Food security, one of the basic human rights, seems to be ever eluding the people of sub-Saharan Africa. With each occurrence of crop failure, agriculturalists around the world reawaken to the challenge of ensuring sta ble, adequate food production in the tropical African environments. The International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC), with its mandate of alleviating food shortages through judicial use of fertilizers, formulated a program to study fertilizer use strategies for sub-Saharan Africa. With gener ous financial assistance from the International Fund for Agricultural Devel opment (IFAD), IFDC, in collaboration with the International Crop Re search Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) and the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IIT A), initiated a research project aimed at assessing means to remedy soil nutrient deficiencies that constrain food production in the humid, subhumid, and semiarid tropics of Africa. The results of this project were summarized during a workshop held in Togo, March 25-28, 1985; the proceedings of that meetings are found in this vol ume. The project established collaboration with numerous national programs that were responsible for much of the data collection. The data presented in Chapters 6 and 9 include much of this information. We wish to acknowledge the contribution of the individual scientists, J.T. Ambe, F. Ganry, M. Gaoh, M. Issaka, J. Kiazolu, J. Kikafunde-Twine, K. Kpomblekou, F. Lompo, H."

Biochemical, Physiological and Molecular Avenues for Combating Abiotic Stress in Plants is a must-have reference for researchers and professionals in agronomy, plant science and horticulture. As abiotic stress tolerance is a constant challenge for researchers and professionals working on improving crop production, this book combines recent advances with foundational content, thus offering in-depth coverage on a variety of abiotic stress tolerance mechanisms that help us better understand and improve plant response and growth under stress conditions. The mechanisms explored in this book include stress perception, signal transduction and synthesis of stress-related proteins and other molecules. In addition, the book provides a critical understanding of the networks of genes responsible for abiotic stress tolerance and their utilization in the development of stress tolerance in plants. Practical breeding techniques and modern genetic analyses are also discussed.

Advances in Agronomy, Volume 150, continues to be recognized as a leading reference and first-rate source for the latest research in agronomy. Each volume contains an eclectic group of reviews by leading scientists throughout the world. As always, the subjects covered are rich, varied, and exemplary of the abundant subject matter addressed by this long-running serial.

Algorithim (mathematics) helps in understanding the direct and indirect relationship of plants that exist within it and other environmental factors. This book helps to understand how yield is related to different growth parameters, how growth is influenced by different environmental phenomenon, how best the resources can be used for crop production, etc. The numerical examples in the book guide a student to coordinate the different parameters and understand the subject of Agronomy well. This book is divided into thirteen chapters and covers comprehensively the different agronomic aspects to understand the science of mathematical Agronomy to meet the current and future challenges related to cropping practices.

reviews a wide-range of genetically modified (GM) crops, to understand how they are produced, the impacts on the agricultural industry, and the potential for improving food security. examines how food security can be achieved through GM crops. provides an important synthesis of GM crops from their commercial value to the agricultural industry, as well as their potential for improving food security. will be of great interest to students and scholars of agricultural engineering, crop science, food biotechology, food security and those interested in food and agriculture and sustainable development more broadly.

A comprehensive guide that covers the banana's full value chain - from production to consumption The banana is the world's fourth major fruit crop. Offering a unique and in-depth overview of the fruit's entire value chain, this important new handbook charts its progression from production through to harvest, postharvest, processing, and consumption. The most up-to-date data and best practices are drawn together to present guidelines on innovative storage, processing, and packaging technologies, while fresh approaches to quality management and the value-added utilization of banana byproducts are also explained. Additionally, the book examines the banana's physiology, nutritional significance, and potential diseases and pests. The book also Edited by noted experts in the field of food science, this essential text: Provides a new examination of the world's fourth major fruit crop Covers the fruit's entire value chain Offers dedicated chapters on bioactive and phytochemical compounds found in bananas and the potential of processing byproducts Gives insight into bananas' antioxidant content and other nutritional properties Identifies and explains present and possible effects of bioactive and phytochemical compounds Handbook of Banana Production, Postharvest Science, Processing Technology, and Nutrition offers the most far-reaching overview of the banana currently available. It will be of great benefit to food industry professionals specializing in fruit processing, packaging, and manufacturing banana-based products. The book is also an excellent resource for those studying or researching food technology, food science, food engineering, food packaging, applied nutrition, biotechnology, and more.

This specially curated collection features six reviews of current and key research on genetic modification of crops. The first chapter reviews key challenges facing banana production, primarily the risk of species decimation by diseases such as Fusarium wilt, and considers how genetic modification may be a solution to this. The second chapter discusses the development and establishment of 'Golden Rice' - a biofortified variety designed as a health intervention to help alleviate the problem of vitamin A deficiency. The third chapter details recent advances in the genetic modification of important agronomic traits of soybean crops, such as herbicide tolerance and insect resistance. The fourth chapter addresses progress in and prospects for transgenic interventions in the improvement of grain legumes, concentrating on chickpea, pigeonpea, cowpea and more. The fifth chapter reviews recent research efforts in the production of genetically modified (GM) oil palm plants and looks towards establishing stable lines of commercially viable GM varieties. The final chapter describes recent progress relating to transgenic modification of cassava and how future research can strengthen food security and commercialization of the crop.

Understanding Climate Change Impacts on Crop Productivity and Water examines the greenhouse gas emissions and their warming effect, climate change projections, crop productivity and water. The book explores the most important greenhouse gases that influence the climate system, technical terms associated with climate projections, and the different mechanisms impacting crop productivity and water balance. Adaptive and mitigative strategies are proposed to cope with negative effects of climate change in particular domains. This book will help researchers interested in climate change impacts on the atmosphere, soil and plants.

This book provides a comprehensive coverage of the advances in genetics and genomics research on rice. The chapters feature the latest developments in rice research and cover such topics as the tools and resources for the functional analysis of rice genes, the identification of useful genes for rice improvement, the present understanding of rice development and biological processes, and the application of this present understanding towards rice improvement. The volume also features a perspective on synthesis and prospects, laying the groundwork for future advances in rice genetics and genomics. Written by authorities in the field, Genetics and Genomics of Rice will serve as an invaluable reference for rice researchers for years to come.

Genetic erosion, that is, the loss of native plant and genetic diversity has been exponential from the Mediterranean Basin through the Twentieth century. This careless eradication of species and genetic diversity as a result of human activities from a 'hot-spot' of diversity threatens sustainable agriculture and food security for the temperate regions of the world. Since the early 1900s there has been a largely ad hoc movement to halt the loss of plant diversity and enhance its utilisation. The Convention on Biological Diversity and Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations International Undertaking on Plant Genetic Resources, both highlight the need to improve conservation methodologies and enhance utilisation techniques. It has been argued that the most important component of biodiversity is the genetic diversity of crop and forage species used to feed humans and livestock. These cultivated and related wild species provides the raw material for further selection and improvement. Leguminosae species are of major economic importance (peas, chickpeas, lentils and faba beans, as well as numerous forage species) and provide a particularly rich source of protein for human and animal foods. Their distribution is concentrated in the Mediterranean region and therefore the improvement of their conservation and use in the region is critical. This text is designed to help ensure an adequate breadth of legume diversity is conserved and to help maximise the use of that conserved diversity. The subjects of conservation and use of legume diversity, the Mediterranean ecosystem and taxonomy of legumes are introduced. Generic reviews of the taxonomy, centre of diversity, ecogeographicdistribution, genetic diversity distribution, conservation status, conservation gaps and future research needs are provided, along with a discussion of the importance of rhizobia to the maintenance of legume diversity. Current ex situ and in situ conservation activities as well current legume uses are reviewed. In conclusion future priorities for ex situ and in situ plant genetic conservation and use of Mediterranean legumes are highlighted. All contributors look forward rather than simply reviewing past and current activities and therefore it is hoped that the identification of genetic erosion, location of taxonomic and genetic diversity and promotion of more efficient utilisation of conserved material will be enhanced.

The book offers an updated perspective on the unique characteristics of millets. Millets are consumed for their health/nutritional benefits, and in the preparation of specialty foods for target groups - from pediatrics to geriatrics. Recent trends suggest the importance of millet in the human diet due to their nutritional importance, ability to grow in high temperatures and drought conditions, and their resistance to pests and diseases. This book highlights different types of millet and discusses their properties as well as nutritional and anti-nutritional values. In addition, the book also provides information on the physiochemical properties, future prospects, current methodologies, and agricultural practices. The last few parts cover the emerging technologies in millet processing, by-products utilization, quality standards, and the current millet industry scenario. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the status of millet processing, quality, and nutraceutical product manufacture. The book is a resourceful read for students and researchers in food sciences, as well as industry experts.

This new volume addresses the growing use of organic farming in recent past decades fueled by the concern with the many deleterious effects of conventional agricultural practices, which employ chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides for large scale production of food. It focuses on sustainable development in farming, primarily detailing the application of different natural resources as manure for organic farming. The authors discuss efficient and cost-effective uses of natural and available resources to produce healthy food while at the same time helping to conserve the environment. Section I of Organic Farming for Sustainable Development discusses in detail the application of microorganisms such as Trichoderma sp., Azospirillum sp., endophytic microorganisms, arbuscular mycorrhiza, Chaetomium sp., and bioactive secondary metabolites in organic farming practices. Section II explores the potential applications of organic amendments and sustainable practices for plant growth and soil health using garlic products, organic substrates, biochar, organic mulching, and tillage and weed management. In addition, Section III summarizes the impacts and prospects of organic crop production technology on health, food safety, and quality. The authors bring together important information that will be helpful in designing organic farming methods for soil sustainability and crop productivity as well as for nutritious food produced efficiently and cost productively. The book provides valuable insight to efficiently and cost-effectively use natural and available resources to increase the nutrient content of our food as well as to manage the organic wastes coming from other sectors, such as from cattle farms without polluting the surroundings.

This collection features four peer-reviewed literature reviews on integrated crop-livestock systems in agriculture. The first chapter reviews the use of integrated crop-livestock systems to achieve balance in organic animal farming. The chapter focusses primarily on the use of agroforestry systems, their potential environmental and economic benefits, as well as how they contribute to animal health and welfare. The second chapter examines the different state-of-the-art integrated crop-livestock systems in various eco-regions worldwide under Conservation Agriculture. As a world leader in the adoption of integrated crop-livestock systems, a substantial part of the chapter is dedicated to the research and adoption of these systems in Brazil. The third chapter illustrates how crop-livestock systems contribute to improving global food security and diversifying the diets of smallholder livelihoods. The chapter explores the climate resilience of these systems and the mitigation strategies developed and implemented by farmers to deal with climate variability. The final chapter discusses the development of whole-farm system models to understand the complexity of integrated crop-livestock systems. The chapter assesses the key processes governing interactions between farm components and provides two examples of common whole-farm model applications from contrasting environments to demonstrate this.

Provides updated value-cost ratios for all major crops using micronutrient fertilizers. Includes a chapter focusing on the future micronutrient research and development needs. Presents predictive mapping of zinc deficiency in soils at scale, and the related impacts on GDP.

Shows the importance of plant tissue culture and transgenic technology on plant biology research and its application to agricultural production Provides insight into what may lie ahead in this rapidly expanding area of plant research and development Contains contributions from major leaders in the field of plant tissue culture and transgenic technology

Wheat, which is the second most important cereal crop in the world, is being grown in a wide range of climates over an area of about 228 945 thou sand ha with a production of about 535 842 MT in the world. Bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L. ) accounts for 80% of the wheat consumption, howe ver, it is attacked by a large number of pests and pathogens; rusts and smuts cause enormous damage to the crop and reduce the yield drastically in some areas. The major breeding objectives for wheat include grain yield, earliness, resistance to lodging and diseases, spikelet fertility, cold tolerance, leaf duration and net assimilation rate, fertilizer utilization, coleoptile length, nutritional value, organoleptic qualities, and the improvement of charac ters such as color and milling yield. The breeding of wheat by traditional methods has been practiced for centuries, however, it has only now come to a stage where these methods are insufficient to make any further breakthrough or to cope with the world's demand. Although numerous varieties are released every year around the world, they do not last long, and long-term objectives cannot be realized unless more genetic variability is generated. Moreover, the intro duction of exotic genetic stocks and their cultivation over large areas results in the depletion and loss of the native germplasm pool."

This collection features four peer-reviewed literature reviews on cover crops in agriculture. The first chapter describes the contribution of cover crops to improving soil health. The chapter reviews their key role e.g. supplying a food source for soil organisms, providing a source of carbon to help build soil organic matter, enhancing nutrient dynamics in the soil and improving soil structure. The second chapter considers recent research on the benefits of cover crops in organic cultivation in areas such as soil structure and erosion control as well as nutrient cycling. It also looks at the wider role of cover crops in control of weeds, diseases and pests, promoting biodiversity and reducing greenhouse gases (GHGs). The third chapter highlights the use of different cover crops species to promote live or dead soil mulch cover in Conservation Agriculture systems. It also reviews how cover crops effect aspects such as soil acidity and nutrient availability, soil physical and biological properties, soil nematode control, weed control and grain yield. The final chapter reviews the role of cover crops in weed control. Cover crops are important additions to crop rotations because they suppress weeds during rotational periods when crops are absent and provide ecosystem services that enhance soil quality and fertility.

Plant Transformation via Agrobacterium Tumefaciens compiles fundamental and specific information and procedures involving in vitro soybean transformation, which forms the basis for the Agrobacterium-mediated genetic manipulation of soybean using plant tissue culture. This method serves as one of the most preferred, reliable and cost-effective mechanism of transgene expression in both leguminous recalcitrant species and non-legume crops. The technology is favoured due to its simplicity, feasibility and high transformation rates that are so far achieved mostly in monocot plants and a few dicot genotypes. This book provides a comprehensive review of plant transformation which remains necessary for many researchers who are still facing protocol-related hurdles. Among some of the major topics covered in Plant Transformation via Agrobacterium Tumefaciens are the history and discovery of Agrobacterium bacterium, longstanding challenges causing transformation inefficiencies, types and conditions of explants, development of transgenic plants for stress resistance, and the role of transgenic plants on animal/human health, including the environment. Plant Transformation via Agrobacterium Tumefaciens helps the reader to understand how soybean, like many other orphan legume crops, faces the risk of overexploitation which may render the currently available varieties redundant and extinct should its narrow gene pool not improve. Plant transformation serves as a key technique in improving the gene pool, while developing varieties that are drought tolerant, have enhanced nutritional value, pest resistant and reduce the destruction by disease causing microorganims. This book is an essential foundation tool that is available for researchers and students to reinforce the application of Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation in soybean.

Biocontrol Systems and Plant Physiology in Modern Agriculture: Processes, Strategies, Innovations focuses on new production alternatives that do not include pesticides, herbicides, and chemicals for primary food production and instead rely on biologically controlled systems of production. The book also relates a number of advances and innovations in the use of agricultural technologies that employ the study of the physiology of plants to know their resistance to different environments in modern agriculture. The book presents research offering viable alternatives for the control of pests for safe food production that are environmentally friendly and that facilitate the reduction of production costs and improve the quality and yield of produce. The volume addresses innovative biocontrol systems to reduce or eliminate the use of agrochemicals by controlling plant diseases by minimizing environmental damage through the use of antagonistic organisms. It also presents new strategies of cultivation that maximize production by optimizing light, temperature, humidity, nutrients and humidity in a controlled environment. The diverse topics in the volume include botanical compounds as adjuvants as an alternative to reduce the pesticide use, on-site production of bio-control agents, plant factory systems that offer controlled safe environments for plant cultivation, promising bio-nematicides for sustainable agriculture, wastewater reclamation for agricultural purposes, the recovery of phytochemicals from plants, using LED lights on plants and microgreens production, and much more. Covering the new trends in biological control, plant factories, and plant metabolism for application in modern agriculture, this volume provides important research and knowledge that facilitates environmentally friendly plant systems, advances the reduction of production costs, and improves the quality and yield of produce.

Explains genomic selection (GS) through statistical models, programming language, and graphics to guide plant breeders in adopting the tool in breeding schemes. Provides examples of GS adoption and potential for expanding the tool's application in crops from the genera of cereals, oilseeds, legumes, tuber crops, and vegetables. Gives insight on prospective of GS in crops by considering the expanding genomic resources.

Fungi are important plant pathogens which can be responsible for significant yield losses and in some cases, even complete losses in the infected fields or crops. In many cases, fungi coexist in symbiotic association with plant roots and provide benefits to the plants. Therefore, understanding the diversity of the fungi that interact with plants both in symbiotic and pathogenic interaction is critical to harness the beneficial species and strains and control the pathogenic species and strains. Developments in the field of molecular biology move very fast comparatively, books covering the various aspects of molecular biology of fungi are always welcomed by scientists. Features recent trends in phytomycology and fungal biology studies using modern molecular tools. Contains information on improved methods in genetics, genomics and metabolomics.

Focuses on the menace of metal pollution on plants, crop plants, pulses and vegetables Covers morphological, anatomical, physiological and biochemical aspects Covers metal hyper-accumulators (metallophytes) and bioremediation Alleviation of metal stress by exogenous phytohormonal supply Includes heavy metals' low dose stimulatory effects Focuses on 'omics' studies i.e. genomics, metabolomics, ionomics, proteomics and transcriptomics