Applications of Biosurfactant in Agriculture explores the use of beneficial microorganisms as an alternative to current synthetic plant protection strategies. The book highlights a range of renewable raw substrates including agro-industrial waste as a dependable and cost-effective technology for the mass production of biosurfactant, emphasizes the formulation of biosurfactants using a full-factorial design, scientometric assessment, and presents mathematical modeling for the enhancement of production processes. Recent biotechnological techniques such as functional metagenomics that could help in the molecular characterization of novel biosurfactant with multifunctional activities majorly from uncultured and unexploited microbes available in the soil biosphere are also explored. This book identifies possible modes of action by which nutrients are normally released to plants through the formation of metal-biosurfactant complexes and presents recent research findings on the utilization of biosurfactants for the management of mycotoxins and microorganisms when evaluated in the field and in greenhouses. Finally, the book emphasizes the application of biosurfactants as a form of potent antibiotics for the management of several zoonotic diseases and in animal husbandry.

Cell-Cell Signaling in Development, Volume 150 covers new approaches and topics surrounding the diversity of animals, with recognized species now in the millions. Remarkably, the many distinct morphologies in the metazoan biosphere are generated by only a small number of genetically-encoded signaling systems that organize cells into patterned tissues, principally, the Wnt, Hedgehog, Bone morphogenic protein, fibroblast growth factor, Notch/Delta, and planar polarity systems whose roles orchestrating morphogenesis are widespread and evolutionarily conserved. Users will find the latest information on these elegant systems, along with conceptual links to signaling in plants and ideas that are emerging from recent progress.

Omics in Horticulture Crops presents a comprehensive view of germplasm diversity, genetic evolution, genomics, proteomics and transcriptomics of fruit crops (temperate, tropical and subtropical fruits, fruit nuts, berries), vegetables, tuberous crops, ornamental and floricultural crops and medicinal aromatic plants. Information covering phenomics, genetic diversity, phylogenetic studies, genome sequencing, and genome barcoding through the utilization of molecular markers plays an imperative role in the characterization and effective utilization of diverse germplasm are included in the book. This is a valuable reference for researchers and academics seeking to improve cultivar productivity through enhanced genetic diversity while also retaining optimal traits and protecting the growing environment.

Advances in Agronomy, Volume 174, the latest release in this leading reference on agronomy, contains a variety of updates and highlights new advances in the field. Each chapter is written by an international board of authors.

Cell Signaling Pathways in Development, Volume 149 in the Current Topics in Developmental Biology series, highlights new advances in the field, with this new volume presenting interesting chapters on a variety of topics, including Ephrin signaling, Cell signaling to the extracellular matrix, Signaling by TGF-b superfamily members, Hedgehog signaling, Parallels in signaling during development and regeneration, Hippo signaling, Wnt/PCP signaling, Signaling oscillations in presomitic mesoderm, FGFs/RTKs subcellular signaling compartments, and Signaling dynamics.

This fully revised and updated second edition of Insect Pests of Potato now includes an opening section with a basic overview of agronomic and economic issues as they relate to potato production. It also features a new section that reviews potato production, as well as problems caused by insect pests and solutions to these problems, in all major potato-growing regions of the world. Further, a new section discusses theoretical foundations of potato pest management and includes chapters on ecological theory, evolutionary theory, and a case study on their applications to elucidate differences between Eastern and Western populations of Colorado potato beetle in North America. There is also a new chapter on the foundations of integrated pest management and their applications in controlling insect pests. The sections on the biology of main pests and on control methods now feature the latest information, including emphasis on recent advances in molecular biology and genomics. Information on the use of dsRNA technology for pest control is also included, as are new chapters on potato ladybirds and on hemipterous pests other than aphids and psyllids. This second edition provides improved integration and logical connections among chapters and expanded geographic scope of coverage making it the ideal reference on the topic.

An ever-growing roster of model organisms is a hallmark of 21st century Developmental Biology. Emerging model organisms are well suited to asking some fascinating and important questions that cannot be addressed using established model systems. And new methods are increasingly facilitating the adoption of new research organisms in laboratories. This volume is written by some of the scientists who have played pivotal roles in developing new models or in significantly advancing tools in emerging systems.

Agriculture's Ethical Horizon: Third Edition covers the changing environment in which practitioners of agriculture are challenged to produce food for the world. Fully revised and updated, the book encourages discussions on the moral questions that agriculture faces, including what goals should agricultural science pursue and how should practitioners address important ethical questions which are different and more complex than the dominating questions of production? The book presents the story of agriculture from the blood, sweat and tears era, to the present genetic era, including the paradox of agriculture. This book is ideal for agricultural students, practitioners and anyone who would like to understand the tremendous responsibility of agricultural production. It presents a foundation for the important discussions and decisions that will be necessary to support the future of agriculture.

Advances in Agronomy, Volume 172, the latest release in this leading reference on the topic, contains a variety of updates and highlights new advances in the field, with each chapter written by an international board of authors.