Dangerous Liaisons? When Cultivated Plants Mate with Their Wild Relatives

Abstract

This book is divided into three parts of four chapters each. The first part ("Foreplay") provides necessary background reading for those who are not plant population geneticists. It examines the general issues of spontaneous (natural) hybridization and introgression, and their potential consequences. The second part ("Caught in the Act") pulls together what is known about spontaneous hybridization between crops and their wild relatives, focusing on evidence of natural hybridization. The third part ("Dangerous Liasions?") examines the significance of these hybridizations, including the special case of genetically engineered crops. The final chapter concludes the book with a discussion of options for managing and monitoring gene flow. Examples cited throughout include studies involving Beta, Helianthus, Brassica and Raphanus. This book is suggested to appeal to academics, policymakers, students, and those with an interest in environmental issues.