Genetics of Garden Plants

The aim of this book is twofold: first, to give an introduction to the essential principles of genetics and cytology, and secondly, to give an account of recent results in relation to horticulture. The science of genetics has a wide horticultural application; it is of value to the plant-breeder, seeds-man and gardener in providing a detailed knowledge of variation and heredity, and guidance in the maintenance of purity in their stocks. Genetics may also be of value to the nurseryman whose business lies in the vegetative reproduction of plants. Our knowledge of the genetics of polyploids has been largely developed from investigations with horticultural plants, hence the genetics of garden plants is of direct interest to the student of genetics as well as of use to the plant-breeder and horticulturist. The book describe principles as simply as the technicalities of subject will allow, illustrating them with typical examples from a range of flowers, fruits and vegetables, and to give reference to the original sources of information which may be of interest to the scientists or students. The book will serve as an introduction to the science of genetics and particularly in its application to horticulture.