This detailed volume provides a collection of protocols for the study of miRNA functions in plants. Beginning with coverage of miRNA function, biogenesis, activity, and evolution in plants, the book continues by guiding readers through methods on the identification and detection of plant miRNAs, bioinformatic analyses, and strategies for functional analyses of miRNAs. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Plant MicroRNAs: Method and Protocols aims to ensure successful results in the further study of this vital area of plant science.

Microbial Phenazines: Biosynthesis, Agriculture and Health focuses on phenazines, a group of upwards of a hundred nitrogen-containing redox-active heterocyclic compounds of bacterial origin that have long attracted scientific interest because of their colorful pigmentation. Our understanding of these fascinating natural products and their role in human health and the environment has advanced rapidly in recent years, but we are only now beginning to be able to exploit the potential of these compounds in such fields as agriculture and medicine. This volume includes information on the biochemistry and genetics of phenazine synthesis, the physiological effects of phenazines, and methods for the isolation and identification of phenazines with the aid of spectroscopic and electrophoretic techniques. Also included are chapters focused on the roots of phenazine research in the biological control of plant pathogens and recent knowledge of the diversity of phenazine-producing microorganisms and the environments in which they occur. A final chapter addresses the potential of phenazines in the treatment of cancer.

The entire range of the developmental processes in plants is regulated by a shift in the hormonal concentration, tissue sensitivity and their interaction with the factors operating around them. Out of the recognized hormones, attention has largely been focused on five - Auxins, Gibberellins, Cytokinin, Abscisic acid and Ethylene. However, the information about the most recent group of phytohormone (Brassinosteroids) has been incorporated in this book. This volume includes a selection of newly written, integrated, illustrated reviews describing our knowledge of Brassinosteroids and aims to describe them at the present time. Various chapters incorporate both theoretical and practical aspects and may serve as baseline information for future researches through which significant developments are possible. This book will be useful to the students, teachers and researchers, both in universities and research institutes, especially in relation to biological and agricultural sciences.

Plants possess the ability to biosynthesize a large variety of steroids, but it was not until 1979 that a hormonal function was demonstrated in plants. Today, about 40 structurally and functionally related steroids, known as brassinosteroids, have been isolated from natural sources. Brassinosteroids demonstrate various kinds of regulatory activities in the growth and development of plants. This book is based on a 1990 Russian monograph, but includes all important subsequent literature and developments, including unpublished data from the authors' laboratories.
Key Features
* BRASSINOSTEROIDS: A New Class of Plant Hormones covers:
* Structures and classification
* Isolation and spectroscopic determination
* Biosynthesis and metabolism
* Natural product synthesis
* Physiological mode of action
* Structure-activity relationships
* Practical applications in agriculture

Drawing from a decade-long collaboration between Japan and Russia, this important volume presents the first major synthesis of current knowledge on the ecophysiology of the coniferous forests growing on permafrost at high latitudes. It presents ecological data for a region long inaccessible to most scientists, and raises important questions about the global carbon balance as these systems are affected by the changing climate.

Making up around 20% of the entire boreal forests of the northern hemisphere, these permafrost forest ecosystems are subject to particular constraints in terms of temperature, nutrient availability, and root space, creating exceptional ecosystem characteristics not known elsewhere. This authoritative text explores their diversity, structure, dynamics and physiology. It provides a comparison of these forests in relation to boreal forests elsewhere, and concludes with an assessment of the potential responses of this unique biome to climate change.

The book will be invaluable to advanced students and researchers interested in boreal vegetation, forest ecology, silviculture and forest soils, as well as to researchers into climate change and the global carbon balance. "

This book includes contributions from scientists and representatives from government and non-governmental organisations working in the field of land management and use and on management of fires. The book is truly interdisciplinary and has both a research and application-oriented dimension. The list of topics includes sustainability and water management; sustainability and biodiversity conservation; the future sustainability of nature-based industries such as agriculture, mining, tourism, fisheries and forestry; sustainability, people and livelihoods; sustainability and landscapes planning; sustainability and land use planning; handling and managing forest fires. The papers are innovative and cross-cutting, and many have practice-based experiences. Also, this book, prepared by the Inter-University Sustainable Development Research Programme (IUSDRP) and the World Sustainable Development Research and Transfer Centre (WSD-RTC), reiterates the need to promote a sustainable use of land resources today.

This book provides biological and agricultural insights into snow mold, a fungal disease affecting land plants observed after the melting of snow. Snow mold fungi can cause significant damage to plant growth both in agriculture and in the natural environment, but the interesting ecology and biology described here will capture the attention of scientists in diverse disciplines. The book describes diverse biological phenomena such as cold tolerance of snow mold fungi and plants and their interactions, occurring in an ecologically unique environment under the snow, which maintains constant low temperature and high humidity. Presented here are the unique strategies of snow mold fungi to survive in diverse habitats and the defensive mechanism in plants tolerant to snow mold fungi infection, as well as the conventional control methods using fungicide or cultural practice. Also contained in the book is speculation on the impact of a changing environment on snow mold diseases and their effects on agricultural production.

This volume provides an overview of recent advances in forest ecology on a variety of topics, including species diversity and the factors that control species diversity, environmental factors controlling distribution of forests, impacts of disturbances on forests (fires, drought, hurricane), reproduction ecology of both trees and understory species, and spatial organization of forests. Previously published in Plant Ecology, Volume 201, No.1, 2009.

This book integrates the latest global developments in forestry science and practice and their relevance for the sustainable management of tropical forests. The influence of social dimensions on the development of silvicultural concepts is another spotlight. Ecology and silvicultural options form all tropical continents, and forest formations from dry to moist forests and from lowland to mountain forests are covered. Review chapters which guide readers through this complex subject integrate numerous illustrative and quantitative case studies by experts from all over the world. On the basis of a cross-sectional evaluation of the case studies presented, the authors put forward possible silvicultural contributions towards sustainability in a changing world. The book is addressed to a broad readership from forestry and environmental disciplines.

A great fascination for biologists, the study of embryo development provides indispensable information concerning the origins of the various forms and structures that make up an organism, and our ever-increasing knowledge gained through the study of plant embryology promises to lead to the development of numerous useful applications. In Plant Embryo Culture: Methods and Protocols, expert researchers from the field provide a ready source of information for culturing zygotic embryos for different types of studies, both theoretical and practical. The book's main sections examine a wide range of related topics, including the culture of zygotic embryos for developmental studies, the application of embryo culture techniques focusing on embryo rescue methods, cryopreservation of zygotic embryos, the use of zygotic embryos as explants for somatic embryogenesis and organogenesis, as well as transformation protocols using zygotic embryos as starting material. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, the detailed chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and vital notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and convenient, Plant Embryo Culture: Methods and Protocols serves as a key reference that can be used by scientists of all backgrounds to help develop their own customized methods for many different species and for a variety of purposes.

This detailed volume explores barley as both a crop and a model, with practical techniques such as crossing barley, a range of tissue culture methods, the preparation of barley tissues for different forms of microscopy, and the assessment of sensitivity to abiotic stresses. Efficient protocols are provided for transformation, TILLING, virus-induced gene silencing and genome editing. There is also particular emphasis on a range of protocols for genotyping and for the analysis of gene expression. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introductions on their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and easy-to-use, Barley: Methods and Protocols serves as a valuable reference volume for cereal researchers and breeders by providing detailed protocols covering important traditional skills such as crossing and tissue culture through to the latest technologies for genotyping, expression analysis, and genome editing.

This detailed volume provides diverse elegant methods, complemented with existing protocols, which are optimized for the current needs in plant root biology as well as for use in plant species other than Arabidopsis thaliana. The collection covers methods ranging from genetic screens, phenotypic analysis, and cell biology methods to systems biology tools and genome-wide approaches. The collection contains a range of complexity from fundamental methods for quantification of different root developmental processes to complex methods that require sophisticated equipment. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Root Development: Methods and Protocols serves as a valuable tool for plant biologists specialized in root development, from beginners to experienced researchers in the field.

Considerable advances have been made in our understanding of the eukaryotic cell cycle at the molecular level over the past two decades or so, particularly in yeast and in animal systems. However, only in the past three or four years has progress been made in plants at the molecular level. The present volume brings together molecular biologists, cell biologists and physiologists to discuss this recent progress and how it related to our understanding of the regulation of plant growth and development. The opening paper summarises the progress which has been made with fission yeast. Subsequent papers explore what is known about cell cycle control at the molecular level in plants, and about cell cycle regulation in specific physiological systems, ending with summary papers on cell division in roots and shoots. The book comprises up-to-date findings on a fundamental aspect of plant growth and development, and as such should be of particular interest to advanced undergraduates, postgraduates and research scientists in the fields of molecular biology, cell biology and physiology.

The Grasses and Native Plants manual is a reference manual on diseases which attack grasses, forage, native flowers, and weeds. The manual identifies various types of diseases which are known to invade these plants located throughout North, Central, and South America. The recordings include diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, viruses, viroids, phytoplasmas, and nematodes. Causal disease agents are described and illustrated in some cases and diseases and disease control measures are also discussed. A manual such as this is never finished since new reports of diseases are continuously reported.

First Published in 2018. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an Informa company.

First Published in 2018. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an Informa company.

This is the first English-language book dedicated to Brazilian sand flies and their medical importance. No other country has so many species of these haematophagous insects as Brazil and their diversity has reached an astonishing level. The book contains comprehensive chapters, written by Brazilian experts on their regional distribution, their ecology and their importance as vectors of pathogens and parasites. Methods for sampling, processing and preserving phlebotomines are reviewed as are perspectives on surveillance and leishmaniasis vector control. A novel classification is presented whose aim is to help investigators identify the species that they are working with more efficiently.

This volume provides a collection of protocols aimed toward the study of ethylene signaling in plants. Ethylene Signaling: Methods and Protocols is divided into three sections: ethylene biosynthesis, the signal transduction pathway, and the diverse ethylene responses of dicots and monocots. The chapters in section one discuss techniques for the measurement of activities related to the biosynthetic enzymes ACC synthase and ACC oxidase, the levels of ethylene synthesized by plants, and the treatment of plants with exogenous ethylene. Section two focuses on the analysis of the new membrane-associated proteins involved in the initial perception and transduction of the ethylene signal, such as ethylene receptors, CTR1, and EIN2. The third section covers assays applicable to dicots and monocots, including methods related to the roles of ethylene in germination, growth, abscission, abiotic stress, and defense. Section three also includes information on Arabidopsis mutants and the variety of chemical inhibitors that affect ethylene responses. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Thorough and comprehensive, Ethylene Signaling: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource for both experienced and beginner researchers with prior experience in the study of ethylene signaling and for those who are just entering this exciting research field.

Plant cells house highly dynamic cytoskeletal networks of microtubules and actin microfilaments. They constantly undergo remodeling to fulfill their roles in supporting cell division, enlargement, and differentiation. Following early studies on structural aspects of the networks, recent breakthroughs have connected them with more and more intracellular events essential for plant growth and development. Advanced technologies in cell biology (live-cell imaging in particular), molecular genetics, genomics, and proteomics have revolutionized this field of study. Stories summarized in this book may inspire enthusiastic scientists to pursue new directions toward understanding functions of the plant cytoskeleton.

The Plant Cytoskeleton is divided into three sections: 1) Molecular Basis of the Plant Cytoskeleton; 2) Cytoskeletal Reorganization in Plant Cell Division; and 3) The Cytoskeleton in Plant Growth and Development.

This book is aimed at serving as a resource for anyone who wishes to learn about the plant cytoskeleton beyond ordinary textbooks. "

Conceived with the aim of sorting fact from fiction over genetically modified (GM) crops, this book brings together the knowledge of 30 specialists in the field of transgenic plants. It covers the generation and detection of these plants as well as the genetic traits conferred on transgenic plants. In addition, the book looks at a wide variety of crops, ornamental plants and tree species that are subject to genetic modifications, assessing the risks involved in genetic modification as well as the potential economic benefits of the technology in specific cases. The book s structure, with fully cross-referenced chapters, gives readers a quick access to specific topics, whether that is comprehensive data on particular species of ornamentals, or coverage of the socioeconomic implications of GM technology. With an increasing demand for bioenergy, and the necessary higher yields relying on wider genetic variation, this book supplies all the technical details required to move forward to a new era in agriculture.

"

In any ecosystem, plant and microbe interaction is inevitable. They not only co-exist but also support each other's survival and also provide for sustenance in stressful environment. Agro-ecosystems of many regions around the globe are affected by multi-stress. Major limiting factors affecting the agricultural productivity worldwide are environmental stresses. Apart from decreasing yield they introduce devastating impact on plant growth as well. Plants battle with various kind of stresses with the help of symbiotic association with the microbes in the rhizosphere. Naturally existing plant-microbe interaction facilitates survival of plants under these stressful conditions. Rhizosphere consists of many groups of microbes, plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) is one such group of microbes which assist plants in coping with multiple stresses and in plant growth as well. These microbes help in stress physiology of the plants and can be extremely useful in solving agricultural as well food security problems. The proposed book is split into two parts, with an aim to provide comprehensive description and highlight a holistic approach. It elucidates various mechanisms in rhizosphere of nutrient management, stress tolerance and enhanced crop productivity. The book discusses rhizospheric flora and its importance in enhancement of plant growth, nutrient content, yield of various crops and vegetables as well as soil fertility and health. Both volumes of the book addresses fundamentals, applications as well as research trends and new prospects of agricultural sustainability. Volume 2: Nutrient Management and Crop Improvement, contains chapters which cover a broad overview of plant growth promoting activities of microbes. This proposed book also highlights the contribution of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, iron and zinc-solubilizing microbes from rhizospheric soil to develop efficient indigenous microbial consortia to enhance the food and nutritional security. With the given content and layout the proposed book will be an all-inclusive collection of information, which will be useful for students, academicians, researchers working in the field of rhizospheric mechanisms, agricultural microbiology, soil microbiology, biotechnology, agronomy and sustainable agriculture and also for policy makers in the area of food security and sustainable agriculture. It will be of special interest to both academics and professionals working in the fields of microbiology, soil microbiology, biotechnology and agronomy, as well as the plant protection sciences. Timely, this edited and research book provides an essential and comprehensive source of material from basic to advance findings on microbes and their role in agricultural and soil sustainability.

The ability to produce vast amounts of DNA sequence data has enabled the discovery of molecular markers in model organisms, crops, as well as orphan species making genotyping the rate limiting factor, and this volume focuses on the different markers available and the low to high throughput genotyping of these markers. Given the diverse nature of some of these systems, an overview is provided on the identification of markers from sequence data, as well as data analysis with example applications once the genotyping data has been generated. Written in the successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols, and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and easily accessible, Plant Genotyping: Methods and Protocols is aimed at plant molecular biologists, geneticists, plant breeders and ecologists who have a target question and need to know the most suitable markers and genotyping system to use.