This book provides a fresh, updated perspective of the current status
and perspectives in genetic improvement of a diverse array of tropical
crops. The first part covers aspects which are relevant across crops,
namely how to maximize the use of genetic information through modern
bioinformatic approaches and how to use statistics as a tool to sustain
increased genetic gains and breeding efficiency. The second part of the
book provides an updated view of some seed-propagated crops, such as
rice, maize and oil palm, as well as crops propagated through vegetative
means such as sweet potato, cassava, banana and sugarcane. Each chapter
addresses the main breeding objectives, markets served, current breeding
approaches, biotechnology, genetic progress observed, and in addition a
glimpse into the future for each of these selected and important
tropical crops.