Wild crop relatives are gold mines of valuable resources for the genetic improvement of cultivated crops. Dedicated to the Nobel Laureate, Dr. Norman Ernest Borlaug and edited by Chittaranjan Kole, this book is one in a series of 10 volumes. Out of 17 chapters 11 genera belong to the family Brassicaceae, two to Asteraceae and one each to Linaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Pedalaceae and Linaceae. Thirty-three authors from 11 countries have contributed to this very well-edited volume. Depending upon the specific genus in question, the chapters are structured to provide information on botanical origin, evolution, taxonomy, conservation, phylogenetic relationships, cytogenetics, biotechnological details, including genomics, molecular mapping and various groups of markers. The use of the above information in traditional and molecular crop improvement has been presented where available. Considerable details are presented on gene functions and uses and potential for commercial exploitation. Although there are 11 chapters on wild Brassica, they were all very well presented to appreciate their usefulness. The genus Pachycladon is rather unique. Although it has no commercial value from evolutionary and interrelationship points of view, it is an interesting and valuable genus. The pros and cons of some of the wild species in the genus Sinapis are also equally interesting.

It is a valuable and easy to read reference source with the latest information on wild crop relatives in oilseeds for students, teachers and scientists in the private and public sectors.