In these short illustrated guides, Dr Mark Everard, avid nature-watcher, angler and scientist, takes a dedicated look at three British freshwater fishes, the Silver Bream, Gudgeon and Ruffe. Though an integral part of aquatic ecosystems and well-known to anglers, these fish are often overlooked by the wider public as well as scientists. Each book is in three sections, first exploring the biology of the fish itself, including science written in accessible style, second discussing angling history and tips, and thirdly exploring the fish's cultural connections, including etymology of the fish. A bibliography at the end of each guide directs the reader to additional resources.

This volume presents a range of different techniques that have been used to characterize the structure and function of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in higher plants. Chapters guide readers through application of modern microscopy techniques by fluorescence and electron microscopy, new protocols for analysing ER network structure, methods to purify and analyse ER membrane structure and to study protein glycosylation, protocols to study the unfolded protein response, and the role of the ER in autophagy. 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, The Plant Endoplasmic Reticulum: Methods and Protocols aims to ensure successful results in the further study of this vital field.

This 4-volume set focuses on the use of microbial bioremediation and phytoremediation to clean up pollutants in soil, such as pesticides, petroleum hydrocarbons, metals, and chlorinated solvents, which reduce the soil's fertility and renders it unfit for plant growth. The volumes cover the many diverse eco-friendly microbial bioremediation and phytoremediation techniques for sustainable soil management. Bioremediation and Phytoremediation Technologies in Sustainable Soil Management: Volume 1: Fundamental Aspects and Contaminated Sites begins with an overview of phytoremediation and phytotechnologies and the role of environmental factors. It goes on to introduce soil assessment techniques and offers methods of remediation designed to combat soil and agricultural degradation. Attention is given to specific types of sites and soil pollution, such as soils contaminated by heavy metals; microbial and phytoremediation-based removal of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from coal, crude oil, and gasoline; microbial bioremediation and amelioration of pesticide-contaminated soils; phytoremediation techniques for biomedical waste contaminated sites; as well as biomediation processes for human waste sites. Biopesticides are also explained in the book as an alternative to conventional pesticides as well as the possibilities for the improvement of modern bio-pesticides. Volume 2: Microbial Approaches and Recent Trends focuses on new and emerging techniques and approaches to address soil pollution. These include the use of rhizobacteria, archae, cyanobacteria, and microalgae as biofertilizers and for soil bioremediation efforts. New technologies for assessment of soil bioremediation are explored also. The chapters provides in-depth coverage of the mechanisms, advantages, and disadvantages of the technologies used and highlights the use of different microbial enzymes that are used in the process of bioremediation and phytoremediation to clean up different pollutants without causing damage to the natural environment. Volume 3: Inventive Techniques, Research Methods, and Case Studies is organized in three themes: plants in green remediation, tools and techniques in bioremediation and phytoremediation, and special sites and their remediation techniques. Innovative new techniques that advance the use of molecular biological approaches, nanotechnology, immobilization, vermicomposting and genetic modification developments are investigated to take advantage of these possibilities. Volume 4: Degradation of Pesticides and Polychlorinated Biphenyls addresses pesticide degradation, PCBs degradation, and genetic interventions. It begins by describing environment pesticide degradation, mechanisms and sustainability, microbes and microbial enzymes, plant microbe interactions, organophosphorus degradations and endosulfan degradation. It then goes on to discuss PCBs and degradation, cypermethrin, degradation by Phanerochaete chrysosporium, carvone and surfactants for degradation of PCBs. The book also advocates for genetic systems for degradation of PCBs and pesticides, with discussion of the different advantages and disadvantages for each strategy and the various techniques. Together, these four volumes provide in-depth coverage of the mechanisms, advantages, and disadvantages of the bioremediation and phytoremediation technologies for safe and sustainable soil management. The diverse topics help to arm biologists, agricultural engineers, environmental and soil scientists and chemists with the information and tools they need to address soil toxins that are a dangerous risk to plants, wildlife, humans and, of course, the soil itself.

This two-volume book is an up-to-date revision of methods and principles of phylogenetic analysis of morphological data. It is also a general guide for using the computer program TNT in the analysis of such data. The book covers the main aspects of phylogenetic analysis, and general methods to compare classifications derived from molecules and morphology. Practical application of all principles discussed is illustrated by reference to TNT, a freely available software package that can perform all the steps needed in a phylogenetic analysis. Key Features Provides in depth discussion of the connections between hypotheses of homology and the parsimony criterion Helps understand the basis for designing different aspects of a morphological study, from hints on delimiting the problem and data collecting, to character definitions and analysis Discusses the applicability of statistical models coopted from sequence analysis to the analysis of morphological data Gives detailed descriptions of the principles behind algorithms for evaluating and searching phylogenetic trees Presents extensive information on commands and options of the TNT computer program

Currently, there is a need for new management practices for fruit orchards in order to sustain the growth and productivity of various fruit crops. In addition, due to the continuous growth in the world's population, there is a demand for adequate food which is produced from the same sources of water and soils. The main factors limiting agricultural production are droughts and the population growth; this makes it important to prevent fruit production from being subject to climatic hazards. This book enhances the growth and productivity of fruit trees through different techniques, such as artificial intelligence optimization for soil conditioner, site-specific nutrient management in orchards in fertilizing as an application of smart agriculture, irrigation, modeling of parameters of water requirements in fruit orchards, and up-to-date trends in vineyard practices. The book also explores pest control on orchards to increase the efficiency of pesticides and protect the environment and discusses the shading of citrus orchards to avoid negative impacts such as rising temperatures and heatwaves on citrus productivity. Finally, the book discusses the carbon and water footprint for various fruit orchards. This book is ideal for researchers and academics of horticultural science, agricultural organizations, fruit growers, and economics and data analyzers.

With numerous methods available for the quantification of nitric oxide (NO), this detailed book explores their advantages and disadvantages in order to provide a foundation for further research in plant nitric oxide. After providing a useful practical guide to choosing a technique for measuring NO from plant materials, the book continues with chapters on chemiluminescence, diaminofluorescence (DAF), EPR spectroscopy, a laser-based method, as well as many other topics. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory methods, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Practical and authoritative, Plant Nitric Oxide: Methods and Protocols serves as a valuable guide to all researchers working and intending to work in the field of plant nitric oxide research.

This book covers the applications of fungi used in biorefinery technology. As a great many different varieties of fungal species are available, the text focuses on the various applications of fungi for production of useful products including organic acids (lactic, citric, fumaric); hydrolytic enzymes (amylase, cellulases, xylanases, ligninases, lipases, pectinases, proteases); advanced biofuels (ethanol, single cell oils); polyols (xylitol); single cell protein (animal feed); secondary metabolites; and much more.

Coral Reef Marine Plants of Hainan Island summarizes the literature on the role and use of marine plants in coral reef ecosystems, especially in China and countries in the Asia-Pacific Region. The first chapter of the book focuses on the description of coral reef ecosystems, their architecture, and status of Hainan coral reefs. The second chapter focuses on common knowledge surrounding marine plants, such as their classification, identifying characteristics of different phyla, morphology, reproduction, life forms, main algal communities on coral reefs, distribution of algae on coral reefs and their roles, and the use of seaweeds in cookery, medicine, industry, and agriculture. The third chapter on the seaweed flora of Hainan Island contains species composition of the marine benthic flora, the complete list of marine plants found by researchers from all studies, and historical changes in the flora and seasonal changes. The final chapter shows how to identify common species of marine plants on coral reefs of Hainan Island. This excellent work will help readers identify relevant plants, also teaching them how to use plant resources to assess endangered states and create conservation strategies.

This book assembles experimental and bioinformatics protocols for the design and experimental testing of synthetic promoters. The identification of cis-regulatory elements potentially achieving the desired expression of a gene is at the core of synthetic promoter design. For this, several bioinformatics chapters are presented. The experimental verification of the proposed expression profile conferred by the cis-regulatory elements requires the assembly of synthetic promoters. Several chapters are dedicated to the assembly of synthetic promoters, also including specific software tools to facilitate promoter design. Transient and transgenic reporter gene technology is a prominent approach to test the spatial and temporal expression driven by synthetic promoters, and several chapters address this approach. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include the kind of detail and expert implementation advice to ensure successful results in the lab. Practical and cutting-edge, Plant Synthetic Promoters: Methods and Protocols covers all steps required from the identification of cis-regulatory elements, over synthetic promoter design, to the experimental analysis of synthetic promoter function.

The paddy field is a unique agro-ecosystem and provides services such as food, nutrient recycling and diverse habitats. However, chemical contamination of paddy soils has degraded the quality of this important ecosystem. This book provides an overview of our current understanding of paddy soil pollution, addressing topics such as the major types of pollutants in contaminated paddy soil ecosystems; factors affecting the fate of pollutants in paddy soil; biomonitoring approaches to assess the contaminated paddy soil; the impact of chemicals on soil microbial diversity; and climate change. It also covers arsenic and heavy metal pollution of paddy soils and their impact on rice quality. Further, new emerging contaminants such as antibiotics and antibiotics resistance genes (ARGs) in paddy soil and their impact on environmental health are also discussed. The last chapters focus on the bioremediation approaches for the management of paddy soils.