Plant's fingerprints

Plant Genotyping. The DNA Fingerprinting of PlantsEdited by Robert J. Henry, CABI Publishing, Wallingford, Oxon, UK, 2001. £55.00 (xiii + 325 pages)ISBN 0 85199515 2This handsome hardcover book joined some other recent [1xCrossrefSee all References[1] and not-so recent [2xSee all References[2] volumes on similar subject on my shelf. This volume covers a wide range of topics, including SSR, AFLP, RAPD/DAF and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers, genotyping technology and application of molecular markers to plant breeding. Such species as wheat, barley, sugarcane, forage species and even taro and tea tree (Maleleuca alternifolia) are covered, and germplasm resource analysis and marker data handling are also discussed. Several authors originate from Australia, which is not surprising in a book edited by Robert Henry – his lab at Southern Cross University has been very active in the area of molecular markers.This is not a lab manual, for that purpose the book edited by Caetano-Anolles and Gresshoff is a more appropriate choice [2xSee all References[2]. However, the focus is on technology and much useful practical advice is given, with appropriate references. The article by Henry discusses parameters affecting DNA isolation from plant material. Several articles deal with SSR (microsatellite) markers and their application, with some overlap between them. For example, the article by Maguire discusses the production and use of SSR-enriched genomic libraries. This review could be even better if artifacts frequently encountered in such libraries, such as in vitro PCR-induced recombination between unrelated clones, were more thoroughly discussed. SNPs are becoming increasingly useful as genetic markers, taking advantage of rapid technology development associated with the Human Genome Project. It is therefore appropriate that three articles are devoted to SNPs. Good, although brief reviews of SNP genotyping are provided – to serve as guides for further reading.I would welcome more discussion of the organization of high-throughput production genotyping in support of plant breeding in a commercial setting. Perhaps such information is not widely shared owing to the commercial concerns involved. However, the article by Lee and Henry briefly addresses some of the issues, including genotyping in support of plant breeders’ rights.Several articles would be useful for those interested in germplasm resources, and in managing seed banks. I especially enjoyed the discussion of marker analysis of tea tree accessions and correlations with chemical composition of oil.In comparison, the book edited by Phillips and Vasil [1xCrossrefSee all References[1] largely focuses on the construction of genetic maps and on reviewing genetic map construction in several species, complementing the present volume. Those interested in linkage mapping and physical mapping would find the book edited by Dear [3xSee all References[3] very useful. A volume devoted to quantitative trait mapping is also available [4xSee all References[4].This book would be an excellent choice for those looking for an overview of the field, with relatively up-to date references (up to 2000) that serve as a guide to further reading. Plant breeders, or graduate students, especially those embarking on a molecular marker project would also find the book useful, even if not affordable, especially in conjunction with a lab manual. Given that the lifetime of similar publications tends to be short, because of rapid technical developments in the field, my suggestion would be to publish similar soft-cover volumes, at a lower price.