Engineered Nanomaterials for Sustainable Agricultural Production, Soil Improvement and Stress Management highlights the latest advances in applying this important technology within agriculture sectors for sustainable growth, production and protection. The book explores various smart engineered nanomaterials which are now being used as an important tool for improving growth and productivity of crops facing abiotic stresses, improving the health of the soil in which those crops are growing, and addressing stresses once the plant begins to produce food yield. The book includes insights into the use of nanoparticles as bactericides, fungicides and nanofertilizers. In addition, the book includes an international representation of authors who have crafted chapters with clarity, reviewing up-to-date literature with lucid illustrations. It will be an important resource for researchers, nanobiotechnologists, agriculturists and horticulturists who need a comprehensive reference guide.

Applications of Biosurfactant in Agriculture explores the use of beneficial microorganisms as an alternative to current synthetic plant protection strategies. The book highlights a range of renewable raw substrates including agro-industrial waste as a dependable and cost-effective technology for the mass production of biosurfactant, emphasizes the formulation of biosurfactants using a full-factorial design, scientometric assessment, and presents mathematical modeling for the enhancement of production processes. Recent biotechnological techniques such as functional metagenomics that could help in the molecular characterization of novel biosurfactant with multifunctional activities majorly from uncultured and unexploited microbes available in the soil biosphere are also explored. This book identifies possible modes of action by which nutrients are normally released to plants through the formation of metal-biosurfactant complexes and presents recent research findings on the utilization of biosurfactants for the management of mycotoxins and microorganisms when evaluated in the field and in greenhouses. Finally, the book emphasizes the application of biosurfactants as a form of potent antibiotics for the management of several zoonotic diseases and in animal husbandry.

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.

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.

Agriculture and food production have a large footprint on the landscape globally and compete for space with land for nature conservation. This book explores the competition between the food needs of a growing human population and the conservation of biodiversity as intensified by the emerging use of crops for energy production. As concern about the impact of greenhouse gas emissions on climate grows and oil prices increase, energy production from agricultural crops has become a significant industry. At the same time, growth in food demand due to population growth has been accelerated by growing affluence associated with economic growth in major developing countries increasing per capita consumption. Consumers are concerned that the price of food will continue to increase sharply as a result of this competition but a loss of biodiversity may be another major outcome. Drawing on his expertise in plant conservation genetics, the author provides a balanced appraisal of the potential for developing new or improved crops for food or bioenergy production in the context of climate change, while at the same time protecting biodiversity.

This volume reflects on the recent political developments in Zimbabwe and their current and future impact on the agrarian sector. Utilising new empirical data gathered across Zimbabwe, the contributors shed light on the liberalisation of agricultural policy after Mugabe. Chapters examine how the adoption of neo-liberal orthodoxy in agrarian policy making will affect the new agrarian structure, looking at issues such as productivity, the impact on vulnerable groups, changing land tenure arrangements, joint ventures and land grabbing. Providing a new way of conceptualising Zimbabwe's agrarian futures, this book will be of interest to researchers, NGOs and policymakers interested in the politics of land and agriculture in Zimbabwe and southern Africa.

Plant Nematode Biopesticides presents the most current knowledge on various categories of biopesticides used in the management of nematode pests of crops or those that have significant potential as biological control agents. This book presents an exploratory and investigatory compilation and explanation of the actions and potentials of predatory nematodes, microbial agents, plant and other organic products, nanobiopesticides, and predatory invertebrates as biopesticides of nematode pests of agricultural crops. It is of unique importance and value as the only currently available single-volume resource focusing on plant parasitic nematodes as the pests and biopesticides. In addition, the book addresses common reservations in using biopesticides, either alone or in integrated pest management programs, providing advanced insights on various biopesticidal agents and products. Biopesticides may be microbial (nematodes, bacteria, fungi, virus, herbs etc.), plant-incorporated protectants (PIPs), plant products (citronella oil, neem oil, capsaicin, pyrethrin etc.), synthetic biochemical molecules, pheromones, semio-chemicals, plant extracts, or nanobiopesticides.

Although biochar has promise as a soil toxicity remedy, limited research is available, as well as books that summarize the current understanding of this topic. Using herbicides is a fundamental part of the current agricultural model and without the use of these products, food security is threatened on a global scale. Biochar is getting much attention in Korea and Brazil. The book would be of interest in these countries. This subject area has been highlighted due to the increased public concerns around pesticides and their fate in the environment.

In recent decades, livestock producers have moved away from open grazing for a number of reasons, none having to do with the health of consumers. Genetic Resources, Chromosome Engineering, and Crop Improvement: Forage Crops demonstrates how state-of-the-art technology can encourage the raising of livestock in open pastures where they can be fed grasses grown in nature rather than meals enriched with hormones and other by-products. The volume brings together the world's leading innovators in crop science who furnish information on the availability of germplasm resources that breeders can exploit for the improvement of major forage crop varieties including alfalfa, wheatgrass and wildrye grasses, Bahiagrass, birdsfoot trefoil, clover, Bermudagrass, and ryegrass. An introductory chapter outlines the cytogenetic architecture of forage crops, describes the principles and strategies of cytogenetic and breeding manipulations, and summarizes landmark research. Ensuing chapters provide a comprehensive account of each crop: its origin; wild relatives; exploitation of genetic resources in the primary, secondary, and tertiary, and, where feasible, quarternary gene pools through breeding and cytogenetic manipulation; and genetic enrichment using the tools of molecular genetics and biotechnology. . Certain to become the standard reference, this volume- Discusses taxonomy, genomic and chromosomal constitution, and the geographical distribution Stresses the role of germplasm exploration, maintenance, and assimilation for increasing yield Presents practical improvement methodologies including conventional, cytogenetic, mutation, molecular, cell and tissue cultures, and genetic transformation In addition to serving as fodder, forage crops provide ground cover, aid in abetting erosions, yield a number of pharmaceuti

Volume 2 of this 4-volume set tackles the problems presented by diseases in vegetable crops that can reduce yield and quality. The effective management of plant diseases involves a detailed study of the disease symptoms, causal agents, disease cycles, and epidemiology. Written by nationally known scientists in their respective fields, the chapters incorporate the experience and knowledge of the authors. The chapters provide an introduction along with plant disease symptoms, causal organisms, disease cycles, epidemiology, and effective management solutions for diseases of economically important vegetables. Some of the vegetables addressed include brinjal (or eggplant), chili, cole crops (such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collards, kale, and kohlrabi), cucurbits (gourds), garlic, green peas, potatoes, and more. The volumes provide an abundance of information for understanding and managing plant diseases, with emphasis on diagnostic techniques. The collection includes: Volume 1: Fruit Crops Volume 2: Vegetable Crops Volume 3: Ornamental Plants and Spice Crops Volume 4: Important Plantation Crops, Medicinal Crops, and Mushrooms

This fourth volume of this 4-volume set discusses the key diseases, typical symptoms, and management strategies of several economically important plants. Each chapter presents an introduction along with a detailed account of symptoms, causal organisms, disease cycles, epidemiology, and management of a selection of major plantation crops, medicinal crops, and mushrooms. The book features chapters contributed by eminent professionals in the field, who have incorporated their own experience and knowledge along with an overview of the recent developments in their fields. They provide information on the diagnostic tools and management techniques needed for such plantation crops as areca nut (or betel nut), cocoa (or chocolate), coconut, coffee, and tea; such medicinal crops as isabgol and senna; along with several kinds of mushrooms. The volume also includes photographs that show symptoms of important diseases, which are helpful in disease diagnosis. The volumes provide an abundance of information for understanding and managing plant diseases, with emphasis on diagnostic techniques. The collection includes: Volume 1: Fruit Crops Volume 2: Vegetable Crops Volume 3: Ornamental Plants and Spice Crops Volume 4: Important Plantation Crops, Medicinal Crops, and Mushrooms

This third volume of the 4-volume set focuses on the diseases prevalent in ornamental plants and spice crops. The management of any disease successfully involves its detailed study regarding symptoms, causal agent, disease cycle, and epidemiology. To address this, the authors in this volume, all nationally known scientists in their respective fields who are engaged in teaching, research, and extension services, have contributed their experience and knowledge on recent developments in the field of plant diseases. Focusing on ornamental plants (such as carnations, chrysanthemums [or crown daisies], dahlias, gladioli, marigolds, roses, zinnias), and spice crops (such as black pepper, coriander, ginger, turmeric, and others), the authors offer detailed accounts of the main diseases affecting these plants. Included are introductions to the plants, disease symptoms, causal organisms, disease cycles, epidemiology, and management of the diseases of these economically important crops. The volumes provide an abundance of information for understanding and managing plant diseases, with emphasis on diagnostic techniques. The collection includes: Volume 1: Fruit Crops Volume 2: Vegetable Crops Volume 3: Ornamental Plants and Spice Crops Volume 4: Important Plantation Crops, Medicinal Crops, and Mushrooms

Plant diseases cause serious threats to the successful cultivation of horticultural crops, resulting in huge losses in their yields. These plant diseases are known to affect horticultural crops at various growth stages and reduce the yield as well as quality of fruits and vegetables. Diseases also cause subsequent postharvest transit and storage losses. This 4-volume set provides the latest diagnostic information along with effective management solutions to the problems of diseases of field crop plants caused by phytopathogens. In volume 1, each chapter includes an introduction, disease symptoms, causal organisms, disease cycles, epidemiology, and management of economically important plants. With contributions from national scientists who are engaged in teaching, research, and extension services who share their experiences here, the chapters explore apples, amla (or Indian gooseberry), avocado, Indian bael, banana, Indian jujube, citrus, grapes, guava, hazelnut, and more. The volumes provide an abundance of information for understanding and managing plant diseases, with emphasis on diagnostic techniques. The collection includes: Volume 1: Fruit Crops Volume 2: Vegetable Crops Volume 3: Ornamental Plants and Spice Crops Volume 4: Important Plantation Crops, Medicinal Crops, and Mushrooms

Silicon and Nano-silicon in Environmental Stress Management and Crop Quality Improvement: Progress and Prospects provides a comprehensive overview of the latest understanding of the physiological, biochemical and molecular basis of silicon- and nano-silicon-mediated environmental stress tolerance and crop quality improvements in plants. The book not only covers silicon-induced biotic and abiotic stress tolerance in crops but is also the first to include nano-silicon-mediated approaches to environmental stress tolerance in crops. As nanotechnology has emerged as a prominent tool for enhancing agricultural productivity, and with the production and applications of nanoparticles (NPs) greatly increasing in many industries, this book is a welcomed resource.

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.

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.

Summarizing landmark research, Volume 4 of this essential seriesfurnishes information on the availability of germplasm resources that breeders can exploit for producing high-yielding oilseed crop varieties. Written by leading international experts, this volume presents the most up-to-date information on employing genetic resources to increase the yield of the major seven oilseed crops.

In eight succinct chapters, Genetic Resources, Chromosome Engineering, and Crop Improvement: Oilseed Crops, Volume 4 focuses on soybean, groundnut, cottonseed, sunflower, safflower, brassica oilseeds, and sesame," "An introductory chapter outlines the economic and nutritional importance of oilseed crops, describes the principles and strategies of cytogenetics and breeding, and summarizes landmarks in current research. This sets the stage for the ensuing crop-specific chapters. Each chapter generally provides a complete account of the crop, its origin, wild relatives, exploitation of genetic resources in the primary, secondary, and tertiary gene pools through breeding and cytogenetic manipulation, and genetic enrichment using the tools of molecular genetics and biotechnology.

Certain to become the standard reference for improving the yields of these critical crops, this book is the definitive source of information for plant breeders, agronomists, cytogeneticists, taxonomists, pathologists, entomologists, molecular biologists, food technologists, consumers, biotechnologists, and graduate students and researchers in these fields.

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.

Advances in Agronomy, Volume 171, the latest release in this leading reference, contains a variety of updates and new advances in the field, including updates on Elevated CO2 in Semi-arid Cropping Systems: A Synthesis of Research from the Australian Grains Free Air CO2 Enrichment (AGFACE) Research Program, Simultaneous Effects of Legume Cultivation on Carbon and Nitrogen Accumulation in Soil, Growing Small Grains Organically in the Semiarid West: A Review of Markets and Management Practices to Optimize Productivity and Sustainability, Principles and Applications of Topography in Precision Agriculture, Retention of Heavy Metals by Dredged Sediments and their Management Following Land Application, and more. Other chapters focus on Genetic Diversity for Developing Climate-resilient Wheats to Achieve Food Security Goals and A Century of Subclover: Lessons for Sustainable Intensification from a Historical Review of Innovations in Subterranean Clover Seed Production.

Examine important global environmental changes that will affect the future of agriculture! Here is a complete introduction to the influence of global environmental changes on the structure, function, and harvestable yield of major field crops. It gives you an in-depth look at the effects of climate change, air pollution, and soil salinization. The book provides an introduction to the ramifications, both positive and negative, of these ongoing environmental changes for present and future crop production and food supply. Crops and Environmental Change: An Introduction to Effects of Global Warming, Increasing Atmospheric CO2 and O3 Concentrations, and Soil Salinization on Crop Physiology and Yield integrates a discussion of the physiological effects of environmental change with background information on basic topics in plant physiology. Numerous charts, tables, and figures are included to assist in understanding the empirical effects of the environment on crops. Topics addressed in Crops and Environmental Change include: the effects of increasing global atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration climatic changes associated with increasing atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases the effects of increasing ozone concentrations in the lower atmosphere across large crop-growing regions soil salinization in areas of irrigated crops the causes and trajectories of ongoing environmental changes the implications of environmental changes on the future of crop production and much more! The information in this book is appropriate for newcomers to the field as well as for seasoned professionals. It is written in language accessible to those new to the area and serves as a good jumping off point for more in-depth study. And since it is organized like a traditional plant physiology textbook, it is appropriate for students in the field. For experienced professionals, it acts as a handy refresher/reference tool on the basics of plant physiology. Crops and Environmental Change is a valuable resource for anyone concerned with the future of agriculture. Make it part of your professional/teaching collection today!

With the underpinning role of forage legumes in the nitrogen economy and animal productivity from temperate grasslands certain to expand in the future, particularly in regions where their potential has not yet been realized, it is essential that the wealth of information currently available is widely disseminated. This book serves the purpose with very detailed information on and illustrations of 35 selected forage legume species that will contribute to more efficient and viable grassland farming.

Ginger: The Genus Zingiber is the first comprehensive volume on ginger. Valued as a spice and medicinal plant from ancient times both in India and China, ginger is now used universally as a versatile spice and in traditional medicine as well as in modern medicine.
This book covers all aspects of ginger, including botany, crop improvement, chemistry, biotechnology, production technology in the major producing countries, diseases, pests, and harvesting. It also explores processing, products, economics and marketing, pharmacology, medicinal applications, and uses as a spice and flavoring. Experts in the areas of genetic resources, botany, crop improvement, and biotechnology of ginger give an in-depth analysis of these key aspects, and each chapter concludes with an extensive bibliography.

Emerging Plant Growth Regulators in Agriculture: Roles in Stress Tolerance presents current PGR discoveries and advances for agricultural applications, providing a comprehensive reference for those seeking to apply these tools for improved plant health and crop yield. As demand for agricultural crops and improved nutritional requirement continue to escalate in response to increasing population, plant researchers have focused on identifying scientific approaches to minimize the negative impacts of climate change on agriculture crops. Among the various applied approaches, the application of plant growth regulators (PGRs) have gained significant attention for their ability to enhance stress tolerance mechanisms. This book was developed to provide foundational and emerging information to advance the discovery of novel, cost-competitive, specific and effective PGRs for applications in agriculture.