This volume summarises current developments in integrated pest management (IPM), focussing on insect pests. Chapters discuss advances in understanding species and landscape ecology on which IPM is founded. The book then reviews advances in cultural, physical and, in particular, biological methods of control. Topics include developments in classical, conservation and augmentative biological control as well as the use of entomopathogenic fungi, viruses, nematodes and semiochemicals. The final parts of the book summarise current research on monitoring pesticide use as well as emerging classes of biopesticides.

Biomass currently accounts for about fifteen per cent of global primary energy consumption and is playing an increasingly important role in the face of climate change, energy and food security concerns.

Handbook of Bioenergy Crops is a unique reference and guide, with extensive coverage of more than eighty of the main bioenergy crop species. For each it gives a brief description, outlines the ecological requirements, methods of propagation, crop management, rotation and production, harvesting, handling and storage, processing and utilization, then finishes with selected references. This is accompanied by detailed guides to biomass accumulation, harvesting, transportation and storage, as well as conversion technologies for biofuels and an examination of the environmental impact and economic and social dimensions, including prospects for renewable energy. This is an indispensable resource for all those involved in biomass production, utilization and research.

This book is a comprehensive and up-to-date resource covering the botany, production and uses of limes. The lime is an important fruit crop throughout citrus producing regions of the world, with its own specific benefits, culture and marketplace, but producers face issues affecting successful cultivation and production. The Lime: Botany, Production and Uses contains detailed information on: * Breeding, genetics and biodiversity of limes * Orchard establishment, management and precision agriculture * Pests and diseases, including the latest knowledge regarding current threats such as Witches' Broom Disease and Citrus Greening * Harvesting and postharvest management * Traditional and commercial uses of limes Authored by an international team of experts and presented in full colour throughout, this book is an essential resource for academic researchers and specialist extension workers, in addition to growers and producers involved in the citrus industry.

This collection provides a comprehensive review of key advances in greenhouse and other forms of protected and controlled environment cultivation. Chapters discuss developments in types of production systems: greenhouses, net houses, aquaponic and vertical farming systems. A particular focus is on ways of controlling the aerial environment, including lighting and atmosphere control, and on optimising root development, including growing media, irrigation and nutrient management. Chapters also summarise advances in systems monitoring and management, including the use of sensors, decision support systems and robotics to optimise efficiency.

Agroforestry is a land use system that allows for the concurrent production of trees and agricultural crops and/or animals from the same piece of land. It has a rich history of development and has been practised in some parts of the world for more than 6,000 years. In 1997, CABI published the seminal book on this subject, Temperate Agroforestry Systems, which was a break from the norm as almost all agroforestry texts up to that date were only relevant to tropical areas. The book explored the development of temperate agroforestry and agroforestry systems, concentrating on those areas within temperate zones where the greatest advances, adoptions and modifications had taken place up to that time: North and South America, China, Australia, New Zealand and Europe. This second fully-updated and expanded edition includes additional chapters on India and Chile and, as a result of ongoing advances in the field, separate chapters on the US, Canada, the UK and continental Europe. Today's challenges of climate change, population growth and food security, in concert with the ongoing global requirement for the energy and water needed for a resilient agricultural paradigm, can be met through the wide-scale adoption of agroforestry practices, in both tropical regions and temperate zones. The 2nd edition ofTemperate Agroforestry Systems brings together many examples of temperate agroforestry and will make valuable reading for all those working in this area as researchers, practitioners and policy makers. The book is also of importance to students and teachers of agriculture, ecology, environmental studies and forestry in temperate regions.

It is predicted that the world population will reach about 9.7 billion by the year 2050 and to feed this population the food production has to be increased proportionately. Further we are all concerned about climate which in turn results in abiotic stresses like drought, salinity, etc. These abiotic stresses will seriously affect crop productivity. This approach has gained popularity in the recent years and seems to be a potential option for the future. The present book brings out the role of different groups of microorganisms in alleviating abiotic stress in crop plants. Please note: This volume is Co-published with New India Publishing Agency, New Delhi. Taylor & Francis does not sell or distribute the Hardback in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka

Global climate change affects crop production through altered weather patterns and increased environmental stresses. Such stresses include soil salinity, drought, flooding, metal/metalloid toxicity, pollution, and extreme temperatures. The variability of these environmental conditions pared with the sessile lifestyle of plants contribute to high exposure to these stress factors. Increasing tolerance of crop plants to abiotic stresses is needed to fulfill increased food needs of the population. This book focuses on methods of improving plants tolerance to abiotic stresses. It provides information on how protective agents, including exogenous phytoprotectants, can mitigate abiotic stressors affecting plants. The application of various phytoprotectants has become one of the most effective approaches in enhancing the tolerance of plants to these stresses. Phytoprotectants are discussed in detail including information on osmoprotectants, antioxidants, phytohormones, nitric oxide, polyamines, amino acids, and nutrient elements of plants. Providing a valuable resource of information on phytoprotectants, this book is useful in diverse areas of life sciences including agronomy, plant physiology, cell biology, environmental sciences, and biotechnology.

The edible alliums are some of the most ancient cultivated crops and include onions, leeks, shallots, garlic and chives. They are grown in most regions of the world, from the subarctic to the humid tropics, although bulb onions are best adapted to production in subtropical and temperate areas. This book introduces the scientific principles that underlie production practices. It begins by discussing the classification, origins, distribution and economic importance of the major food alliums, before considering their structure, genetics and breeding. Chapters then follow on the physiology of crop growth, development and yield, on crop production and on flowering and seed production. Some alliums are harvested as bulbs and others as green shoots, and a chapter is devoted to the storage and dormancy of both types. Pests, diseases and weeds are then discussed, before a final chapter on the biochemistry and food science of alliums. The book is written at a level suitable for students of horticulture, crop science and food science, as well as for growers and crop consultants interested in the scientific principles that form the basis of their practice. It also provides a valuable example of how the different disciplines within plant sciences interrelate when applied to particular crops.

Coffee, one of the most commercially important crops grown, is distributed and traded globally in a multi-million dollar world industry. This exciting new book brings together in one volume the most important recent developments affecting the crop. Contributions from around 20 internationally-respected coffee scientists and technologists from around the world provide a vast wealth of new information in the subject areas in which they are expert.

The book commences with three cutting-edge chapters covering non-volatile and volatile compounds that determine the flavour of coffee. Chapters covering technology follow, including comprehensive information on developments in roasting techniques, decaffeination, the science and technology of instant coffee and home / catering beverage preparation. The physiological effects of coffee drinking are considered in a fascinating chapter on coffee and health. Agronomic aspects of coffee breeding and growing are covered specifically in chapters concentrating on these aspects, particularly focussing on newly-emerging molecular and cellular techniques. Finally, recent activities of some international organisations are reviewed in a lengthy appendix.

The editors of "Coffee: Recent Developments "have drawn together a comprehensive and extremely important book that should be on the shelves of all those involved in coffee. The book is a vital tool for food scientists, food technologists and agricultural scientists and the commercially important information included in the book makes it a 'must have reference' to all food companies involved with coffee. All libraries in universities, and research stations where any aspect of the coffee crop is studied or taught should have copies of the book available.

R. J. Clarke, also co-editor of the widely-acclaimed six-volume work Coffee published between 1985 and 1988, is a consultant based in Chichester U. K.

O. G. Vitzthum, formerly Director of Coffee Chemistry Research worldwide at Kraft, Jacobs, Suchard in Bremen, Germany is Honorary Professor at the Technical University of Braunsweig, Germany and Scientific Secretary of the Association Scientifique Internationale du Cafe (ASIC), in Paris France.

Pearl millet is mainly used for animal and poultry feed. It is the principal source of energy, protein, vitamins, minerals and contains many phenolic compounds, which are a good source of natural antioxidants. Pearl millet is a rich source of bioactive compounds and contains phytates and polyphenols. Owing to high nutritional and phytochemical properties, it has gained considerable attention as a botanical dietary supplement in many functional foods. Pearl Millet: Properties, Functionality and Its Applications provides comprehensive knowledge on nutritional and non-nutritional aspects of pearl millet. It covers recent research on pearl millet and provides information to improve the property and shelf life of flour, as well as the starch, and their uses in various food products. Features: Reviews structure, functional and antioxidant properties in pearl millet flour Deals with the latest developments in modification of native starch Provides information in enhancing shelf life and its utilization in phytochemical-rich product development Covers updated information for grain science professionals and food technologists

This is an authoritative book that acts as a guide to understanding maize kernel development. Written by a team of experts, it covers topics spanning pre- and post-fertilization events, embryo and endosperm development, grain filling and maturation, and factors influencing crop yield. It explores the significance of maize and other cereal grains, existing hypotheses and research, and important gaps in our knowledge and how we might fill them. This is a valuable resource for researchers of maize and other cereals, and anyone working on basic or applied science in the fields of seed development, plant genetics, and crop physiology.

Plant Breeding Reviews presents state-of-the-art reviews on plant genetics and the breeding of all types of crops by both traditional means and molecular methods. At a time when methods of molecular biology are leading to genetically engineered crops, and when the supply of wild varieties of many crops are threatened, this series provides the most current and important information available on the subject.

This is an up-to-date guide on the science and practice of disease control based on fungicides in horticulture and broad acre agriculture. It describes how conventional, organic and biological fungicides are discovered, how they work and how resistance evolves. Chapters on formulation, mode of action, mobility and application inform decisions about which fungicides to use, when to use them, and how to rotate (or tank-mix) them, to manage both plant disease and fungicide resistance. A chapter on experimental design of fungicide trials aids practitioners in designing their own trials to evaluate how effective products are for their plant disease problem. Based on the successful 2014 book of Fungicides in Crop Protection this edition has four entirely new chapters, and extensive updates to the other nine chapters. The contents include: * Fungicide markets, discovery and performance. * Modes of action and spectrum. * Biological crop protection, and organic cultivation. * Fungicide formulation, mobility and application. * Experimental design of fungicide trials and their analysis. * Fungicide resistance. * Legislation and regulation. Written for crop protection professionals and scientists, growers, agronomists and consultants, the book is also suitable for students of agriculture and agronomy.

Saffron is a precious spice which is mainly grown in Iran, India, Spain, Greece, Italy, Pakistan, Morocco, and central Asian countries. Until recently, saffron was perceived only for its value as a spice. However, with recent research findings pointing to the medicinal properties of saffron such as its antimicrobial, anticarcinogenic and antioxidant effects, interest in this plant has increased. The book presents a comprehensive account of saffron which includes the historical background, acerage underproduction, yield and applications, botanical ecophysiology, production technology, irrigation, pests, diseases and weeds, genetics, sterility, reproduction and production of secondary metabolites by in vitro method, economic aspects, indigenous knowledge in saffron production, processing, chemical composition and quality control, and research strategies.

This book is the second volume of a three volume reference set that will provide comprehensive information on breeding commercial horticultural crops. In a systematic way, it deals with the history and commercial importance of each fruit, the origin and early development of cultivation, regional characteristics, breeding objectives, fruit characteristics such as color, shape and disease resistance. Volume II deals with, for example, citrus fruits, avocados, and kiwifruits.

This book deals with the agronomy of the eight major grain, fiber and oilseed row crops produced in the United States: Corn, Wheat, Grain Sorghum, Barley, Rice, Cotton, Soybeans, and Peanuts. For each crop, Dr. Smith presents a structured discussion of: the types of cultivars, the history of the crop, its uses and processing, a detailed discussion of how to plant and grow the crop, the pests and problems involved, and the harvesting, grading and marketing practices.

1.1. INTRODUCTION Plastic covering, either framed or floating, is now used worldwide to protect crops from unfavorable growing conditions, such as severe weather and insects and birds. Protected cultivation in the broad sense, including mulching, has been widely spread by the innovation of plastic films. Paper, straw, and glass were the main materials used before the era of plastics. Utilization of plastics in agriculture started in the developed countries and is now spreading to the developing countries. Early utilization of plastic was in cold regions, and plastic was mainly used for protection from the cold. Now plastic is used also for protection from wind, insects and diseases. The use of covering techniques started with a simple system such as mulching, then row covers and small tunnels were developed, and finally plastic houses. Floating mulch was an exception to this sequence: it was introduced rather recently, although it is a simple structure. New development of functional and inexpensive films triggered widespread use of floating mulch. Table 1.1. The use a/plastic mulch in the world (after Jouet, 2001).

Two major challenges to continued global food security are the ever increasing demand for food products, and the unprecedented abiotic stresses that crops face due to climate change.Wild relatives of domesticated crops serve as a reservoir of genetic material, with the potential to be used to develop new, improved varieties of crops. Crop Wild Relative and Climate Change integrates crop evolution, breeding technologies and biotechnologies, improved practices and sustainable approaches while exploring the role wild relatives could play in increasing agricultural output. Crop Wild Relative and Climate Change begins with overviews of the impacts of climate change on growing environments and the challenges that agricultural production face in coming years and decades. Chapters then explore crop evolution and the potential for crop wild relatives to contribute novel genetic resources to the breeding of more resilient and productive crops. Breeding technologies and biotechnological advances that are being used to incorporate key genetic traits of wild relatives into crop varieties are also covered. There is also a valuable discussion on the importance of conserving genetic resources to ensure continued successful crop production. A timely resource, Crop Wild Relative and Climate Change will be an invaluable resource for the crop science community for years to come.

Abiotic stresses such as drought, flooding, high or low temperatures, metal toxicity and salinity can hamper plant growth and development. Improving Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Plants explains the physiological and molecular mechanisms plants naturally exhibit to withstand abiotic stresses and outlines the potential approaches to enhance plant abiotic stress tolerance to extreme conditions. Synthesising developments in plant stress biology, the book offers strategies that can be used in breeding, genomic, molecular, physiological and biotechnological approaches that hold the potential to develop resilient plants and improve crop productivity worldwide. Features * Comprehensively explains molecular and physiological mechanism of multiple abiotic stress tolerance in plants * Discusses recent advancements in crop abiotic stress tolerance mechanism and highlights strategies to develop abiotic stress tolerant genotypes for sustainability * Stimulates synthesis of information for plant stress biology for biotechnological applications * Presents essential information for large scale breeding and agricultural biotechnological programs for crop improvement Written by a team of expert scientists, this book benefits researchers in the field of plant stress biology and is essential reading for graduate students and researchers generating stress tolerant crops through genetic engineering and plant breeding. It appeals to individuals developing sustainable agriculture through physiological and biotechnological applications.

"Sustaining Soil Productivity in Response to Global Climate Chan""ge: ""Science, Policy, and Ethics"" "is a multi-disciplinary volume exploring the ethical, political and social issues surrounding the stewardship of our vital soil resources. Based on topics presented by an international group of experts at a conference convened through support of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, chapters include scientific studies on carbon sequestration, ecosystem services, maintaining soil fertility, and the effects of greenhouse gas emissions, as well as ethical issues ranging from allocation of land use to policies needed for climate change adaptation and mitigation.

Bringing together the latest research in soil science and climatology, "Sustaining Soil Productivity in Response to Global Climate Change "is a valuable resource for soil and plant scientists, agronomists and environmental scientists, as well as agricultural and natural resources engineers and economists, environmental policy makers and conservationists.

Key Features: Written by an international group of authors representing a cross-section of scientists, thought leaders, and policy-makersIncludes chapters on the potential effects of climate change on forest soil carbon, microbial function, and the role of soils and biogeochemistry in the climate and earth systemExplores historical development of land use ethics and stewardship

Agricultural system models enhance and extend field research...to synthesize and examine experiment data and advance our knowledge faster, to extend current research in time to predict best management systems, and to prepare for climate-change effects on agriculture. The relevance of such models depends on their implementation. Methods of Introducing System Models into Agricultural Research is the ultimate handbook for field scientists and other model users in the proper methods of model use. Readers will learn parameter estimation, calibration, validation, and extension of experimental results to other weather conditions, soils, and climates. The proper methods are the key to realizing the great potential benefits of modeling an agricultural system. Experts cover the major models, with the synthesis of knowledge that is the hallmark of the Advances in Agricultural Systems Modeling series.