Program for the application of genetic transformation for crop improvement in the semi-arid tropics

    Sharma, K K and Ortiz, R (2000) Program for the application of genetic transformation for crop improvement in the semi-arid tropics. In Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology. Plant, 36 (2). pp. 83-92. ISSN 1054-5476

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    Abstract

    The semi-arid tropics are characterized by unpredictable weather, limited and erratic rainfall and nutrient-poor soils and suffer from a host of agricultural constraints. Several diseases, insect pests and drought affect crop productivity. Developing stress-resistant crops has been a worthwhile activity of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi- Arid Tropics (ICRISAT). Mandated crops of ICRISAT, including groundnut, pigeonpea, chickpea, sorghum and pearl millet, are the main staple foods for nearly one billion people in the semi-arid tropics. Genetic transformation provides a complementary means for the genetic betterment of the genome of these crops. Judicious application of biotechnological tools holds great potential for alleviating some of the major constraints to productivity of these crops in the agricultural systems of the semi-arid tropics. This article reviews plant genetic engineering in relation to its applications in genetic enhancement and the improvement of important crops of the semi-arid tropics. For the benefit of nonbiotechnologists, a brief review of technical aspects of plant genetic engineering is also included.

    Item Type: Article
    Divisions: UNSPECIFIED
    CRP: UNSPECIFIED
    Uncontrolled Keywords: chickpea; groundnut; millet; pigeonpea; sorghum; transgenics
    Subjects: Others > Genetics and Genomics
    Depositing User: Library ICRISAT
    Date Deposited: 22 Sep 2011 10:38
    Last Modified: 22 Sep 2011 10:38
    URI: http://oar.icrisat.org/id/eprint/1875
    Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11627-000-0019-1
    Projects: UNSPECIFIED
    Funders: UNSPECIFIED
    Acknowledgement: UNSPECIFIED
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