Short description:

This book covers a range of important topics on crop and animal genetics, breeding and genomics, as well as biodiversity and genetic resources conservation and utilization reflecting three thematic sections of working groups of the Biotechnology Society of Nigeria.

Long description:

This book covers a range of important topics on crop and animal genetics, breeding and genomics, as well as biodiversity and genetic resources conservation and utilization reflecting three thematic sections of working groups of the Biotechnology Society of Nigeria. The topics range from agricultural biotechnology, including genetically modified organisms and gene-editing for agronomically important traits in tropical crops, to Nigeria?s mega biodiversity and genetic resources conservation. This book will engender a deeper understanding of underpinning mechanisms, technologies, processes and science?policy nexus that has placed Nigeria as a leader in biotechnology in Africa. The book will be useful reference material for scientists and researchers working in the fields of food and agricultural biotechnology, bioinformatics, plant and animal genetics, breeding and genomics, genetic resources conservation and enhancement.

• Emphasizes recent advances in biotechnologies that could ameliorate the high-level global food and nutrition insecurity through plant and animal genetics, breeding, as well as genomics


• Provides detailed information towards harnessing indigenous bioresources for food and nutrition security and climate change adaptation


• Introduces new frontiers in the area of genomics, most especially their relevant applications in crop and animal breeding


• Reviews biotechniques that could enhance plant genetic resources conservation and utilization


• Discusses current biotechnological approaches to exploit genetic resources including the development of synthetic hexaploid wheat (SHW) for crop adaptation to the increasingly changing global climate

Table of Contents:

PART 1 Crop Genetics, Breeding & Genomics Working Group, Chapter 1. Biotechnology as a Tool for Agricultural Revolution in Developing Nations: Current Status and Bottlenecks in Nigeria, Chapter 2. Advances on Engineering Cassava for Food and Nutrition Sec in the 21st Century, Chapter 3. Current and Future Advances in Genomics-Assisted Cassava Breeding, Chapter 4. Genome Engineering: A New Frontier for Improving Root and Tuber Crops, Chapter 5. Development and Commercialization of Bt-Cowpea in Nigeria: Implication for National Development, Chapter 6. Progress in the Development of Biofortified Sorghum in Nigeria: Implications for Food and Nutrition Security, Chapter 7. Strategies for the Production of Disease-Free Yam Planting Materials: Implications for Improved Yam Production in Nigeria, Chapter 8. Engineering Pests and Disease Resistance in Crops: From RNA Interference to RNA Editing, Chapter 9. Engineering Crops for Resistance to Pests and Diseases: Necessity for Crop Improvement through Accurate Genomic Resources and Phenotyping, Chapter 10. Molecular Diagnostics for Plant Viruses towards Enhanced Delivery of Disease-Free Planting Materials and Germplasm Exchange, Chapter 11. Recent Advances in Molecular Techniques for the Enhancement of Crop Production, PART 2 Animal Genetics, Breeding & Genomics, Chapter 12. Genetic Intervention in Sustainable Livestock Production, Chapter 13. Development of Improved Indigenous Chickens (FUNAAB Alpha) for Smallholder Poultry Production in Nigeria, Chapter 14. Biotechnology Applications in Livestock Production, Chapter 15. Enabling Environment for Uptake of Biotechnological Innovations for Livestock Production in Africa, Chapter 16. Biothermoimaging Tools for Management of Climate Smart and Precision Livestock-Assisted Reproduction, PART 3 Genetic Resources Conservation and Enhancement, Chapter 17. Securing the Genetic Base of Indigenous Food Plants: Their Role in Promoting Sustainable Food Systems, Chapter 18. Biotechnology-Aided Sustainable Use of Nigeria?s Biodiversity for Improved Nutrition and Health, Chapter 19. Utilizing Plant Genetic Resources to Develop Climate Resilient Crops, Chapter 20. Biodiversity and Genetic Resources Conservation in Nigeria, Chapter 21. Biotechnological Approaches for Genetic Resources Conservation and Use