The incentive of watershed programs is to increase the return on investment with over 20% for 65% of the projects that are currently underperforming. This book provides a comprehensive presentation of the realization of improved rain fed agriculture yield in semi-arid and dry land areas. Besides techniques to improve the livelihood of the many small-scale farmers in developing countries, it includes examples and case studies for further support. The methods discussed have recently shown to be successful and economically remunerative in India and in various African countries. Intended for professionals (investors, policy makers), researchers and (post)graduate students working on dry land and sustainable agriculture and water and natural resources management. Suited for courses in dry land agriculture, soil and water management and watershed development.

Handbook of Vegetable Pests, Second Edition, provides two types of diagnostic aids: the easy-to-use "guides to pests of vegetable crops", which guides the reader to the most likely pests of each vegetable crop based on the portion of the plant attacked and the category of pest; and the more technical dichotomous keys for identification of many of the difficult-to-identify species. It includes over 300 common and occasional pest species, detailing the geographic distribution of vegetable pests, host plant relationships, natural enemies, damage, life history, and methods of control and damage prevention.

Plant Breeding Reviews 38

Table of Contents1. Daniel Zohary: Geneticist and Explorer of Plant Domestication

"Giora Simchen"2. The Use of Association Genetics Approaches in Plant Breeding

"Maria F. alvare, Teresa Mosquera, and Matthew W. Blair "

3. Epigenetics Connects the Genome to its Environment

"Ray A. Bressan, Jian-Kang Zhu, Michael J. Van Oosten, Hans J. Bohnert, Viswanathan Chinnusamy, and Albino Maggio"

4. Peanuts Improvement for Human Health

"Sangam Dwivedi, Naveen Puppala, Soheila Maleki, Peggy Ozias-Akins, and Rodomiro Ortiz"5. Rice Breeding in Latin America

"Cesar P. Martinez, Edgar Torres, Marc Chatel, Gloria Mosquera, Jorge Duitama, Manabu Ishitani, Michael Selvaraj, Beata Dedicova, Joe Tohme, Cecile Grenier, Mathias Lorieux. Maribel Cruz, Luis Berrio, Edgar Corredor, Gonzalo Zorrilla de San Martin, Flavio Breseghello, Orlando Peixoto, Jose Manoel Colombari Filho, Adriano Castro, Sergio Iracu Gindri Lopes, Mara Barbosa, Gustavo Rodrigo Daltrozzo Funck, Pedro Blanco, Fernando Perez de Vida, Federico Molina, Juan Rosas, Sebastian Martinez, Victoria Bonnecarrere, Silvia Garaycochea, Gonzalo Carracelas, Alfredo Marin, Fernando Correa, and Ismael Camargo"

The purpose of this book is to assess a variety of economic issues as they relate to agro-biodiversity and show how addressing these issues can assist in agro-biodiversity policy-making. This is illustrated using empirical data from some of the countries (Ethiopia, Nepal and Zambia) which are part of the Genetic Resources Policy Initiative. The empirical chapters apply the relevant economic methods, including regression analysis, choice experiments, hedonic pricing, contingent valuation and farm business income analysis. The authors discuss the economics of managing crop diversity on-farm in the context of crop variety attribute preferences, farmers' perception of agro-biodiversity loss, and value addition and marketing of the products of traditional crop varieties. The case studies include detailed analysis of traditional varieties of groundnut, maize, rice, sorghum, and teff. The results are relevant not only to GRPI countries but also to other countries concerned with the sustainable utilization of these resources. Overall, the studies illustrate how genetic resources issues can be integrated into rural development interventions.

In a world of high finance, unprecedented technological change, and cyber billionaires, it is easy to forget that a major source of global wealth is, literally, right under our noses. Coffee is one of the most valuable Southern exports, generating billions of dollars in corporate profits each year, even while the majority of the world's 25 million coffee families live in relative poverty. But who is responsible for such vast inequality? Many analysts point to the coffee market itself, its price volatility and corporate oligarchy, and seek to "correct" it through fair trade, organic and sustainable coffee, corporate social responsibility, and a number of market-driven projects. The result has been widespread acceptance that the "market" is both the cause of underdevelopment and its potential solution. Against this consensus, Gavin Fridell provocatively argues that state action, both good and bad, has been and continues to be central to the everyday operations of the coffee industry, even in today's world of "free trade." Combining rich history with an incisive analysis of key factors shaping the coffee business, Fridell challenges the notion that injustice in the industry can be solved "one sip at a time" - as ethical trade promoters put it. Instead, he points to the centrality of coffee statecraft both for preserving the status quo and for initiating meaningful changes to the coffee industry in the future.

This volume describes breeding methods for the development of biparental and multiparental mapping populations. Chapters detail lab protocols for high-throughput isolation of nucleic acids and metabolites, high performing genotyping approaches, mapping strategies for QTLs, mutation identifications, computational, bioinformatic pipelines, tissue culture-based and transformation methods for androgenesis, ploidy modification, and RNA interference. Additional chapters highlight recent developed genome editing protocols including CRISPR and TALEN methods and methodologies for in-field/in-soil plant phenotyping. 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, Crop Breeding: Genetic Improvement Methods aims to ensure successful results in the further study of this vital field.

The development of recombinant DNA methods has changed the face of the food industry over the last 50 years. Crops which have been genetically modified are being cultivated in more and more countries and this process is likely to accelerate as desirable traits are identified and transferred to appropriate organisms, and they are cleared by the regulatory authorities. However, the technique has its critics who claim that modification of the genome of the plant (or animal) in this way may pose unknown and unacceptable risks to the human consumer. Genetic Modification and Food Quality: A Down to Earth Analysis is the first comprehensive text on how GM production methods influence the quality of foods and feeds, based on a complete and unbiased assessment of the scientific findings. It presents a balanced analysis of the benefits and drawbacks of gene-modified food sources in the human diet. Chapters approach the topic with regard to different food types such as cereal grains, oilseed crops, vegetables, fish and animal products. Assessing the nutritive value as well as the health and safety of GMO foods, this book is a reference for anyone working in the food production industry and will also be of an interest to NGOs, trade associations and consumers who are looking for an objective, balanced study of this contentious issue.

This book provides an overview of the innovations in crop phenotyping using emerging technologies, i.e., high-throughput crop phenotyping technology, including its concept, importance, breakthrough and applications in different crops and environments. Emerging technologies in sensing, machine vision and high-performance computing are changing the world beyond our imagination. They are also becoming the most powerful driver of the innovation in agriculture technology, including crop breeding, genetics and management. It includes the state of the art of technologies in high-throughput phenotyping, including advanced sensors, automation systems, ground-based or aerial robotic systems. It also discusses the emerging technologies of big data processing and analytics, such as advanced machine learning and deep learning technologies based on high-performance computing infrastructure. The applications cover different organ levels (root, shoot and seed) of different crops (grains, soybean, maize, potato) at different growth environments (open field and controlled environments). With the contribution of more than 20 world-leading researchers in high-throughput crop phenotyping, the authors hope this book provides readers the needed information to understand the concept, gain the insides and create the innovation of high-throughput phenotyping technology.

Millets are small-grained, annual, warm weather cereal. The millets offer both nutritional and livelihood security of human population and fodder security of diverse livestock population in dryland region of India. Millets are highly nutritious, they are known as health foods especially for control of diabetes and mineral deficiencies. One of the major factors for declining consumption of millets is the lack of awareness of their nutritive value and inconvenience of their preparation. This book covers both, chemistry and novel technology for millet processing and development. It summarizes the latest information on millets, their nutritional and health benefits, historical perspective, utilization, R&D efforts, present status and the importance being given by policy makers for promoting millets for sustainable agriculture and healthy society. The book is compiled by various experts keeping in view syllabi of different research institutions, researchers, students as well requirement of the industry. It will serve as instructional material for researchers in food science, microbiology, process engineering, biochemistry, biotechnology and reference material for those working in industry and R & D labs.

This book shares the latest findings on this topic, systematically introduces readers to advances made in robotic harvesting around the globe, and explores the relations between the development of robotic harvesting and the respective social/economic conditions and agricultural business patterns in various countries/regions. Due to the unstructured setting it is used in, and to the significant differences between individual fruit and vegetable targets, robotic harvesting is currently considered to be one of the most challenging robotics technologies. Accordingly, research into this area involves the integration of various aspects, including biomechanics, optimization design, advanced perception and intelligent control. In addition to rapid and damage-free robotic harvesting, which reflects the multidisciplinary nature of the topic, further aspects addressed include gripping collisions with viscoelastic objects, using lasers to cut plant material, plant-fruit response to vacuum sucking and pulling, and performance probability distribution. Highlighting outstanding innovations and reflecting the latest advances in intelligent agricultural equipment in China, the book offers a unique and valuable resource.

A prerequisite to improving the sustainability of agriculture are reliable methods to identify and quantify types of environmental impact. This collection summarises current research on the use of life cycle assessment (LCA) and other modelling techniques to measure and improve the sustainability of agriculture. Part 1 looks at current best practice and key methodological challenges in life cycle assessment. Part 2 reviews ways of modelling particular types of impact, from nutrient and carbon cycles to freshwater balances, energy use, pesticide use and biodiversity. Part 3 reviews the environmental assessment and optimization of sectors such as crops, ruminant and other livestock production as well as by-products. Assessing the environmental impact of agriculture will be a standard reference for researchers in agricultural and environmental science concerned with understanding and mitigating the environmental impact of agriculture.

This topic is central to contemporary concerns for more sustainable agricultural development. This is a well-written and clear book, with excellent data, tables and illustrations, addressing issues of water use, climate change, poverty and small farmers. The authors are highly respected and complement each other's acknowledged international expertise.' Professor Jules Pretty, University of Essex, UK 'This useful guide shows that there is great potential for increasing the productive capacity of smallholder farms in the drylands via a range of water management techniques, from the simple to the more complex. Providing a theoretical grounding and a practical guide, Water and cereals in the drylands will appeal to workers on-location as well as students, researchers and policymakers.' New Agriculturalist Cereals are by far the most important source of food throughout the world, either directly for human consumption or indirectly in the form of animal feed for livestock products consumed as food. With world population set to rise to nine billion by 2050, there is an urgent need to examine ways to increase cereal production. Indeed recently the future of cereal production and consumption has been complicated by rising energy prices and the economics of biofuels, which are competing for the use of cereals. One way to increase cereal production is by the more effective use of marginal dryland areas. This book reviews the potential for increased cereal production in drylands across the world, from the USA, Australia and Southern Europe to Asia and Africa. It describes how improved water conservation, water harvesting and investment options can contribute to this, and suggests policies for the more efficient use of existing natural resources in order to lessen the dependence of agriculture on further irrigation development.

The small grain cereals wheat, barley, oats and rye are cultivated worldwide. They form the foundation of most agricultural systems and are essential in the manufacture of staple products such as bread, pasta and fermented beverages. Reflecting the global and economic importance of cereal crops, this book aims to make identification of diseases afflicting them easier. Covering 40-50 of the most important pathogens in Europe, North America, Japan and Australia, the handbook contains superb color photographs accompanied by clear, concise descriptions of diseases with advice on their control and is of use to plant health professionals, growers, farmers, and students of agriculture. Diseases are illustrated at varying stages of development and entries follow an easy-to-use format. First the pathogens involved and their symptoms are described; next information on the disease cycle is given, covering epidemiological features and the form taken by the pathogen in different climates. The section on economic significance deals with effects on yield and the ecosystem, while that on control advises growers on measures and techniques to combat the outbreak of disease, including the latest chemical treatments. For each disease, detailed references provide a key to further reading.

Ultraviolet LED Technology for Food Applications: From Farms to Kitchens examines the next wave in the LED revolution and its ability to bring numerous advantages of UVC disinfection. As UVC LED-based light fixtures will become the driving force behind wider adoption, with potential use in the treatment of beverages, disinfection of food surfaces, packaging and other food contact and non-contact surfaces, this book presents the latest information, including LEDs unique properties and advantages and the developments and advances made in four areas of application, including produce production and horticulture, post-harvest and post processing storage, safety and point-of-use applications. Alternative opportunities to current practices of food production and processing that are more sophisticated and diverse are being intensively investigated in recent decades, things like Ultraviolet light (UV) irradiation. The effects of UVC LEDs against bacteria, viruses and fungi already have been demonstrated and reported, along with the first applications for disinfection of air, water and surface made for the "point-of-use" integration.

The use of simulation models is a necessity and also an aid in the decision-making process in sustainable agricultural systems. Organizing the experimental knowledge of crop production systems without the book keeping and deductive methods of mathematics, is very difficult. This book aims to guide readers in the process by which the properties of the systems can be grasped in the framework of mathematical structure with minimal mathematical prerequisites. The objective of this book is to help the undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate students in the disciplines of agronomy, plant breeding, agricultural meteorology, crop physiology, agricultural economics, entomology, plant pathology, soil science and ecology (environmental science). This book may also be useful for administrators in various agricultural universities in order to direct research, extension and teaching activities. Planners at national and state levels may also benefit from this book.

Cereal-Based Foodstuffs: The Backbone of the Mediterranean provides an overview of cereal-based products in the Mediterranean region, illustrating the spectrum of products from past to present and their various processing methods. The text explores new and understudied market trends in cereal-based products, such as cereal-pulse blends, pulse pastas, and flat breads. Chapters cover products originating in North Africa, such as bulgur and couscous, which are consumed worldwide but underrepresented in the scientific literature. Contributing authors also offer a legislative perspective on issues of food safety, the European Food Safety Association's definition of "novel foods," and the position of traditional foods in the Mediterranean food industry. This wide-ranging text thus serves members of both the scientific and industrial community seeking better coverage of global cereal product trends.

This edited volume is a comprehensive account of plant diseases and insect pests, plant protection and management for various crops using microbial and biotechnological approaches. The book elucidates the role of biotechnology for the enhancement of crop productivity and management of bacterial and fungal diseases via eco-friendly methods. It discusses crop-pest/ pathogen interaction and utilizing this interaction in a beneficial and sustainable way. This book is of interest to teachers, researchers, plant scientists and plant pathologists. Also the book serves as additional reading material for undergraduate and graduate students of agriculture, forestry, ecology, soil science, and environmental sciences.

Anthony Biddle is among the most respected scientists in the pea and bean industry worldwide. Nigel Cattlin has an international reputation for agricultural and horticultural photography of the highest order. They have created between them a concise and practical guide to the protection of pea and bean crops, with descriptions of symptoms linked throughout to photographs and to notes on prevention and control. Intensive production of peas and beans can often result in the increased incidence of pests and diseases, putting crops at risk from yield loss or reduction in quality. The book deals systematically with pests, and with the fungal, bacterial and viral diseases affecting peas and beans from seedling to produce. It assists the reader in the early and rapid recognition of problems and provides guidance in dealing with them. Pests, Diseases and Disorders of Peas and Beans is of value as a field guide for growers, advisers, and extension workers, and as a lasting reference for researchers.

Advances in Agronomy, Volume 154 continues the legacy of this leading series 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. Chapters in this updated volume include Experiments, Uptake Mechanisms and Functioning of Si foliar fertilization - A Review Focusing on Maize, Rice and Wheat, Pre-drought Priming: A Key Drought Tolerance Engine in Support of Grain Development in Wheat, Bio-Waste Management in Sub-Tropical Soils of India, and more.

The basics through practical applicationall in one book! Potatoes are a crucial food crop around the world, grown in nearly 150 countries. The Handbook of Potato Production, Improvement, and Postharvest Management compiles everything you need to know about potato crop production in one well-organized reference. Leading international authorities clearly discuss the biology, genetics, breeding, diseases, and effective approaches for improvement of crop and handling after harvest. This one-of-a-kind text explores, from interdisciplinary perspectives, every aspect of potato crop management from seed germination to end use while presenting the most current research available. The Handbook of Potato Production, Improvement, and Postharvest Management reviews both wild and cultivated potatoes, examining the crop's origins, history, and habitat. Cultivation techniques are discussed in detail, with emphasis on breeding, biotechnological, and agronomic methods that can improve yield and help ensure the health of the vegetable. Qualitative and quantitative genetic traits are comprehensively explained, and integrated management of pests, diseases, weed, and water are extensively considered. Various abiotic stresses are examined, including heat, drought, salinity, frost, and others. Potato crop's most devastating disease, late blight, is explored in detail. Different types of after-harvest storage are analyzed with an eye toward maintaining optimum freshness year-round, and a useful description of biochemical changes effected during storage is included. Processing and detailed information on food value are also reviewed. In addition, a final chapter explores true potato seed (TPS) options. The book includes detailed references and helpful tables, graphs, and figures to enhance understanding of material. Topics in the Handbook of Potato Production, Improvement, and Postharvest Management include: history structure biosystematics genetics breeding biotechnology for improvement approaches to improve quality ecophysiology and agronomic management comprehensive information on diseases and viruses insects abiotic stresses and their management storage issues processing and much more! The Handbook of Potato Production, Improvement, and Postharvest Management makes an invaluable desktop reference for educators, postgraduate students, researchers, and any potato industry professional. The text is also perfect for university reference libraries.

The basics through practical applicationall in one book! Potatoes are a crucial food crop around the world, grown in nearly 150 countries. The Handbook of Potato Production, Improvement, and Postharvest Management compiles everything you need to know about potato crop production in one well-organized reference. Leading international authorities clearly discuss the biology, genetics, breeding, diseases, and effective approaches for improvement of crop and handling after harvest. This one-of-a-kind text explores, from interdisciplinary perspectives, every aspect of potato crop management from seed germination to end use while presenting the most current research available. The Handbook of Potato Production, Improvement, and Postharvest Management reviews both wild and cultivated potatoes, examining the crop's origins, history, and habitat. Cultivation techniques are discussed in detail, with emphasis on breeding, biotechnological, and agronomic methods that can improve yield and help ensure the health of the vegetable. Qualitative and quantitative genetic traits are comprehensively explained, and integrated management of pests, diseases, weed, and water are extensively considered. Various abiotic stresses are examined, including heat, drought, salinity, frost, and others. Potato crop's most devastating disease, late blight, is explored in detail. Different types of after-harvest storage are analyzed with an eye toward maintaining optimum freshness year-round, and a useful description of biochemical changes effected during storage is included. Processing and detailed information on food value are also reviewed. In addition, a final chapter explores true potato seed (TPS) options. The book includes detailed references and helpful tables, graphs, and figures to enhance understanding of material. Topics in the Handbook of Potato Production, Improvement, and Postharvest Management include: history structure biosystematics genetics breeding biotechnology for improvement approaches to improve quality ecophysiology and agronomic management comprehensive information on diseases and viruses insects abiotic stresses and their management storage issues processing and much more! The Handbook of Potato Production, Improvement, and Postharvest Management makes an invaluable desktop reference for educators, postgraduate students, researchers, and any potato industry professional. The text is also perfect for university reference libraries.

A reference text with the latest information and research for educators, students, and researchers! World hunger and malnutrition remain an alarming concern that spurs researchers to develop quality technology. The Handbook of Seed Science and Technology is an extensive reference text for educators, students, practitioners, and researchers that focuses on the underlying mechanisms of seed biology and the impact of powerful biotechnological approaches on world hunger, malnutrition, and consumer preferences. This comprehensive guide provides the latest available research from noted experts pointing out the likely directions of future developments as it presents a wealth of seed biology and technological information. Seed science is the all-important foundation of plant science study. The Handbook of Seed Science and Technology provides an integrative perspective that takes you through the fundamentals to the latest applications of seed science and technology. This resource provides a complete overview, divided into four sections: Seed Developmental Biology and Biotechnology; Seed Dormancy and Germination; Seed Ecology; and Seed Technology. The Handbook of Seed Science and Technology examines: the molecular control of ovule development female gametophyte development cytokinins and seed development grain number determination in major grain crops metabolic engineering of carbohydrate supply in plant reproductive development enhancing the nutritive value of seeds by genetic engineering the process of accumulation of seed proteins and using biotechnology to improve crops synthetic seeds dormancy and germination hormonal interactions during dormancy release and germination photoregulation of seed germination seed size seed predation natural defense mechanisms in seeds seed protease inhibitors soil seed banks the ecophysiological basis of weed seed longevity in the soil seed quality testing seed vigor and its assessment diagnosis of seed-borne pathogens seed quality in vegetable crops vegetable hybrid seed production practical hydration of seeds of tropical crops seed technology in plant germplasm The Handbook of Seed Science and Technology is extensively referenced and packed with tables and diagrams, and makes an essential source for students, educators, researchers, and practitioners in seed science and technology.