With contributions from more than 30 internationally renowned experts, this book combines coverage of theory with coverage of global practices. Highlighting the day-to-day challenges of organic crop management for cost-effective real-world application, the book explores the biological control of diseases in 12 major crops. It focuses on the use of host plant resistance through transgenics and induced systemic resistance as a part of biological control. Topics covered include the role of biocontrol agents for signalling resistance, effective ecofriendly alternative to combat bacterial, fungal, and viral infestation, and transgenic crops in disease management.

The Second Edition of this bestseller brings together basic plant pathology methods published in diverse and often abstract publications. The Second Edition is updated and expanded with numerous new figures, new culture media, and additional methods for working with a greater number of organisms. Methods are easy to use and eliminate the need to seek out original articles. This reference allows for easy identification of methods appropriate for specific problems and facilities. Scientific names of pathogens and some of their hosts are updated in this edition. The book also acts as a research source providing more than 1,800 literature citations. The Second Edition includes chapters on the following: Sterilization of culture apparatus and culture media Culture of pathogens with detailed techniques for 61 fungi and selected bacteria Long-term storage of plant pathogens Detection and estimation of inoculum for 28 soilborne fungal pathogens and 5 bacterial genera-15 methods for airborne inoculum and 13 methods for seedborne pathogens Establishment of disease and testing for disease resistance Work with soil microorganisms Fungicide evaluation Biological control Bright-field microscopy

Various methodologies designed to study cell walls are compiled in this book. Methods in Cell Wall Cytochemistry covers the use of modern dyes, fluorescent chemicals, lectins, and antibody technology (immunocytochemisty.) Cell wall morphology and chemical composition is covered as well as light and fluorescent cytochemistry; transmission electron microscopic cytochemistry; lectin cytochemistry; and, special emphasis on immunocytochemistry. Addressing an emerging area of research and technology, this book will appeal to plant pathologists, cell biologists, as well as workers interested in stress response and those employing cell walls for biotechnological research.

Rich in bibliographic references, this book presents the current status of knowledge on the physiology of the pea crop. It draws on contributions from plant physiologists and researchers in various other disciplines who have been working together for many years on the production of plants rich in proteins. The text first discusses vegetative and reproductive development, growth under non-limiting conditions, and the nitrogen nutrition of the pea crop. It then explores the effects of the abiotic and biotic stresses on the development as well as the growth and nitrogen uptake by the plant. The book concludes with a global model of the functioning of the pea crop, which is proposed as a tool for the diagnosis of the yield-limiting factors.

Due to increasing problems occurring from massive applications of pesticides, such as insect resistance to pesticides, the use of biotechnological tools to minimize losses from insect pests has become inevitable. Presenting alternative strategies for alleviating biotic stresses, Biotechnological Approaches for Pest Management and Ecological Sustainability explores how the modern tools of biotechnology can be used in pest management for sustainable crop production, the biosafety of transgenic crops, and environmental conservation. This comprehensive work covers a gamut of issues ranging from host plant resistance to insect pests to the application of molecular approaches for pest management. It discusses phenotyping transgenic plants, mapping populations for insect resistance, physico-chemical and molecular markers associated with insect resistance, the potential of insect-resistant transgenic crops for pest management, and the use of biotechnological tools for diagnosing insects and monitoring insect resistance to insecticides. The author examines how genetic engineering can be used to produce robust natural enemies and more virulent strains of entomopathogenic microbes. He also studies issues related to gene flow, resistance to transgenes and selection markers, the biosafety of food derived from genetically engineered plants, and the potential application of molecular tools for solving some of the intricate pest problems in the future. Focusing on how to make the development and deployment of biotechnology-derived products for pest management safe and cost-effective, this book will enable readers to make informed decisions on genetically engineered organisms for pest management and sustainable crop production.

This is a concise guide to the combined use of classical and molecular methods for the genetic analysis and breeding of fungi. It presents basic concepts and experimental designs, and demonstrates the power of fungal genetics for applied research in biotechnology and phytopathology. Case studies of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, Neurospora crassa, Podospora anserina, Phytophthora infestans and others are included.

Presenting the latest research on cross-cultural people-plant relationships, this volume conveys the psychological, physiological, and social responses to plants and the significant role these responses play in improved physical and mental health. With chapters written by field experts, it identifies research priorities and methodologies and outlines the steps for developing a research agenda to aid horticulturalists in their work with social scientists to gain a better understanding of people-plant relationships. This resource covers a wide array of topics including home horticulture and Lyme disease, indoor plants and pollution reduction, and plants and therapy.

Taxol, originally derived from the North American Yew tree in 1971, is well-known worldwide as a powerful anticancer agent. Mechanistically, it has a unique microtubule stabilizing activity, and was clinically developed as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of breast and ovarian cancers at the National Cancer Institute, Washington D.C., USA. In this volume, the authors provide an authoritative account of the taxoids. it covers their production and biosynthesis - from commercial cultivation to plant tissue culture methods - describes taxoid chemistry, the analytical methods for identifying their structure and the pharmacological and pre-clinical aspects important in investigating their therapeutic actions. It presents a thorough review of the scientific literature, including data from scientists currently engaged in taxoid research, and will be of significant value to researchers and others who wish to gain a practical perspective on taxoid research and development.

When enjoying a southeast asian soup or cup of herbal tea, we are really savoring the flavor of lemongrass. Similarly, the sweet aroma of mosquito-repelling lotions comes from the citronella oil present in them. Fine perfumes, candles, and herbal pillows with the pleasing smell of rose are often in fact scented with palmarosa. Providing an in-depth look at their history and production, Essential Oil Bearing Grasses: The genus Cymbopogon provides a comprehensive review of these economically important grasses. A detailed examination of chemical constituents and market trends, the book explores the cosmetic, medicinal, and nutritional uses of the plant. It covers the botany, taxonomy, chemistry, and biogenesis of the oils, and their extraction and analytical methods, biotechnology, storage, legislation, and trade. Highlighting industrial uses for the grasses in this genus, the book also includes coverage of the physiological and ecophysiological considerations. It presents a comprehensive overview of most of the cultivated and wild species of cymbopogons. Featuring contributions from a team of international experts, the book describes the considerable ethno-botanical, phytochemical, and pharmacological knowledge associated with the multidimensional uses of the oils. It provides a complete industrial profile that includes market size, geographical sources, export and import data, and industry uses. Its pages offer an invaluable resource for research, cultivation, marketing, or product development of Cymbopogon.

"Histopathology of Seed-Borne Infections is the first book to provide comprehensive coverage of seed infection and disease. It includes an up-to-date account on the development and structure of seed, pointing out the structural variations in seeds of the plant families to which most crop plants belong. The text presents techniques and advice for histopathological studies, as well as a discussion on physiogenic seed disorders and the penetration of ovule/seed by fungi. Featuring an extensive bibliography, this book serves as a springboard for further research in seed biology and provides a literature review in a field where it is difficult to access older sources. It will be a valuable resource for seed and plant scientists, plant pathologists, crop scientists, ecologists, and seed chemists, as well as researchers and students involved in seed and plant pathology, seed technology, and agriculture. Features

This work provides information on the detection, identification, and differentiation of all microbial plant pathogens - presenting modern protocols for rapid diagnosis of diseases based on biological, physical, chemical and molecular properties. It contains methods for the selection of disease-free seeds and vegetatively propagated planting materials and quarantine techniques for screening newly introduced plant materials.

This volume provides technical insight on how genomics-oriented studies may be used to bring new understanding to established models of fungal development. The book helps to assess and solve problems associated with multiple copies of genes and proteins with seemingly identical functions and depicts various industrial applications. To bridge the information gap resulting from this field's explosive growth, Genomics of Plants and Fungi addresses the implementation of workflow applications with the METEOR Workflow Management System, and discusses clinical manifestations of Aspergillus infection, stunted and medusa genes, hyphal mating and fertilization, and vegetative incompatibility.

This volume deals with leadwort (Plumbaginaceae), olive (Oleaceae), butterfly-bush (Buddlejaceae), gentian (Gentianaceae), buck-bean (Menyanthaceae), dogbane (Apocynaceae) and milkweed (Asclepiadaceae) families. The book includes 4 plates and 5 maps of distribution ranges.

Presents the latest advances in the study of the intracellular fate and transport of metal ions in fungi, emphasizing the mechanisms that regulate cellular concentration. The book explains the expanding relationship between molecular genetics and inorganic biochemistry.

A farmer cultivates genetically modified potatoes so that a customer at McDonald’s can enjoy a long, golden french fry. A gardener plants tulip bulbs in the autumn and in the spring has a riotous patch of colour to admire. Two simple examples of how humans act on nature to get what we want.

Or are they?

What if those potatoes and tulips have evolved to gratify certain human desires so that humans will help them multiply? What if, in other words, these plants are using us just as we use them?

In blending history, memoir and superb science writing, Pollan tells the story of four domesticated species — the apple, the tulip, marijuana and the potato. All four plants are integral to our everyday lives and Pollan demonstrates how each has thrived by satisfying one of humankind’s most basic desires.

Click here to read an extract.

‘While sowing seeds, this most aptly named of authors asked himself what the 'existential difference' was between his role in the garden and that of a bumblebee. The answer is reached via a charmingly whimsical methodology. Through a mixture of science, philosophy and memoir, Pollan argues that plants have evolved to satisfy the desires of man — just as they have the needs of insects — in order to ensure the survival of their genes. The DNA of a tulip, for example, with petals attenuated like sabres, 'contains detailed instructions on how best to catch the eye not of a bee but of an Ottoman Turk'. This 'co-evolutionary' exchange for mutual benefit is elaborated through four plant types (the apple tree, tulip, marijuana plant and potato) and four desires. This is an immensely enjoyable and accessible book, the provocation of the argument (particularly in regard to GM crops) living on long after the closing sentence’ —Daily Telegraph

‘An immensely readable and thought-provoking book’ ——Independent

‘Pollan’s wonderful exploration of four plants (apple, tulip, marijuana, potato) bears a close similarity to two other equally brilliant studies of comestibles: Margaret Visser's Much Depends on Dinner (corn, salt, butter, rice etc) and Henry Hobhouse's Seeds of Change (quinine, sugar, tea, cotton). There is, however, a difference in Pollan's viewpoint. While Visser and Hobhouse explore man's exploitation, Pollan takes the plant's viewpoint. In the case of marijuana, he suggests that the intoxicating element, known as THC, may be there in order 'to discombobulate the insects ... that prey on the plant'. However, he also quotes a botanist who suggests that the most obvious evolutionary advantage of THC was 'the psychoactive properties which attracted human attention and caused the plant to be spread around the world'. Are we being used by the plant, rather than vice versa? In the case of the tulip, this suggestion appears to fall down. The virus which causes the blooms to 'break' into exotic swirls of colour - and prompted the outburst of tulipomania - also eventually kills the plants. But, suggests Pollan, 'what if the question is instead considered from the vantage point of the virus?' Erudite and entertaining, Pollan's book is a roller-coaster ride for the intellect’ —Independent

Drawing on the author's extensive personal experience, Medicinal Plants of Asia and the Pacific provides comprehensive coverage of the medicinal plants of the region. Describing more than 300 compounds, the book discusses every important class of natural products while highlighting cutting-edge research and recent developments. With its broad scope and extensive compound listings, the presentation and approach of the book is completely original.

This publication is a multi-authored attempt to present the scientific fraternity high quality resource material in the field of climate change and livestock production. Attempts were made to discuss the adaptive mechanism that the animal exhibits to counteract the adverse effects of heat stress. In addition to the adaptive mechanisms, several management and feeding practices have also been established as tested methods for reduction of stress effects in livestock.Also, it is a comprehensive resource for the researchers, teachers and students to understand stress management and livestock productivity so as to sustain animal production under projected climate change scenario.

The genus Thymus consists of about 350 species of perennial, aromatic herbs and subshrubs native to Europe and North Africa. Various types of thyme are used all over the globe as condiments, ornamentals and sources of essential oil. Thyme oil (distilled from its leaves) is among the world's top ten essential oils, displaying antibacterial, antimycotic, antioxidative, food preservative and mammalian age-delaying properties. Because of the wide variety of its applications, the demand for thyme oil is growing; hence thyme commands an important place in an expanding world market. Commercial supply of thyme originates mainly from European countries, but recently this increased demand has lead to new winter-hardy, high yield cultivars being developed for commercial cultivation in Canada and North America. This comprehensive volume covers all aspects of the biology, cultivation, pharmacology, chemistry and industrial processing of the genus Thymus. It is the most up to date overview of current knowledge in thyme use, and will be an invaluable reference source to those interested in medicinal plants, natural products, pharmacy, pharmacognosy and agronomy.

The tea plant, Camellia sinensis, is of particular importance to humans, and the consumption of tea has a long history of over 2000 years. Currently, tea is one of the most popular beverages worldwide. In recent years the subject of tea has attracted a great deal of attention. As well as the use of tea in traditional medicine, modern biochemical research has shown the potential application of tea and tea products to disease prevention and therapy. The goal of this book is to cover all relevant aspects including botanical identification, processing and major categories of tea, physiological and pharmacological effects, and experimental therapeutic effects. The therapeutic applications of tea based on traditional Chinese medicine are also included. The contributors are renowned experts from botanical, agricultural, chemical, biochemical, and medical circles. Tea: Bioactivity and Therapeutic Potential will be an invaluable reference source for physicians and all professionals in pharmaceutical, agricultural, and food research and development industries as well as anyone who is interested in the potential medical applications of tea.

This book is the most thorough exploration to date of the many ways in which a wild creature has been absorbed, reimagined and represented across the ages in all of the major art forms. The authors consider not only how the identity of sharks in the natural environment became incorporated into a cultural environment but also how sharks came to be considered the most feared creatures in the open oceans as a consequence of this incorporation. Yet sharks are especially important in helping to maintain a balance that is essential to the health of the oceans. The book begins with a treatment of the three sharks at the top of global shark-attack files from scientific, economic and environmental perspectives. Subsequent chapters engage with cultural representations of sharks in poetry, drama, art, novels, screenplay adaptations and films. Through an exploration of the ways in which sharks have been represented in human culture through the centuries, this book alerts the global community to the importance of sharks as a common cultural heritage. It aims to change perceptions of sharks so that they can become more revered than feared. The authors of this book argue that an increased understanding of sharks should lead to the development of better strategies for shark and human interactions. This book will be of great interest to researchers and students of the Environmental Humanities, Cultural History and the Arts. It is also excellent supplementary reading for courses in Zoology and Marine Science.

This book covers the importance of post-harvest technology in horticultural crops, fruit growth, development and post harvest physiology, fruit maturity indices, harvesting of fruits and vegetables, initial handling of fruits and vegetable after harvesting, precooling of horticulture produce, transportation, etc.. It is a rich source of modern engineering technologies for income generating concept for agro based industries. The book is specially dedicated to the sub sector of the fruits and vegetables plants dealing with the fresh primary product from the product reception following the harvesting up-to the storage and before launches it to the market. This book will serves as a comprehensive guide for all the people who focuses on post harvest management skills. Note: T&F does not sell or distribute the hardback in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

This informative volume presents a valuable overview of the therapeutic aspects as well as applications of antioxidants. It discusses the basic mechanisms of therapy-based oxidative damage and categorization of nutritional antioxidants and covers the sources of antioxidants as well as their extraction and quantification. The volume considers the controversies of the usefulness or disadvantages of antioxidant supplementation in relation to adaptation and performance and also looks at the effectiveness of bioactives and antioxidant-based therapies for specific health issues, such as anemia, infectious diseases, urinary tract infections, Parkinson's diseases, and diabetes. The book discusses the sensing of oxidative stress and the effectiveness of antioxidant treatment, followed by an introduction to several biomarkers to estimate the bioefficacy of dietary/supplemental antioxidants in various forms. Also considered are free radicals that can cause "oxidative stress," a process that can trigger cell damage, and how antioxidant molecules have been shown to counteract oxidative stress in laboratory experiments.

This new volume, Biological Assessment of Natural and Anthropogenic Ecosystems: Trends in Diagnosis of Environmental Stress, diverse methods and achievements in assessing the biological state of ecosystems are presented, biochemical, genetic and cytological methods are used, methodological achievements in this area are discussed in this volume. Experimental and practical aspects of the genetic diversity of cultivated plants and its application in modern business conditions are considered. The use of biological indicators for the purpose of protecting nature and practical application is presented. The authors of the book are biologists, biochemists, genetics, and ecologists from prestigious scientific institutions. This volume explores different types, different plant tissues and intracellular structures for the diagnosis and prediction of anthropogenic effects on living natural systems. Here, scientific information on the bioindication properties of living systems is presented and the theoretical foundations of its study are emphasized. This authoritative reference source will be a valuable addition for scientific researchers and students working in the field of biology, ecology, genetics, cytogenetics, agronomy and environmental assessment and its protection from anthropogenic destruction. The authors highlight the achievements, problems, and opportunities of biological methods for indicating the environment. Key features: Provides an overview of recent events and opportunities in the field of bioindication to control anthropogenic damage of living systems Considers the screening of new parameters to determine the health status of biological objects from one cell to an entire ecosystem, such as boreal peatlands Presents the results of a study of the response of plants to abiotic stressors Demonstrates the importance of role-related research of living objects as bioindicators Provides new research on various topics of plant resistance to stress Discusses design methodology, development and law of selection of indicators for specific environmental issues.

Focusing on the importance of functional foods and their secondary metabolites for human health, this volume presents new insights with scientific evidence on the use of functional foods in the treatment of certain diseases. The plants covered and their bioactive compounds are easily accessible and are believed to be effective with fewer side effects in comparison with modern drugs in the treatment of different diseases. The plants contain chemical compounds that can modify and modulate biological systems, eliciting therapeutic effects. Some plants and derived products mentioned include black carrot, olive oil, citrus peel, grapes, candy leaf, cereals and grains, and green and black tea. The volume is divided into four sections that cover these topics: Functional foods for human health: the available sources, biochemistry, structural composition, and different biological activities, especially antioxidant activity. Pharmacological aspects of fruits and vegetables: the extraction of bioactive molecules, phytochemistry, and biological activities of a selection of plants. Pharmacological aspects of natural products: bioactive compounds, structural attributes, bioactivity of anthocyanin, piceatannol, and a review of the ethnobotany and medicinal properties of green and black tea. Pharmacological aspects of cereals and grains: the health benefits of flaxseed, wheatgrass juice, and use and therapeutic potential as supplements for disease management.

Originally published in 1983, Interpretations of Calamity provides a provocative critique of the 'dominant view' of research into natural hazards. Throughout the world, there are now many people professionally engaged in the mitigation and control of risks & hazards, and the impact of continuing economic development will ensure that they are fully employed. There is a wealth of perspectives in the book, including weather and wheat yields in the Soviet Union and Canada, an historical view of underdevelopment and hazards in Ireland and the impact of a response to drought in southern Africa, the Sahel and the Great Plains of the USA. The book reflects the major themes of hazards in the context of economic development and social change. Most of the case studies are from the rural and agriculture scene. This book provides a unique view of the vital importance of food production and of the considerable, and sometimes calamitous, impact that frost, flood, storm and drought have on the wellbeing of millions of people and on the stability of the international economic system.