Theex situ conservation of temperate rainforest conifer tree species: A British-based programme
This programme provides a practical initiative promoting the conservation of rare and endangered conifer and associated temperate rainforest tree species, by providing a scientifically sound strategy to minimise further genetic erosion of an already fragmented wild tree resource. Using existing horticultural expertise and the tree-growing potential of the British climate, the programme provides for the development of permanent, scientifically structured, threatened conifer breeding populations, in a network of sites across the British Isles and elsewhere, as a long-term species rescue strategy. To these sites are attached important future research and public education programmes.
Endomycorrhizae in glasshouse grown conifers
Summary The identity of a fairy-club fungus commonly associated with glasshouse grown conifers belonging to families other than the Pinaceae was confirmed as Clavaria acuta. In studying the relationship between this fungus and plants with which it grows, endogonaceous fungi were found to be associated with root nodules formed on conifers over a wider range than previously reported.
Crop improveent: breeding and genetic engineering
Successful plant-breeding programmes are large in scale. The major constraint to plant breeders at the present time is the amount of work that they and their helpers can accomplish. A variety of modern technologies-mechanical, electronic and genetic—can increase their effectiveness in ways that can be easily demonstrated. However, genetic engineering, as well as providing new tools like the other technologies, should one day relieve conceptual constraints by allowing directed genetic changes that could eventually alter the character of the crops we grow. The time-scale for these changes is likely to be measured in decades, because much needs to be done before blueprints for crop-plant genetic engineers to follow can be formulated.