NEW PUBLICATION FROM ROYAL BOTANIC GARDEN EDINBURGH
Laboratory Manual of Plant Cytological Techniques
by KWITON JONG
Information from chromosomes is of great value to plant taxonomists as well
as to those researchers aiming to conserve genetic resources and biodiversity.
Following the Rio Convention, taxonomy is enjoying a resurgence of interest
and support, and yet there remains an urgent need for the training of cytologist
to provide vital base line data for taxonomic and systematic studies.There are
many countries blessed with rich and diverse floras, where for the majority of
plant species even basic cytological information such as chromosome numbers is
not known. Although there are many taxonomists who are well able to secure the
cytogenetic data they need themselves, many either do not have the time, or,
perhaps more commonly, the inclination or know-how to try.
One of the main aims of this Manual is to provide access to some well-tried
protocols, for obtaining good chromosome preparations. The Manual is targeted
at those with no, or little previous experience of working with plant chromosomes,
and provides a clear and concise introduction to the field. For those who have
struggled to get good chromosome preparations or had difficulty even seeing
chromosomes in the slides they have produced, this guide contains step by step
easy to follow schedules, with many hints and suggestions that will help towards
getting useful cytological data, so that "having another go" becomes less daunting.
The Manual includes
- a brief introduction to the chromosome squash technique
- a selection of well-tried step by step pretreatment and staining schedules for
producing a good chromosome slide
- recipes for the preparation of stains and other reagents
- suggestions on how to tackle difficult plant groups
- illustrations of stages of mitotic and meiotic cell division
- information on variation in chromosome morphology and examples of taxonomic use
of cytological data
- hints on recording observations and record keeping
- techniques for preparing slides for permanent storage
- references to original published sources and other relevant publications
ISBN 1 872291 42 2
Softback, wiro-bound, 210 x 297 mm, vi + 96 pp.
Price GBP 10.00 + postage (UK: 1.50, overseas: 4.50)
To obtain a copy, send a cheque for GBP 10.00 plus the appropriate postage to:
Ruth Hollands, Scientific & Technical Services, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh,
Inverleith Row, Edinburgh EH3 5LR, UK.
IMPORTANT: Cheques should be made payable to "Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh";
they should be in pounds sterling and drawn on a UK bank. Eurocheques are also
acceptable.
For credit card payments (Access/Mastercard/Visa), an order form must be completed,
available upon request from Ruth Hollands (r.hollands at rbge.org.uk).
