This is a hands-on practical guide to the use of Trichoderma as a biocontrol, as part of sustainable disease control measures for Ganoderma disease in oil palm plantations. The manual provides background information on Ganoderma (basal stem rot), the most devastating disease of oil palm in Southeast Asia, as well as on the benefits of Trichoderma fungi in safe guarding yields. The disease is caused by soil-borne fungi, Ganoderma spp, which are found in West Africa and South America, as well as Southeast Asia. Practical information is given on: the use of Trichoderma to manage Ganoderma for research and commercial use health and safety considerations in the laboratory, nursery and field in vitro multiplication of Trichoderma starting from media preparation and culture Ganoderma pathogenicity testing Trichoderma in vitro antagonism screening of Ganoderma Trichoderma screening to protect seedlings scoring Ganoderma response to Trichoderma in selecting aggressive Trichoderma isolates commercial use and application in oil palm plantations This is an invaluable manual for oil palm growers, estate/plantation managers, pathologists and breeders and research institutes across the world (especially tropical zones). It is also useful for those starting a career in oil palm plant protection, and as a reference guide for managers and for training purposes.

As populations in many developed countries age and the burden of chronic disease increases, there remains a need to establish effective preventative measures. Fruit and vegetables are a natural source of vitamins and minerals which can contribute to good health. Understanding and optimising the nutraceutical properties of fruit and vegetables reviews the associated health benefits of key horticultural crops, including apples, broccoli and cranberries. The book provides authoritative discussions on the nutraceutical properties of the major phytochemical compounds, including antioxidants and flavonoids, and how these properties can be optimised to prevent the onset of chronic diseases. By providing a comprehensive insight into the human health benefits of fruit and vegetables, the book highlights the emergence of a more sustainable, alternative method to preventing the onset of disease with less reliance on overburdened healthcare systems.

Plant Adaptation and Crop Improvement focuses on the opportunities for increasing the efficiency of crop improvement by understanding the basis of variation for plant adaptation in agricultural production systems. Crop improvement strategies based on combinations of the statistical modelling methodologies used by plant breeders and the crop modelling methodologies used by crop physiologists/agronomists are developed and discussed. The book captures much of the experience of scientists from around the world who have worked on the challenging problem of achieving crop improvement in variable crop production systems. It represents a major synthesis for workers in plant breeding, crop physiology and agronomy.

The development of computer simulation models is an important growth area in both pure and applied ecology. The opportunity that mathematical models provide to integrate the components of an ecosystem, results in the ability to make quantitative predictions about the future behaviour of that system, or of elements within it. This means that they are powerful tools with wide applications and enormous potential for increasing our understanding of natural systems and our ability to use them in a sustainable way. This book is, almost uniquely, a complete account of one such model, the Hurley Pasture Model, a dynamic, deterministic, mechanistic simulation model for grassland, which has been developed by the author over some twenty years, in collaboration with scientists at several centres. Firstly, the rationale and theoretical elements of this type of model are described. An overview of the Hurley grassland simulator and the derivation and construction of its plant, animal, soil and litter, water, and environment and management components is then given. Next, the model is evaluated by a series of long and short-term dynamic simulations and steady state responses, which demonstrate how predictions can be made about the effects of, for example, climate change or particular regimes of fertilizer application, grazing or cutting. This book will be of great value to grassland agronomists and modellers, crop physiologists and plant ecologists, and to students of ecology as a case study of a plant ecosystem model. It will also be of interest to other ecologists and environmentalists and those in the field of computer modelling and its applications.

This collection reviews current advances in the breeding and cultivation of key tropical and subtropical fruits. Chapters summarise key advances across the value chain for citrus fruit cultivation, including citrus genetics, nutrition and other aspects of cultivation, the use of precision agriculture and developments in integrated pest management (IPM). Two case studies on limes and mandarins highlight the range of improvements in cultivation. The book also summarises recent developments in breeding and cultivation techniques for a range of soft tropical fruits, including banana, kiwifruit, lychee, papaya, pineapple and pomegranate. The final part of the book covers developments in breeding and cultivation techniques for a range of stone and other tropical fruit, including avocado, coconut, guava, jackfruit, mangos and olives.

The two closely related species of Potato Cyst-Nematodes (PCN), Globodera rostochiensis (Woll) and Globodera pallida Stone have a worldwide distribution. Both are internationally recognized plant quarantine organisms of actual or potential major economic importance wherever potatoes are grown or traded. They occur in large soil masses and also adhere to potato tubers as microscopic cysts, which represent a complex of morphologically identical, but behaviourally different virulence groups, or pathotypes. This presents major problems for their detection, identification and management. This book is a synthesis of current practical knowledge and underpinning scientific research on PCN globally. It is arranged in five sections, comprising nineteen chapters by leading practitioners and research nematologists, in which the biology, detection, identification and control options (including plant resistance) for PCN are examined. In addition, its worldwide status is considered, including South America, where PCN co-evolved with its potato host. Essential information is provided for professionals and advanced students of plant nematology and crop protection.

The grasses and legumes grown in pastures and rangelands form the basis of the worldwide animal production industry. Some species also have a significant role in the sport and leisure industry, for playing surfaces such as golf courses and football fields. It is therefore vitally important to ensure that seed supplies of appropriate species are available for use on a commercial scale. This book is published in association with the International Herbage Seed Production Research Group. It brings together leading researchers and along with its companion volume Forage Seed Production Volume 2: Tropical and Subtropical Species (to be published in late 1998), provides the definitive resource for all those concerned with breeding and profitable seed production for grasses and legumes used within grazing systems or recreation and amenity provision. The book is in two parts. Part 1 covers all aspects relevant to seed production, including improving seed yield and quality, crop management, harvesting, processing and the international seed trade. Part 2 consists of eleven case studies from eight countries covering three continents. This book and its companion should be read by all seed scientists involved in the breeding and commercial production of grass and legume seed. They also represent a valuable asset for all commercial seed suppliers. Additionally, the information presented within the book is important for all students and lecturers within departments of agriculture and plant breeding.

The major temperate forage legumes are of global importance in the sustainable productivity of ruminant feed in the developed world. This book brings together in one volume all aspects of their basic biology and associated production practices. Emphasis is placed on the importance of understanding plant characteristics and their consequences in terms of forage output, quality and utilization by livestock. Recent research advances are reviewed and put into context and several recently commercialised species are also covered. The introduction considers the history, current extent, benefits and limits of temperate forage legume usage. Subsequent chapters are dedicated to a comprehensive examination of each forage species in turn, dealing with their origin, morphology, physiology, ecology, nitrogen-fixing capability, cultivars, seed production, nutritive value and productivity. The key factors for optimal management are identified and the prospects for the future outlined, including the potential arising from the use of biotechnology. This book is essential reading for degree and postgraduate students of plant science, agronomy and animal production. Additionally, students and researchers in ecology and environmental science will also find it a valuable resource. The management sections will be of particular value to grassland advisers, consultants and progressive land users.

Plant pathogenic fungi cause devastating damage to crop production worldwide. The growing global population necessitates reduced crop losses to improve food security, and the control of fungal plant pathogens is vital to help maintain food production. Providing a concise and balanced review of fungicides used in crop protection, this book describes the science of fungicide use, selection and resistance within the context of farming situations. Major updates and additions reflecting the emergence of two new classes of fungicides (strobilurins and SDHI) and the increased incidence of fungicide resistance are included in this new edition, which also discusses legislative requirements to reduce fungicide applications, and current trends in fungicide use.

THE UPDATED, AUTHORITATIVE GUIDE TO SPORTS FIELD MANAGEMENT THAT INCLUDES THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN, AND ON, THE FIELD The updated Third Edition of Sports Fields: Design, Construction, and Maintenance is a comprehensive reference for professionals who are responsible for the design, construction, renovation, and maintenance of athletic facilities. This book contains illustrative examples of specific design elements of the most popular sports facilities. This Third Edition contains new chapters on safety, public relations, and professionalism for future sports field managers, as well as fresh drawings and photos that highlight innovative field layout, grading, irrigation, and drainage. All-new case studies review best practices and techniques for sports fields ranging from youth and high school fields to fields that are designed for professional athletes. This text is also an ideal resource for anyone studying for Sports Field Manager Certification (offered by STMA). Features new case studies that include design and management best practices for all levels and types of sports facilities Offers new chapters on safety, public relations, and professionalism for future sports field managers Includes new illustrations and photos of innovative field layout, grading, irrigation, and drainage Contains the most recent information on sand-based field systems and synthetic turf Presents discussions of a range of fields including baseball, softball, football, soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, tennis, and track and field Sports Fields: Design, Construction, and Maintenance, Third Edition is a blueprint for field managers, designers, and builders for successful sports field projects.

Maintaining soil health is fundamental to successful crop production and ecosystem sustainability. To enable effective management soil health must first be measured and then monitored and so the authors review and evaluate how soil organisms can be used to fulfil this role. This book is essential for all soil scientists and consultants. It is of particular relevance to those involved in soil health monitoring and maintenance as well as those undertaking soil remediation. It is also important reading for agronomists, ecologists and environmentalists. This book is a comprehensive and effective resource for all those working to sustain healthy soils.

Soybean is one of the world s leading sources of seed oil and seed protein and is grown extensively, particularly in the Americas and Asia. Indeed, soybean is the lowest-cost producer of vegetable oil, since the oil is a coproduct of its protein-rich meal. Major advances have recently been made in our understanding of soybean genetics and of the application of new technologies to soybean improvement. Thus it is now possible, using molecular methods, to alter the protein and oil composition of soybean, as well as produce other foreign proteins in the plant. Further progress should permit the improvement of nitrogen fixation and other desirable traits. This book focuses on recent progress in our understanding of the genetics and molecular biology of soybean and provides a broad review of the subject, from genome diversity to transformation and integration of desired genes using current technologies. It is aimed at workers in legume agronomy, plant genetics, breeding and biotechnology."

Conservation agriculture is a sustainable production model that not only optimizes crop yields, but also reaps economic and environmental benefits as well. The adoption of successful conservation agriculture methods has resulted in energy savings, higher organic matter content and biotic activity in soil, increased crop-water availability and thus resilience to drought, improved recharge of aquifers, less erosion, and reduced impacts from the weather associated with climate change in general. Applied Agricultural Practices for Mitigating Climate Change examines several important aspects of crop production, such as the use of microorganisms and biofertilizers as well as GIS and Remote Sensing applications. It presents the latest techniques in crop modeling, best practices for irrigation under water deficit conditions, and other approaches for sustainable conservation agriculture that consider the environmental effects of climate change. Features: Examines the effects of climate change on agriculture and the related strategies for mitigation through practical, real-world examples Explores innovative on-farm technology options to increase system efficiency resulting in improved water usage Presents examples of precision farming using climate-resilient technologies

This book provides a comprehensive overview of grassland nitrogen incorporating information from crop science, soils and fertilizers, ruminant consumption and environmental aspects. The published information is reviewed on the various transformations of nitrogen in temperate grassland systems. These include those taking place in soils. The effects of soil, weather and management practices are discussed and considerable emphasis is placed on soil-plant-animal interactions. A second aim of the book is to describe the factors that influence the response of grassland to the application of fertilizer nitrogen, and how the optimum rate of application may be determined. In addition, nitrogen balances are described for different grassland systems, showing how the annual inputs and outputs vary greatly depending on sward type and management. The book is of interest to a wide readership, especially those engaged in research, teaching and advisory work, and students taking courses in agricultural and environmental sciences.

"Darwin's Harvest" addresses concerns that we are losing the diversity of crop plants that provide food for most of the world. With contributions from evolutionary biologists, geneticists, agronomists, molecular biologists, and anthropologists, this collection discusses how economic development, loss of heirloom varieties and wild ancestors, and modern agricultural techniques have endangered the genetic diversity needed to keep agricultural crops vital and capable of adaptation.

Drawing on the most up-to-date data, the contributors review the utilization of molecular techniques to understand crop evolution. They explore current research on various crop plants of both temperate and tropical origin, including maize, sunflower, avocado, sugarcane, and wheat. The chapters in Darwin's Harvest also provide solid background for understanding many recent discoveries concerning the origins of crops and the influence of human migration and farming practices on the genetics of our modern foods.

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Induced Resistance for Plant Defence "provides comprehensive details of the science, methodology and applications of this important subject, which now offers the prospect of broad spectrum, long lasting and potentially environmentally benign disease control in plants.

The cutting edge contents of this extremely important book include coverage of cellular aspects of induced resistance, including signaling and defence mechanisms, the trade offs associated with the expression of induced resistance, work on integrating induced resistance into crop protection practice and induced resistance from a commercial perspective.

With chapters written by internationally-respected contributors from around the world, each edited and integrated by three editors known for their work in this area, "Induced Resistance for Plant Defence" will be of great interest and use to plant pathologists, plant cell and molecular biologists, agricultural scientists, crop protection specialists and personnel working in the agrochemical industry. All libraries in universities and research establishments where biological and agricultural sciences are studied and taught should have copies of this important book on their shelves.

The potato is economically a very important crop in many parts of the world. All improvements through potato breeding or biotechnology must be based on a thorough knowledge of potato genetics. This book fills a major gap in the current literature for an up-to-date account of this topic and its implications for crop improvement. Written by authorities from the UK, USA, Canada, Peru, Netherlands, Germany, Sweden and Poland, this major reference work will be indispensible for workers in plant genetics, breeding and biotechnology.

A practical coverage of the principles of producing seeds for the main agricultural crops, this book emphasises producing optimal quality seed, and applies to small and large scale farms worldwide. Cereals such as wheats, rice, barley, rye and maize are covered along with pulses, legumes, oil seed rape and soybean. Coverage includes principles of production such as pollination, agronomy issues such as site selection and cultivar purity, seed processing, drying and storage. A focus on global food security is maintained throughout.

This book presents a game changing technology of lower energy-intensive urea production of urea which is used as fertilizer. The technology, from a resource to a knowledge-intensive based industry, investigates a new synthesis approach employing electromagnetic induction and nano-catalyst at lower energy consumption. This clean and green method for a sustainable future might change the landscape of future chemical processes. It is made possible due to the enhancement in nanotechnology where quantum mechanical understanding is called into play. New reactor designs are elaborated on and discussed explicitly. Hematite and nickel oxide nanocatalysts are proposed for the green urea synthesis process, in the presence of static and oscillating magnetic fields. Strategies to increase single to triplet conversion rate are given for better understanding of the improved urea rate. The focus is deliberately on scrutinizing the greenhouse gas effect on the urea yield, in this case CO2 flow rate. Coating techniques for slow release strategies are provided to reduce the volatilization of ammonia and leaching effect, hence offering a complete solution of Green Technology. Agriculture 4.0 that creates the new patterns and precision monitoring of crop rotation and livestock utilization will be able to pave the way for better crop yield. Development of advanced technology in agriculture is important for the implementation of Agriculture 4.0 and currently an inevitable trend of the socioeconomic development in the context of broader international integration for the sustainable future. The author would like to acknowledge Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) for the grant worth RM 12 million to accomplish Green and Economical Urea project and to have full understanding on Green Technology in Urea. This book is a collaborative effort by her colleagues, Ku Zilati, Khanif, Shahrina, Zainovia, Azizah, Zakaria, and who have carried out the research over the past five years which started in 2011. Their unconditional commitment had brought us together and we completed the project with success. I wish to also thank Dr Menaka Ganeson and all my PhD students, Dr. Saima, Dr. Bilal, Mr. Zia and Mr. Irfan for their commitment to assist me to complete the book. Last but not least, thank you very much to Professor Mike Payne (Cambridge University) and Professor Koziol (Cranfield University) for the comments.

Current trends in population growth suggest that global food production is unlikely to satisfy future demand under predicted climate change scenarios unless rates of crop improvement are accelerated. In order to maintain food security in the face of these challenges, a holistic approach that includes stress-tolerant germplasm, sustainable crop and natural resource management, and sound policy interventions will be needed. The first volume in the CABI Climate Change Series, this book provides an overview of the essential disciplines required for sustainable crop production in unpredictable environments. Chapters include discussions of adapting to biotic and abiotic stresses, sustainable and resource-conserving technologies and new tools for enhancing crop adaptation. Examples of successful applications as well as future prospects of how each discipline can be expected to evolve over the next 30 years are also presented. Laying out the basic concepts needed to adapt to and mitigate changes in crop environments, this is an essential resource for researchers and students in crop and environmental science as well as policy makers.

This book provides discussion on the importance of hydroponics with particular focus on the nutrient film technique for the production of premium, fresh vegetables in a highly economically feasible method. It highlights this culture of growing as one of the most efficient agricultural practices for a sustainable market and also addresses the numerous challenges faced in the production of crops grown in soil. Nutrient Film Technique Hydroponics describes detailed instructions on the set up of an efficient system, including applications for lower budgets, new business ventures, and gives a detailed outline for the construction of an ideal hydroponic system. It also reveals the secrets to turning a hydroponic system into a profitable business by providing the necessary templates for tracking a successful endeavor. This book also contains references for further reading and a comprehensive index.

Soil degradation and nutrient depletion have become serious threats to agricultural productivity in Africa. Soils cannot supply the quantities of nutrients required and yield levels decline rapidly once cropping commences. This book addresses these issues and includes papers from an international symposium held at Cotonou, Benin, October 9-12, 2000, organized by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan, Nigeria and the Department of Land Management of the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium. In five main parts, it marks the end of a first phase of collaborative research on "Balanced Nutrient Management Systems for the Moist Savanna and Humid Forest Zones of Africa" and concludes with recommendations, providing essential reading for crop and soil scientists.

From enhancing the flavour of food to providing a substrate for fermentation, sugar is renowned worldwide for its importance as a commodity. For many centuries sugarcane has been cultivated and developed, and we now have a huge range of crop varieties.

Based on Blackburn's highly successful "Sugarcane," originally published in 1984, this new edition has been fully revised and expanded by an international team of widely respected sugarcane specialists. Focussing on the agricultural aspects of the crop, this book follows a logical progression from the botany and breeding through to planning cultivation, control of weeds, pests and diseases, harvest management and payment for cane.

An invaluable asset to those involved in planning or running sugar estates as well as small producers

An easy-to-follow reference for students and agriculturalists alike

Comprehensive reference sections and further reading