The Alfalfa Genome

This book is the first comprehensive compilation of deliberations on whole genome sequencing of the diploid and tetraploid alfalfa genomes including sequence assembly, gene annotation, and comparative genomics with the model legume genome, functional genomics, and genomics of important agronomic characters. Other chapters describe the genetic diversity and germplasm collections of alfalfa, as well as development of genetic markers and genome-wide association and genomic selection for economical important traits, genome editing, genomics, and breeding targets to address current and future needs. 

Altogether, the book contains about 300 pages over 16 chapters authored by globally reputed experts on the relevant field in this crop. This book is useful to the students, teachers, and scientists in the academia and relevant private companies interested in genetics, breeding, pathology, physiology, molecular genetics and breeding, biotechnology, and structural and functional genomics. The work is also useful to seed and forage industries.

Dr. Long-Xi Yu is Research Plant Geneticist in USDA-ARS and Adjunct Professor at Washington State University. Dr. Yu received his Ph.D. degree from University of Orleans, France, and completed postdoctoral training at Cornell University. Dr. Yu has conducted research in plant genetics and genomics for 35 years in academia, industrial and government agency. He is currently leading several research projects for improving alfalfa production and forage quality. He has authored or co-authored more than 100 publications and received 50 special invitations to present seminars or review papers. He served on panels of The National Alfalfa & MISC Legumes Variety Review Board and The Washington Alfalfa Seeds Commission. He has supervised more than 30 visiting scientists, postdocs and PhD students. He has also served on editorial boards of 8 peer-reviewed journals and several scientific committees. 

Prof. Chittaranjan Kole is an internationally reputed scientist with an illustrious professional career of spanning over thirty-six years and original contributions in the fields of plant genomics, biotechnology, and molecular breeding leading to the publication of more than 160 quality research articles and reviews. He has edited over 130 books for the leading publishers of the world including Springer Nature, Wiley-Blackwell, and Taylor and Francis Group. His scientific contributions and editing acumen have been appreciated by seven Nobel Laureates including Profs. Norman Borlaug, Arthur Kornberg, Werner Arber, Phillip Sharp, Günter Blobel, Lee Hartwell, and Roger Kornberg. He has been honored with a number of Fellowships, Honorary Fellowships, and national and international awards including the Outstanding Crop Scientist Award conferred by the International Crop Science Society. He has served at all prestigious positions in academia including as Vice-Chancellor of BC Agricultural university, Project Coordinator of Indo-Russian Center of Biotechnology in India, and Director of Research of Institute of Nutraceutical Research of Clemson University, in USA. He worked also in the Pennsylvania State University and Clemson University as Visiting Professor in USA. He is also heading the International Climate-Resilient Crop Genomics Consortium and International Consortium for Phytomedomics and Nutriomics as their founding Principal Coordinator and President.