Overview
With the appearance of methods for sequencing genomes and less expensive next-generation sequencing methods, we face rapid advancements of the -omics technologies and plant biology studies: reverse and forward genetics, functional genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, the movement at distance of effectors, and structural biology. From Plant Genomics to Plant Biotechnology reviews recent advances in the post-genomic era, discussing how different varieties respond to abiotic and biotic stresses, the epigenetic control and epigenetic memory, the roles of non-coding RNAs, and uses of RNA silencing and RNA interference in plant physiology and in experimental transgenics and plants modified to specific aims. In the future, these advances will support production of plant varieties better suited to resist biotic and abiotic stresses. This book discusses how technology influences selection of plant varieties and plant breeding, selection of optimum agronomic traits, stress-resistant varieties, improvement of plant fitness, improving crop yield, and non-food applications in the bio-economy.