Preface: Allele Mining for Genomic Designing of Oilseed Crops

This book deliberates on the concept, strategies, tools, and techniques of allele mining in oilseed crops and its application potential in genome elucidation and improvement, including studying allele evolution, discovery of superior alleles, discerning new haplotypes, assessment of intra- and interspecific similarity, and studies of gene expression and gene prediction. Available gene pools in global germplasm collections, specifically consisting of wild allied species and local landraces for almost all major crops, have facilitated allele mining. The development of advanced genomic techniques, including PCR-based allele priming and Eco-TILLING-based allele mining, is now widely used for mining superior alleles. Allele's discovery has become more relevant now for employing molecular breeding to develop designed crop varieties matching consumer needs and with genome plasticity to adapt to climate change scenarios. All these concepts and strategies, along with precise success stories, are presented in the chapters dedicated to the major oilseed crops. 1. This is the first book on the novel strategy of allele mining in oilseed crops for precise breeding. 2. This book presents genomic strategies for mining superior alleles underlying agronomic traits from genomic resources. 3. This book depicts case studies of PCR-based allele priming and Eco-TILLING based allele mining. 4. This book elaborates on gene discovery and gene prediction in major oilseed crops. This book will be useful to students and faculties in various plant science disciplines, including genetics, genomics, molecular breeding, agronomy, and bioinformatics; scientists in seed industries; and policymakers and funding agencies interested in crop improvement.