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Title: BLUEBERRY

Author
item Rowland, Lisa
item Hammerschlag, Freddi

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/29/2001
Publication Date: 7/7/2004
Citation: Rowland, L.J., Hammerschlag, F.A. 2004. Blueberry. Book Chapter. pp 222-246

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The domestication of blueberry has occurred entirely within the twentieth century and great progress has been made during this time using traditional breeding approaches. With the Biotechnology era upon us, new approaches and techniques for cultivar development and improvement are now available such as marker-assisted selection and genetic transformation. Biotechnological research in blueberry has begun only recently; however, significant progress has been made. This book chapter reviews the available literature on biotechnogy of blueberry (Vaccinium spp.). Major headings include (1) an Introduction with discussions of botany and history of the crop, economic and nutritional importance, and traditional breeding and genetics work, (2) a Molecular Genetics section with discussions of gene cloning and marker-assisted selection-related work including molecular marker fingerprinting and mapping, (3) a Micropropagation section, (4) a Somatic Cell Genetics section with discussions on regeneration, genetic manipulation including polyploid induction and genetic transformation, and cryopreservation, and (5) a Conclusions section summarizing the previous sections as well as a discussion of what we might expect in the near future from the application of these techniques to blueberry. This chapter should be a very useful resource for scientists looking for an up-to-date review of biotechnological research in blueberry.