The book offers a comprehensive exploration of both fundamental and advanced aspects of cytogenetics, an essential field in crop improvement. Serving as the second volume in the “Compendium of Crop Improvement” series, this work probes into the intricate world of chromosomes and their significant impact on plant breeding and genetic advancements. It begins with an introduction to the principles of cytogenetics and chromosomal structure, setting the stage for a detailed examination of the cell cycle and chromosomal architecture in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. The book also explores the components of chromosomes, emphasizing their structure and function, and guides readers through various essential cytogenetic techniques, such as karyotyping, banding, and painting, which are crucial for chromosomal analysis and identification. The applications and implications of cytogenetic studies are thoroughly discussed, highlighting the role of structural and numerical variations of chromosomes in plant breeding and genetic research. The complexities of chromosome numbers, symbols, terminologies, and types are covered, providing a foundational understanding necessary for advanced study. Additionally, the book addresses aneuploidy and its impact on gene location, offering insights into the evolutionary significance of chromosomal aberrations. Further chapters explore into the genetic consequences and breeding applications of polyploidy, aneuploidy in crop breeding, and the maintenance and genetic mapping associated with these chromosomal variations. “Cytogenetics” also explores genome analysis, shedding light on modern techniques, such as fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and comparative genomic hybridization (CGH). The applications of molecular cytogenetics in agriculture are emphasized, showcasing the potential of these advanced techniques in improving crop performance and resilience. By bridging classical cytogenetic methods with contemporary molecular approaches, the book provides a holistic view of the genetic mechanisms underlying crop improvement. It aims to highlight the importance of cytogenetic tools in enhancing crop performance, improving resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, and ensuring food security. Through this comprehensive approach, “Cytogenetics” contributes to the collective effort of securing a sustainable and bountiful future for agriculture, making it a valuable resource for researchers, students, and professionals in plant breeding, genetics, and biotechnology.
Mrs. Dhanalakshmi T. N. is an academician serving as Assistant Professor in Genetics and Plant Breeding at the College of Horticulture, Hiriyur, affiliated to Keladi Shivappa Nayaka University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences (KSNUAHS), Shivamogga, Karnataka. She was awarded Master’s degree in 2009 and received the University gold medal for securing the highest OGPA for her B.Sc. (Agriculture) from the University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bangalore. She served as a Junior Breeder in AICRP on Castor from 2012 to 2018 and was involved in developing and releasing the Castor hybrid HCH-6 for the Karnataka state farming community. She has published many research papers in various scientific journals and abstracts in different national and international conferences and seminars. She has published books in the regional language Kannada for the benefit of the farming community and extension workers on different platforms. She has also published several book chapters for the benefit of students for their academic purposes and various competitive exams. Additionally, she serves as an editor and reviewer for a few national and international peer-reviewed journals. She is a lifetime member of several esteemed societies and recipient of several awards from recognized bodies. She has participated in many international and national seminars, conferences, faculty/ capacity development programs, and other training programs.
Dr. N. Shashidhara is working as an Assistant Professor (GPB) and Assistant Seed Production Officer (ASPO) at AICRP on SEED (Crops), Seed Unit, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad. He obtained his M.Sc. in Genetics and Plant Breeding from the same institution in 2003 and later earned his Ph.D. from the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru in 2010. Following his doctoral studies, he pursued post-doctoral research at the Indian Institute of Sciences (IISc), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. From 2012 to 2017, he served as an Assistant Professor (PG&B) at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru College of Agriculture and Research Institute, Karaikal, Puducherry. With over 13 years of post-Ph.D. experience, Dr. Shashidhara has made significant contributions to teaching, research, and extension in agriculture. His prolific research output includes numerous papers in renowned national and international peer-reviewed journals, along with published books for under and post-graduate students, book chapters and popular articles. He also serves as an editor and reviewer for several respected journals and is a lifetime member of multiple prestigious societies. He has received over ten awards from notable About the Authors v national and international organizations/ societies. His dedication extends beyond academia, contributing to the development of high-protein rice and maize varieties to the farming community. Dr. Shashidhara’s career is marked by his unwavering commitment to advancing agricultural sciences, fostering innovation through research, and inspiring future generations in the field of Genetics and Plant Breeding.
Dr. Lokesh, G.Y., is working as an Associate Professor (GPB), University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur. He was awarded M.Sc. degree in Genetics and Plant Breeding from University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad in 2004 and Ph.D. degree in Genetics and Plant Breeding from University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru in 2016. He has 14 years of post-Ph.D. experience in teaching, research and extension in the field of Agriculture. Out of which, he served as a Junior Breeder from 2010 to 2020 at Seed Unit, UAS, Raichur and now working in College of Agriculture, Raichur, engaged in Teaching to Under-Graduate, Post-Graduate and Ph.D. students. He has been associated in release of several varieties and several technologies in the University. He has guided several M.Sc. students in the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding. His work reflects a dedication to advancing agricultural sciences through research, teaching, and community engagement.
Dr. Boranayaka M. B. is a distinguished academician and researcher currently serving as a Technical Officer (Plant Breeding) at AICRP on Wheat & Barley, UAS, Dharwad, Karnataka. He earned his B.Sc. (Agri.) from UAS, Bangalore, and M.Sc. (Agri.) in Plant Breeding & Genetics from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, where he was awarded the Sivasailam Gold Medal at AC & RI, Madurai. Dr. Boranayaka pursued Ph.D. at UAS, Raichur, under the RGNF fellowship from the Department of Science & Technology, UGC, New Delhi. With 15 years of experience in research, teaching, and extension activities at various State Agricultural Universities, he has served as a Research Associate at AICRP on (Small Millets), SRF in Rice DUS Centre at UAS, Bangalore, and Technical Officer (Plant Breeding) at AICRP on Sorghum and Technical Officer, Farm Management-KVK at UAS, Dharwad. His expertise includes conventional plant breeding, mutation breeding, marker-assisted breeding, and crop varietal seed production and maintenance. Notably, his work on developing a partial sterile mutant in finger millet and collaborating on the development and registration of plant germplasm in rabi sorghum and wheat is well recognized. Dr. Boranayaka has published numerous research and review papers in esteemed national and international journals and has participated in many seminars, conferences, and workshops.
1. Introduction to Cytogenetics and Chromosomal Structure.....................1
2. Cell Cycle and Chromosomal Architecture in Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes......................................................................................15
3. Components of Chromosomes: Structure and Function .......................31
4. Techniques in Cytogenetics: Karyotyping, Banding and Painting...........................................................................................49
5. Applications and Implications of Cytogenetic Studies.........................69
6. Structural and Numerical Variations of Chromosomes.........................81
7. Chromosome Numbers: Symbols, Terminologies and Types.....................................................................................................95
8. Aneuploidy and Gene Location ..........................................................111
9. Evolutionary Significance of Chromosomal Aberrations..........................................................................................129
10. Polyploidy: Genetic Consequences and Breeding Applications ........................................................................................141
11. Aneuploidy in Crop Breeding: Maintenance and Genetic Mapping.................................................................................157
12. Genome Analysis ................................................................................177
13. Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) and Its Applications....................................................................................193
14. Comparative Genomic Hybridization (CGH) and Advanced Techniques..........................................................................215
15. Molecular Cytogenetic Applications in Agriculture ...........................231
