The roots of most plants are colonized by symbiotic fungi to form mycorrhiza, which play a critical role in the capture of nutrients from the soil and therefore in plant nutrition. "Mycorrhizal Symbiosis" is recognized as the definitive work in this area. Since the last edition was published there have been major advances in the field, particularly in the area of molecular biology, and the new edition has been fully revised and updated to incorporate these exciting new developments.
Over 50% new material
Includes expanded colour plate section
Covers all aspects of mycorrhiza
Presents new taxonomy
Discusses the impact of proteomics and genomics on research in this area

This book discusses the extremophiles explored for biosynthesis of nanoparticles. Nanotechnology is a widely emerging field involving interdisciplinary subjects such as biology, physics, chemistry and medicine. A wide variety of microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi and algae are employed as biological agents for the synthesis of nanoparticles. Novel routes by which extremophiles can be employed to generate nanoparticles have yet to be discovered. The book is divided into 5 major chapters: (1) Major types of nanoparticles in nanotechnology (2) Diversity of microbes in the synthesis of nanoparticles (3) Extremophiles in nanoparticle biosynthesis (4) Applications of nanoparticles produced by extremophiles (5) Challenges and Future perspectives

The main theme of this book is how reproduction in fungi is controlled by genetic and environmental factors. The genetics of fungi is at a crossroads - the methods of classical genetics are giving way to those of recombinant DNA technology. Reproduction in Fungi takes stock of what has been learned to date and points the way to future research.

All animals and plants form associations with hundreds or thousands of different beneficial microorganisms. These symbiotic microbes play an important role in the development, adaptation, health and evolution of their hosts. This book brings together a group of diverse biologists to discuss microbial interactions with multicellular life forms including insects, corals, plants, and mammals, including humans. The various mechanisms by which microorganisms benefit their hosts are discussed, including providing essential nutrients, preventing disease, inducing the immune system, and combating stress. Since the microbiota can be transferred from parent to offspring, it plays an important role in the origin and evolution of animal and plant species. This book should be of interest to the widest range of biological scientists, merging the studies of host and microbial physiology, symbiosis, and the ecology and evolution of symbiotic partners.

This book focuses on advanced research and technologies in dairy processing, one of the most important branches of the food industry. It addresses various topics, ranging from the basics of dairy technology to the opportunities and challenges in the industry. Following an introduction to dairy processing, the book takes readers through various aspects of dairy engineering, such as dairy-based peptides, novel milk products and bio-fortification. It also describes the essential role of microorganisms in the industry and ways to detect them, as well as the use of prebiotics, and food safety. Lastly, the book examines the challenges faced, especially in terms of maintaining quality across the supply chain. Covering all significant areas of dairy science and processing, this interesting and informative book is a valuable resource for post-graduate students, research scholars and industry experts.

Biofuels are considered to be the main potential replacement for fossil fuels in the near future. In this book international experts present recent advances in biofuel research and related technologies. Topics include biomethane and biobutanol production, microbial fuel cells, feedstock production, biomass pre-treatment, enzyme hydrolysis, genetic manipulation of microbial cells and their application in the biofuels industry, bioreactor systems, and economical processing technologies for biofuel residues. The chapters provide concise information to help understand the technology-related implications of biofuels development. Moreover, recent updates on biofuel feedstocks, biofuel types, associated co- and byproducts and their applications are highlighted. The book addresses the needs of postgraduate researchers and scientists across diverse disciplines and industrial sectors in which biofuel technologies and related research and experimentation are pursued.

Microbial biosurfactant compounds are a group of structurally diverse molecules produced by microorganisms, and are mainly categorized according to their chemical structure. The diversity of microbial biosurfactants makes them versatile and means that they offer a range of capabilities, while at the same time being economically sustainable. As such, they have potential applications in environmental processes, as well as in food, biomedicine and other industries. This book discusses innovative approaches and cutting-edge research that utilize the various properties of biosurfactants. Drawing on research from around the globe, it provides an up-to-date review of biosurfactant applications and their importance in fields such as medicine, gene therapy, immunotherapy, antimicrobial bioremediation and agriculture. It also discusses their anti-adhesive properties. The book will appeal to academics and researchers in the field of microbiology, as well as policymakers. It also serves as additional reading material for undergraduate and graduate students of agriculture, ecology, soil science, and environmental sciences.

This book provides a comprehensive description of phosphate solubilizing microorganisms and highlights methods for the use of microphos in different crop production systems. The focus is on understanding both the basic and applied aspects of phosphate solubilizing microorganisms and how phosphorus-deficient soils can be transformed into phosphorus-rich ones by applying phosphate solubilizing microorganisms. The interaction of rhizosphere phosphate solubilizing microorganisms and environmental variables, as well as their importance in the production of crops such as legumes, cereals, vegetables etc. are discussed and considered. The use of cold-tolerant phosphate solubilizing microorganisms to enhance crop productivity in mountainous regions is examined, as are the ecological diversity and biotechnological implications of phosphate solubilizing microorganisms. Lastly, the role of phosphate solubilizing microorganisms in aerobic rice cultivation is highlighted. This volume offers a broad overview of plant disease management using phosphate solubilizing microbes and presents strategies for the management of cultivated crops. It will therefore 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. This timely reference book provides an essential and comprehensive source of material, as it includes recent findings on phosphate solubilizing microorganisms and their role in crop production.

Presenting a novel view of the quantitative modeling of microbial growth and inactivation patterns in food, water, and biosystems, Advanced Quantitative Microbiology for Foods and Biosystems: Models for Predicting Growth and Inactivation describes new models for estimating microbial growth and survival. The author covers traditional and alternative models, thermal and non-thermal preservation, water disinfection, microbial dose response curves, interpretation of irregular count records, and how to estimate the frequencies of future outbursts. He focuses primarily on the mathematical forms of the proposed alternative models and on the rationale for their introduction as substitutes to those currently in use.

The book provides examples of how some of the methods can be implemented to follow or predict microbial growth and inactivation patterns, in real time, with free programs posted on the web, written in MS ExcelO, and examples of how microbial survival parameters can be derived directly from non-isothermal inactivation data and then used to predict the efficacy of other non-isothermal heat treatments. Featuring numerous illustrations, equations, tables, and figures, the book elucidates a new approach that resolves several outstanding issues in microbial modeling and eliminates inconsistencies often found in current methods.

Highly recommended by CHOICE, Oct 2018 Extremophiles are nature's ultimate survivors, thriving in environments ranging from the frozen Antarctic to abyssal hot hydrothermal vents. Their lifeforms span bacteria to fishes, and are categorized as halophiles from hypersaline environments, acidophiles from acidic waters, psychrophiles from cold habitats, and thermophiles from warm waters. Extremophiles: From Biology to Biotechnology comprehensively covers the basic biology, physiology, habitats, secondary metabolites for bioprospecting, and biotechnology of these extreme survivors. The chapters focus on the novel genetic and biochemical traits that lend these organisms to biotechnological applications. Couples studies of marine extremophile biology/genomics and extremophile culture for biotechnological applications with the latest advances in bio-prospecting and bio-product development Includes practical experiments that a laboratory can use to replicate extreme habitats for research purposes Presents latest advances in extremophile genomics to give the reader a better understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of extremophiles Offers insights into the production of commercially important extremozymes, carotenoids, bioactive compounds and secondary metabolites of medicinal value. This unique guide serves as a resource for biotechnologists who wish to explore extremophiles for their commercial potential, as well as a valuable reference for teaching undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate students.

Real-time PCR has established itself as a sensitive and specific qualitative and quantitative technique that has become important to all areas of microbiology. This invaluable book describes and explains some of the more complex aspects of real-time PCR presenting a background for the novice, a theoretical reference for the experienced user, and useful discussions of future developments. Chapters address the basics of PCR history, oligonucleotide design, target preparation, standardisation, quantification, various applications, and future challenges. The final chapter is presented in the format of a roundtable discussion providing an insightful, topical and interesting discourse with contributions from over 30 authorities and experts on real-time PCR. The editor and authors have produced an excellent book that will be extremely useful for all microbiologists. It is a recommended book for all microbiology laboratories.

This book presents research on the challenges and potential of fungal contribution in agriculture for food substantiality. Research on fungi plays an essential role in the improvement of biotechnologies which lead global sustainable food production. Use of fungal processes and products can bring increased sustainability through more efficient use of natural resources. Fungal inoculum, introduced into soil together with seed, can promote more robust plant growth through increasing plant uptake of nutrients and water, with plant robustness being of central importance in maintaining crop yields. Fungi are one of nature's best candidates for the discovery of food ingredients, new drugs and antimicrobials. As fungi and their related biomolecules are increasingly characterized, they have turned into a subject of expanding significance. The metabolic versatility makes fungi interesting objects for a range of economically important food biotechnology and related applications. The potential of fungi for a more sustainable world must be realized to address global challenges of climate change, higher demands on natural resources.

Beneficial Microbes in Agro-Ecology: Bacteria and Fungi is a complete resource on the agriculturally important beneficial microflora used in agricultural production technologies. Included are 30 different bacterial genera relevant in the sustainability, mechanisms, and beneficial natural processes that enhance soil fertility and plant growth. The second part of the book discusses 23 fungal genera used in agriculture for the management of plant diseases and plant growth promotion. Covering a wide range of bacteria and fungi on biocontrol and plant growth promoting properties, the book will help researchers, academics and advanced students in agro-ecology, plant microbiology, pathology, entomology, and nematology.

Microoganisms are distributed across every ecosystem, and microbial transformations are fundamental to the operation of the biosphere. Microbial ecology is the study of this interaction between microorganisms and their environment, and arguably represents one of the most important areas of biological research. Yet for many years our study of microbial flora was severely limited: the primary method of culturing microorganisms on media allowed us to study only between 0.1 and 10% of the total microbial flora in any given environment. Molecular Microbial Ecology gives a comprehensive guide to the recent revolution in the study of microorganisms in the environment. Details are given on molecular methods for isolating some of the previously uncultured and numerically dominant microbial groups. PCR-based approaches to studying prokaryotic systematics are described, including ribosomal RNA analysis and stable isotope probing. Later chapters cover DNA hybridisation techniques (including fluorescent in situ hybridisation), as well as genomic and metagenomic approaches to microbial ecology. Gathering together some of the world's leading experts, this book provides an invaluable introduction to the modern theory and molecular methods used in studying microbial ecology.

Exploring the functional anatomy and physiology of the ventilatory control system from the intracellular to the integrative level, this references serves as the first source to offer comprehensive coverage of the influences of various pharmacological agents on the control of breathing.

Uniting-for the first time-current information on anaerobic fungi from a number of different disciplines, this unique reference examines the taxonomy, physiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, and ecology of anaerobic fungi-focusing on fungi from the rumen and other gut environments such as the cecum and hindgut of nonruminant herbivores. Anaerobic Fungi Presents new techniques for culturing anaerobic fungi! analyzes the isolation, culture, and survival of anaerobic fungi describes the nucleic acids of anaerobic fungi, gene cloning, and the establishment of molecular phylogeny discusses the fermentation of carbohydrates explains how anaerobic fungi interact with other microorganisms investigates the ultrastructure of plant cell walls degraded by fungi details the effects of diet on fungal populations delineates specific procedures for quantifying anaerobic fungi outlines potential directions for future research in molecular genetics and more!

The parasitic load in cold northern climates is widely under-appreciated. Many texts on parasitology concentrate on tropical parasitic infections, so the reader can be forgiven for thinking that parasites are not a problem in the northern part of the world. Parasites of the Colder Climates redresses the balance by focusing on parasites indigenous to the cooler climates of the northern hemisphere. A multi-authored text-with chapters covering Scandinavia and the Baltic States, Canada, Alaska, Iceland and Russia-this book provides a comprehensive overview of the parasites present in northern climates and the diseases that they cause. Topics include epidemiology, biology and pathogenesis, clinical presentations, laboratory investigations and methods for laboratory diagnosis. Parasites of the Colder Climates presents a concise single reference of diagnostic methods and preventative information for epidemiologists, clinicians and parasitologists and forms a unique account suitable for researchers, advanced undergraduates and postgraduates.

Implications of Resource-Ratio Theory for Microbial Ecology; V.H. Smith. 13C Tracer Methodology in Microbial Ecology with Special Reference to Primary Production Processes in Aquatic Environments; T. Hama, et al. Sex in Ciliates; F. Dini, D. Nyberg. Microbial Ecology in Lake Ciso; C. PedroAlio, R. Guerrero. Biological Activities of Symbiotic and Parasitic Protists in Low Oxygen Environments; A.G. Williams, D. Lloyd. Polymorphism in Bacteria; P.B. Rainey, et al. Decomposition of Shoots of a Saltmarsh Grass; S.Y. Newell. Dynamics of Autotrophic Picoplankton in Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems; T. Weisse. Bacterial Growth Rates and Production As Determined by [3HMethyl]thymidine? R.D. Robarts, T. Zohary. Index.

Written for the professional who has an immediate need for the information but has little or no training in the subject, Cleanroom Microbiology for the Non-Microbiologist, Second Edition introduces principles of microbiology. It explains the consequences of microbiological contamination, what contamination is all about, how microorganisms grow, and how they can be controlled. The author introduces the vocabulary of microbiology and the types, sources, control, and elimination of organisms encountered in the manufacture of sterile products. Beginning with a discussion of the various types of organisms, the text then covers applications for bacterial detection, avoidance of contamination, cleanroom design considerations, and validation of disinfection methods. New topics covered include: -International cleanroom standards -Application of rapid, automated methods for detecting and identifying microbial contaminants -In-depth examination of the role of biofilms in pure water systems -Increased coverage of production of therapeutic products derived from live tissues and cells

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the design, generation and characterization of minimal cell systems. Written by leading experts, it presents an in-depth analysis of the current issues and challenges in the field, including recent advances in the generation and characterization of reduced-genome strains generated from model organisms with relevance in biotechnology, and basic research such as Escherichia coli, Corynebacterium glutamicum and yeast. It also discusses methodologies, such as bottom-up and top-down genome minimization strategies, as well as novel analytical and experimental approaches to characterize and generate minimal cells. Lastly, it presents the latest research related to minimal cells of serveral microorganisms, e.g. Bacillus subtilis. The design of biological systems for biotechnological purposes employs strategies aimed at optimizing specific tasks. This approach is based on enhancing certain biological functions while reducing other capacities that are not required or that could be detrimental to the desired objective. A highly optimized cell factory would be expected to have only the capacity for reproduction and for performing the expected task. Such a hypothetical organism would be considered a minimal cell. At present, numerous research groups in academia and industry are exploring the theoretical and practical implications of constructing and using minimal cells and are providing valuable fundamental insights into the characteristics of minimal genomes, leading to an understanding of the essential gene set. In addition, research in this field is providing valuable information on the physiology of minimal cells and their utilization as a biological chassis to which useful biotechnological functions can be added.

This pioneering book focuses on Neotropical endophytic fungi, providing a comprehensive overview of their diversity, ecology, and biotechnological applications in medicine, agriculture, and industry. Despite their rich diversity, the endophytic fungi associated with plants of Central and South American biomes remain largely unknown. The book addresses that knowledge gap by offering insights into Neotropic endophytic fungal community.

This book highlights the latest discoveries about the nitrogen cycle in the soil. It introduces the concept of nitrogen fixation and covers important aspects of nitrogen in soil and ecology such as its distribution and occurrence, soil microflora and fauna and their role in N-fixation. The importance of plant growth-promoting microbes for a sustainable agriculture, e.g. arbuscular mycorrhizae in N-fixation, is discussed as well as perspectives of metagenomics, microbe-plant signal transduction in N-ecology and related aspects. This book enables the reader to bridge the main gaps in knowledge and carefully presents perspectives on the ecology of biotransformations of nitrogen in soil.

Fresh and fresh-cut fruits and vegetables have an excellent safety record. However, surveillance data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and recent foodborne illness outbreaks have demonstrated that the incidence of foodborne illnesses linked to the consumption of contaminated fresh fruit and vegetable products may in fact be more prevalent than previously thought. U.S. FDA and USDA microbiological surveys of domestic and imported fresh fruits and vegetables demonstrate that human pathogens are sporadically found to be associated with fresh produce. In addition to increased safety concerns, microbial spoilage represents a significant source of waste for growers, packers, retailers, and consumers. Microbiology of Fruits and Vegetables reviews the extensive research that has been conducted on microbiological problems relating to the safety and spoilage of fruits and vegetables in recent years. It considers incidences of human pathogen contamination, sources of microbial contamination, microbial attachment to produce surfaces, intractable spoilage problems, efficacy of sanitizing treatments for fresh produce, novel interventions for produce disinfection, and methodology for microbiological evaluation of fruits and vegetables. The text is divided into five sections: (I) contamination and state of microflora on fruits and vegetables (II) microbial spoilage of fruits and vegetables (III) food safety issues (IV) interventions to reduce spoilage and risk of foodborne illness (V) microbiological evaluation of fruits and vegetables. In Microbiology of Fruits and Vegetables, the editors, three leaders in the field, have endeavored to present a comprehensive examination, focusing on issues needing coverage, rather than attempting an encyclopedic compilation. They have selected chapter authors who are active researchers in their respective fields and thus bring a working knowledge of current issues, industry practices, and advances in technology.

Teaching can happen anywhere, at any time - not just in classrooms but in churches, in bookstores, in homes, anywhere people get together to share ideas that affect their daily life. In Teaching Community, bell hooks shows how complex ideas of cultural theory can be simplified and made relevant to the lives of working people, and how the values of shared knowledge and learning can be a catalyst for progressive social change. Teaching - so often undervalued in our society - can be a joyous and inclusive activity and, as hooks shows, can never be confined to the classroom.

The first and second editions of Food Microbiology and Hygiene are established reference texts for the food industry, giving practical information on food microbiology, hygiene, quality assurance and factory design. This third edition has been revised and updated to include the latest developments concerning HACCP, food legislation and modern methods of microbial examination. The book is designed for microbiologists working in the food industry, quality assurance personnel and academic researchers.