Plant genetics and biotechnology represent the frontiers of modern agricultural and biological sciences, having given us the green revolution and the oilseeds ‘yellow’ revolution. The new science, this gene revolution, produced the high-yielding wheat, rice, maize and barley seeds that brought about a revolutionary change in the world’s food supplies, from a state of perennial shortages to abundance and even surplus. The negative aspects are also present as the genetic resources of the world’s flora are found mostly in the less and least developed countries whereas the exploitation of these resources has always been carried out by the powerful north or developed nations. Food, pharmaceuticals, industrial raw materials and agricultural micro-technologies are all encompassed by the several aspects of plant genetics and biotechnology. The present publication brings together selected readings in this area, and will provide a valuable insight into the political economy of this frontier science.
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