Agricultural Biotechnology, Biodiversity and Bioresources Conservation and Utilization

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

Olawole Obembe, Ph.D. is Professor of Plant Biotechnology & UNESCO Chair, Plant Biotechnology, Covenant University Ota, Nigeria

Emmanuel Olufemi Ekundayo, Ph.D. is Associate Professor of Medical Microbiology and Microbial Genetics, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria.

Arinze Stanley Okoli, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor at Genoek - Centre for Biosafety, Universitetet II, Breivika, Tromsoe, Norway.

Abubakar Gidado, Ph.D. is a Professor of Biochemistry and Director North-East Zonal Biotechnology Centre of Excellence at University of Maiduguri, Nigeria.

Charles Oluwaseun Adetunji, Ph.D. is Associate Professor of Microbiology and Biotechnology, & Director of intellectual Property and Technology Transfer, Edo State University Uzairue, Nigeria.

Abdulrazak Ibrahim, Ph.D. is a Capacity Development Expert at the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), and Associate Professor of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.

Benjamin Ewa Ubi, Ph.D. is Professor of Plant Breeding and Biotechnology & Director, Biotechnology Research and Development Centre, Ebonyi State University Abakaliki, Nigeria