Publisher's Synopsis
This monograph discusses the development of methods of artificial reproduction, genetic engineering and heterosis in the silkworm. The first part considers four methods of artificial reproduction (parthogenesis, meiotic parthenogenesis, gynogenesis and androgenesis). It is shown that different methods of investigation have varying depressive effects on a progeny at embryonic and post-embryonic stages: these effects may be eliminated with the help of special procedures. The consequences of asexual reproduction in a species which normally reproduces sexually are also considered.;The second part presents studies of genetic engineering in the silkworm at gene, chromosome and genome levels, performed mainly by means of artificial reproduction. Some of these studies deal with the development of methodological approaches to the applications of genetic engineering, others with direct results of these investigations. The latter have already made it possible to solve a number of important and difficult problems of experimental and applied biology, such as sex control, the nature of heterosis and viability, and the development of efficient plans for selection.;The final part presents the results of the author's own research into heterosis. Papers are included on genetic engineering in the pea, barley and Drosophila melanogaster which confirm the results obtained by Professor Strunnikov throughout the course of his research.
