Genetic Diversity and Erosion in Plants

Written by leading geneticists, molecular biologists and other specialists, this book deals with a broad spectrum of topics related to genetic erosion, as well as approaches to biodiversity conservation in crop plants and trees.§§Genetic erosion is the loss of genetic diversity within a species. It can happen very quickly, as a result of catastrophic events or changes in land use leading to loss of habitat. But it can also occur more gradually and remain unnoticed for long periods of time. It can lead to the loss of entire populations that are genetically different from others, or loss or change in allelic frequencies within a population, or species as a whole, or the loss of allelic combinations in crop plants and trees. In order to conserve biodiversity in plants, it is important to target three independent levels: ecosystems, species and genes. Genetic diversity is important to a species' fitness, long-term viability, and ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions.§The book is a valuable resource for students, researchers and others interested in genetic erosion and biodiversity, as well as botanists, biotechnologists, environmentalists, policymakers, conservationists, and NGOs working to manage genetic erosion and biodiversity.