Principles and practices of plant penomics. Volume 1. Genome mapping

Abstract

This volume is the first of a three-volume series. The 11 chapters of the volume provide the reader with the basic knowledge on the approaches, tools and platforms required to map genomes and extract useful information for different applications, particularly for tagging Mendelian and quantitative genes. The first four chapters present a vibrant historical summary of the main features of the genetic materials and marker classes required for the construction of linkage maps. The next four chapters provide a detailed description on how the genomics approach can best be used to unravel the genetic basis of traits, all the way from the primary and coarse mapping of genes and QTL to their cloning. A number of valuable examples have been critically surveyed, thus providing the reader with an accurate overview of what can reasonably be achieved and the effort it will require. Of particular value to newcomers in the genomics world are the two chapters devoted to bioinformatics, computer strategies and software for gene mapping. Finally, one chapter illustrates the main genomic initiatives undertaken so far. This volume is well poised to become a reference classic for those willing to engage in the study of the structure and evolution of plant genomes and how this information can be used to improve crop performance. The volume is particularly valuable to those with limited or even no knowledge of the fundamentals of plant genomics, an attribute also clearly implied by the title of the series. Among the many merits of this volume, the main one is the clarity with which the information is presented, a feature particularly valuable for the neophytes. Nonetheless, a number of chapters clearly go beyond this basic level of knowledge and provide an ample list of references that can be accessed for further reading. The figures very clearly report the basic features of the relevant marker classes and approaches, a particularly valuable feature for teaching purposes. Additionally, a number of well-organized and informative tables summarize relevant key features. The list of abbreviations is very handy and provides a quick overview of the genomics jargon used (and often abused) that may otherwise discourage newcomers to take full advantage of the analytical power and potential of the genomic approach. Similarly useful is the simple and well-organized analytical index. Notwithstanding the year of publication (2008) of the volume, only a handful of the quoted references are from 2007 and only a few more are from 2006. This shortcoming probably reflects a delay in finalizing the volume and its prevailing scholastic orientation coherently with what is stated by the editors in the Preface: ‘ … it is essential that academics in these broad disciplines have available the lucid deliberations of the basic concepts and strategies of plant genomics to enhance their own studies, training and expertise’. The step-by-step structure of most chapters provides even the most recalcitrant reader with the opportunity to wade through all the topics easily in a clear and logical fashion. This feature makes the volume particularly valuable for teaching students at low and intermediate levels and for scientists willing to engage, either theoretically or practically, for the first time with the genomics approach. This volume also targets students and researchers in plant science and biotechnology with an interest in genomics who are willing to undertake a more in-depth journey, either from an academic or applicative standpoint. The content and style of the volume clearly reflect the fact that it is the first of a three-volume set. Although the book is an excellent buy as a stand-alone volume, its value will be enhanced when considered in conjunction with the remaining two volumes that will soon be published in the series. In summary, the volume Genome Mapping represents a valuable resource for those students and scientists willing to take advantage of the research and applicative possibilities offered by plant genomics. This book provides an excellent starting point to further knowledge on genome structure and gene function, and demonstrates how the genomics paradigm can be exploited to provide breeders and other scientists with the information required to more effectively unravel and manipulate trait complexity and crop performance.