Woodhead Publishing From Plant Genomics to Plant Biotechnology (Woodhead Publishing Series in Biomedicine)

From plant genomics to plant biotechnology reviews the recent advancements in the post-genomic era, discussing how different varieties respond to abiotic and biotic stresses, understanding the epigenetic control and epigenetic memory (RNAs, DNA methylation, histone modifications and polycomb complexes), the roles of non-coding RNAs, applicative uses of RNA silencing and RNA interference in plant physiology and in experimental transgenics and plants modified to specific aims (biofuels, production of high-value pharmaceutical proteins in plants, abiotic stress resistant wood trees and ornamental plants). In the forthcoming years these advancements will support the production of plant varieties better suited to resist biotic and abiotic stresses, for food and non-food applications. Key Features: discusses a broad range of applications: the examples originate from a variety of sectors (including in field studies, breeding, RNA regulation, pharmaceuticals and biotech) and a variety of scientific areas (such as bioinformatics, -omics sciences, epigenetics, and the agro-industry); provides a unique perspective on work normally performed 'behind closed doors'. As such, it presents an opportunity for those within the field to learn from each other, and for those on the 'outside' to see how different groups have approached key problems. Contents: From plant genomics to -omics technologies; Plant microRNAs; Epigenetic control by plant Polycomb proteins: New perspectives and emerging roles in stress response; Metabolite profiling for plant research; The uniqueness of conifers; Cryptochrome genes modulate global transcriptome of tomato; Genomics of grapevine: From genomics research on model plants to crops and from science to grapevine breeding; Grapevine genomics and phenotypic diversity of bud sports, varieties and wild relatives; Peach ripening transcriptomics unveils new and unexpected targets for the improvement of drupe quality; Application of doubled haploid technology in breeding of Brassica napus; Plant biodiversity and biotechnology; Natural resveratrol bioproduction.