646 Book Reviews

doi:10.1093/aob/mch186
Plant biotechnology: are frequently provided to explain some of the more diffi-
the genetic manipula- cult concepts. Not only does this break up the text, but
tion of plants. provides some useful self-standing information. Further
Slater A, Scott N, Fow- reading information and web-links (particularly to
ler M. 2003. Oxford: on-line journals) are usefully given at the end of each
Oxford University chapter. More than this, and of special interest, is a dedi-
Press. £19.99 (softback). cated website associated with the book, providing down-
346 pp. loadable figures of particular value to lecturers, and update
sections.
Plant biotechnology is a well thought-out teaching aid,
Few areas of science which distinguishes itself in part by its wide-ranging
have progressed as coverage. As might be anticipated, however, for such a
rapidly, or have had subject, the book is not, in parts, an easy read, particularly
such an impact on pub- the introductory immersion provided in Chapter 1, which
lic consciousness and requires concentrated effort. The different styles and,
governments, as recent in parts, intensity of subject coverage are presumably the

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advances in plant bio-
technology. These
exciting scientific dis-
coveries and their
increasing application
are continuing to gener-
ate considerable eco-
nomic, social and
ethical considerations.
Particular concerns
have been expressed, however, about potential ‘food
safety’ and ‘environmental impact’ implications, in parti-
cular, of this ‘revolution in biology’ in agriculture and the
food industry. Misinformation is rife, sadly, and there is a
clear need for good sources of accurate and appropriate
accounts of plant biotechnology development. Adrian Sla-
ter, Nigel Scott and Mark Fowler have produced just such
a textbook, providing a critical appraisal of the genetic
manipulation of crop plants for advanced undergraduate
study and the postgraduate student market. The compre-
hensive coverage attempted will also provide a useful
source of reference for agricultural scientists more gener-
ally interested – as we should be – in these growing bio-
technology issues. A useful technical introduction is
provided in the first four chapters covering plant genomes,
tissue culture, techniques for plant transformation, and the
utilization of vectors for genetic modification. This leads
on to a section of chapters focussing on the application of
genetic manipulation to agronomic input traits of herbi-
cide, crop pest and disease resistance improvement includ-
ing the amelioration of virus infections. The following
three chapters provide a further interesting insight into
strategies for improving stress tolerance, developing
crop yields and quality, and prospects for molecular
farming. The book culminates in a final review of future
prospects for genetically modified crops, which stresses the
legislative framework together with economic, social and
ethical dimensions. Case studies are particularly
effectively used by the authors to illustrate many of the
points made in the text, and inserted explanation ‘boxes’
result of multi-authorship. None of this detracts,
however, from the value of the text, either in content or
the coverage.
A number of sections in the book are particularly
noteworthy and informative, including descriptions
of the successful development of glyphosate herbicide resis-
tance and the use of insecticidal (Bt) genes from Bacillus
thuringiensis. Interesting coverage is also provided of the
very important Arabidopsis Genome Sequencing Initiative
and the International Rice Genome Sequencing Project,
which clearly represent milestones in biotechnology dis-
covery. Good accounts are included of the genetic manip-
ulation of tomato fruit ripening and nutrient enhancement
prospects, exemplified by ‘golden rice’ development. The
authors are also to be commended for addressing pro-
spects for the continuing improvement of crop yields
through genetic transformation, which remains a more
complex challenge. Appropriately in Chapter 12 comment
is included, in the context of the regulation of genetically
modified (GM) products and international trade, of the
more controversial concepts of ‘substantial equivalence’
and the ‘precautionary principle’. Political difficulties and
some public opposition, especially in Europe, to GM crop
products are introduced which is, in itself, a reflection of
the book’s broad coverage.
Although the public (mainly in Europe) and some gov-
ernments remain rather sceptical, to date, the growing of
about 60 million hectares globally of genetically modified
crops by an estimated 5.5 million farmers is testimony to
successful adoption since 1996. There seems little doubt
that plant biotechnology will continue to make very
significant contributions to a better life in the future
and to a much better living environment. The new
text on Plant biotechnology by Slater, Scott and Fowler
makes a useful contribution to our understanding, and
provides a valuable new teaching and learning resource.
W. Paul Davies
ª 2004 Annals of Botany Company