The sunflower has fascinated mankind for centuries. The oilseed sunflower contributes approximately ten percent of the world 's plant-derived edible oil and the confection type sunflower holds a considerable share of the directly consumed snacks market. In addition, sunflower is also grown as an ornamental for cut flowers, as well as in home gardens. We are now embarking on the age of genomics which will expedite the process of genetic improvement of crops. There has been an explosion of information on genetic markers, DNA sequences, and genomic resources for most major food crops including sunflower. This volume is intended to bridge traditional research with modern molecular investigations on sunflower.

Genome of an organism is depicted by genetic linkage mapping and physical mapping. Genome mapping stated with genetic linkage mapping and contributed enormously in genome analysis and its improvement. Physical mapping emerged later and is the prelude to structural and functional genomics. This volume briefly introduces the historical background and overview on genome mapping. Chapters deliberating on different types of molecular markers, their detection, relative merits, shortcomings and applications; types of mapping populations, methods of their generation, applications; basic concepts and schematic depiction of construction of genetic linkage maps; concepts and strategies of mapping genes controlling qualitative and quantitative traits on framework genetic linkage maps; rationale, methodologies and implications of comparative mapping; principles, strategies, and outcome of map-based cloning; overviews on the recent advances on plant genomics and genome initiatives; and finally computer strategies and softw

The Set offers a comprehensive review of the commercially relevant transgenic plants developed and presently utilized. Volumes 1-9 cover around 100 plant species, from crops to forest trees. Volume 10 is the master index volume.

Each chapter covers one particular species (or sometimes group of closely related species) and the transgenic versions developed for that particular species.

Key features:

- Offers a complete description of the successfully developed transgenic plants for around 100 commercially relevant crops from fruits and vegetables to grains, industrial crops and forest tree species

- Covers the transgenic techniques used in the molecular tailoring of traits relevant from an agricultural, medicinal and environmental point of view

- Explores future developments, from desired traits to expected new technologies

- Examines risks and concerns around the use of GM crops

- Discusses public perception, industrial perspectives and political and economic consequences

- Contributions from over 300 leading scientists from around the world

Provides a valuable and inclusive reference for students, researchers, scientists and industry professionals, studying and working on transgenic plants.

In the second volume of this three-volume series, leading researchers in genomics and agriculure present a general discussion on the fundamentals of molecular breeding and applications of molecular markers for germplasm characterization, They investigate basic concepts and the application of molecular mapping and breeding to create improved yield and quality, as well as desired related component traits; limiting biotic and abiotic stresses; and improving physiological traits of economic importance.