food safety’ and ‘environmental impact’ implications, in particular, of this ‘revolution in biology’ in agriculture and the food industry. Misinformation is rife, sadly, and there is a clear need for good sources of accurate and appropriate accounts of plant biotechnology development. Adrian Slater, Nigel Scott and Mark Fowler have produced just such a textbook, providing a critical appraisal of the genetic manipulation of crop plants for advanced undergraduate study and the postgraduate student market. The comprehensive coverage attempted will also provide a useful source of reference for agricultural scientists more generally interested – as we should be – in these growing biotechnology issues. A useful technical introduction is provided in the first four chapters covering plant genomes, tissue culture, techniques for plant transformation, and the utilization of vectors for genetic modification. This leads on to a section of chapters focussing on the application of genetic manipulation to agronomic input traits of herbicide, crop pest and disease resistance improvement including the amelioration of virus infections. The following three chapters provide a further interesting insight into strategies for improving stress tolerance, developing crop yields and quality, and prospects for molecular farming. The book culminates in a final review of future prospects for genetically modified crops, which stresses the legislative framework together with economic, social and ethical dimensions. Case studies are particularly effectively used by the authors to illustrate many of the points made in the text, and inserted explanation ‘boxes’ are frequently provided to explain some of the more difficult concepts. Not only does this break up the text, but provides some useful self-standing information. Further reading information and web-links (particularly to on-line journals) are usefully given at the end of each chapter. More than this, and of special interest, is a dedicated website associated with the book, providing downloadable figures of particular value to lecturers, and update sections. Plant biotechnology is a well thought-out teaching aid, which distinguishes itself in part by its wide-ranging coverage. As might be anticipated, however, for such a subject, the book is not, in parts, an easy read, particularly the introductory immersion provided in Chapter 1, which requires concentrated effort. The different styles and, in parts, intensity of subject coverage are presumably the result of multi-authorship. None of this detracts, however, from the value of the text, either in content or the coverage. A number of sections in the book are particularly noteworthy and informative, including descriptions of the successful development of glyphosate herbicide resistance and the use of insecticidal (Bt) genes from Bacillus thuringiensis. Interesting coverage is also provided of the very important Arabidopsis Genome Sequencing Initiative and the International Rice Genome Sequencing Project, which clearly represent milestones in biotechnology discovery. Good accounts are included of the genetic manipulation of tomato fruit ripening and nutrient enhancement prospects, exemplified by ‘golden rice’ development. The authors are also to be commended for addressing prospects for the continuing improvement of crop yields through genetic transformation, which remains a more complex challenge. Appropriately in Chapter 12 comment is included, in the context of the regulation of genetically modified (GM) products and international trade, of the more controversial concepts of ‘substantial equivalence’ and the ‘precautionary principle’. Political difficulties and some public opposition, especially in Europe, to GM crop products are introduced which is, in itself, a reflection of the book's broad coverage. Although the public (mainly in Europe) and some governments remain rather sceptical, to date, the growing of about 60 million hectares globally of genetically modified crops by an estimated 5.5 million farmers is testimony to successful adoption since 1996. There seems little doubt that plant biotechnology will continue to make very significant contributions to a better life in the future and to a much better living environment. The new text on Plant biotechnology by Slater, Scott and Fowler makes a useful contribution to our understanding, and provides a valuable new teaching and learning resource.