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In developing countries the most important challenges are to produce sufficient, food, fiber and fuel for the continuously growing population from in elastic land area.India is a leading producer of Pigeon pea(Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.)but its productivity has not been improved significantly during the last four decades due to its susceptibility to insect pests and narrow genetic base. In India, red gram is prone to more than 200 species of insects, among which pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera) causes enormous losses (46.6 -63.6%). Tools of genetic engineering have however made it possible to transfer genes (Cry1Ac) from even unrelated sources such as microbes(Bacillus thuringiensis - Bt)and solve this problem. This book attempts at a concise coverage of the practical aspects of Application of Genetic Engineering in Pigeon pea Crop improvement in an easily accessible manner. This book should prove useful to students of Botany,Biotechnology and other Life Science. This book should be of great use, not only to Under Graduates but also to Post Graduates and established research scientists struggling to keep up with the subject.

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Dr. M. Prabhakaran, M.Sc., M.Phil., Ph.D.: Studied Plant Biotechnology at Presidency College (Autonomous), University of Madras, DST (SERB) Young Scientist (Fast Track Scheme), Chennai.

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