Monash launches major Biotechnology reference volumes

Monash University today launched an invaluable series of reference books on the use of genetic engineering in biotechnology.

The series, titled Biotechnology in Agriculture and Forestry Volumes 59, 60 and 61 - Transgenic Crops IV, V & VI, has been co-edited by head of the university's School of Arts & Sciences Professor Pua Eng Chong and specifically focuses on the use of genetic engineering for crop improvement.

Present to officiate the launch at the university's campus in Bandar Sunway were Malaysian Agriculture Research and Development Institute (MARDI) Director General Dato' Dr. Abd. Shukor Abd. Rahman, Monash University Pro Vice-Chancellor and President ( Malaysia) Professor Merilyn Liddell and senior university staff.

Professor Pua said the books are part of the well-established Agriculture and Forestry series of reference manuals produced by the respected German publisher Springer.

"They will serve as a key reference for advanced students and researchers in crop sciences, genetics, horticulture, agronomy, cell and molecular biology, biotechnology and other disciplines in life sciences.

"Genetic engineering is a powerful tool for crop improvement and exciting developments in crop biotechnology in recent years have prompted the necessity to update the first series of Transgenic Crops I, II and III, published in 1999 and 2001."

"In this current endeavour, 69 chapters have been compiled, contributed by a panel of experts in crop biotechnology from 26 countries.

"This new series not only reviews recent advances in cell and tissue culture and genetic transformation methodologies, but also presents aspects of the molecular genetics of target crops and the practical applications of transgenic plants.

"In addition, more than 30% of crop species that were not discussed previously are included in the present series," said Professor Pua.

Caption: (From Left to Right) Professor Merilyn Liddell, Pro Vice-Chancellor and President of Monash University Sunway campus, Professor Emeritus Trevor A Thorpe from the University of Calgary, Canada, Professor Pua Eng Chong, Malaysian Agriculture Research and Development Institute (MARDI) Director General Dato' Dr. Abd. Shukor Abd. Rahman and Mr Phang Koon Tuck, Executive Director of Monash University Sunway campus at the launch of Biotechnology in Agriculture and Forestry Volumes 59, 60 and 61 - Transgenic Crops IV, V & VI.