This book is an outgrowth of a UNESCO regional workshop entitled Culture Collection and Breeding of Edible Mushrooms. The purpose of the workshop is to provide participants with information on the principles and techniques involved in the genetics and breeding of edible mushrooms.

The book synthesizes knowledge on the arthropod taxon Oribatida, a suborder of Acari (the mites and ticks), that are a key group in soil ecology and biodiversity studies for Canada and Alaska but also worldwide. This book is unparalleled in the comprehensive nature of the information provided on this key biotic group. It is presented by two leading global experts for this group. There is no competing text in English. Reviewers were unanimous in their view that there is an "unquestionable" need for this book. The book provides highly reliable set of data, well prepared from a content and methodological point of view, bringing much interesting information on the subject and a valuable contribution to the knowledge of ecology of the group of invertebrates.

This Proceedings of APCRE'05 contains the articles that were presented at the 4th Asia-Pacific Chemical Reaction Engineering Symposium (APCRE 05), held at Gyeongju, Korea between June 12 and June 15, 2005, with a theme of "New Opportunities of Chemical Reaction Engineering in Asia-Pacific Region."
Following the tradition of APCRE Symposia and ISCRE, the scientific program encompassed a wide spectrum of topics, including not only the traditional areas but also the emerging fields of chemical reaction engineering into which the chemical reaction engineers have successfully spearheaded and made significant contributions in recent years.
In addition to the 190 papers being accepted, six plenary lectures and 11 invited lectures are placed in two separate chapters in the front.
* Provides an overview of new developments and application in chemical reaction engineering
* Topics include traditional and emerging fields
* Papers reviewed by experts in the field

Advances in Agronomy, Volume 159, the latest release in this leading reference on agronomy, contains a variety of updates, including specific chapters on the Environmental Behavior of Glyphosate in Soil, Agriculture Contingency Plans for Managing Weather Aberrations and Extreme Climate Events: Development, Implementation and Impacts in India, Unmanned Aircraft Systems for Precision Weed Management Applications: Prospects and Challenges, Ratoon Rice Technology: A Green and Resource-Efficient Way for Rice Production, Growth Characteristics of Winter Wheat in China Based on GDD Comprehensive and Quantitative Analysis of Growth Characteristics of Winter Wheat in China Based on Growing Degree Days, and more.

Since the publication of the first edition, important developments have emerged in modern mushroom biology and world mushroom production and products. The relationship of mushrooms with human welfare and the environment, medicinal properties of mushrooms, and the global marketing value of mushrooms and their products have all garnered great attention, identifying the need for an updated, authoritative reference. Mushrooms: Cultivation, Nutritional Value, Medicinal Effect, and Environmental Impact, Second Edition presents the latest cultivation and biotechnological advances that contribute to the modernization of mushroom farming and the mushroom industry. It describes the individual steps of the complex mushroom cultivation process, along with comprehensive coverage of mushroom breeding, efficient cultivation practices, nutritional value, medicinal utility, and environmental impact. Maintaining the format, organization, and focus of the previous edition, this thoroughly revised edition includes the most recent research findings and many new references. It features new chapters on medicinal mushrooms and the effects of pests and diseases on mushroom cultivation. There are also updated chapters on specific edible mushrooms, and an expanded chapter on technology and mushrooms. Rather than providing an encyclopedic review, this book emphasizes worldwide trends and developments in mushroom biology from an international perspective. It takes an interdisciplinary approach that will appeal to industrial and medical mycologists, mushroom growers, botanists, plant pathologists, and professionals and scientists in related fields. This book illustrates that mushroom cultivation has and will continue to have a positive global impact on long-term food nutrition, health care, environmental conservation and regeneration, and economic and social change.

Citrus is a very ancient crop known to have existed for over 4000 years. This book is an effort to present Citrus comprehensively. It aims at the holistic way - integrating production and utilization of Citrus.

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.

One of the world centers of crop evolution and origin, Ethiopia has long been recognized as an important area of diversity for several major and various minor crops. Based on an international conference held in Addis Ababa, this book describes how plant genetic diversity in Ethiopia is of vital importance in breeding new varieties of crops with desirable characteristics, such as increased resistance to pests and diseases and greater adaptation to heat and drought. The three main sections in the book consider the Ethiopian center of diversity, germ plasm or genetic material collection and conservation in Ethiopia, and the evaluation and utilization of Ethiopian genetic resources. A broad range of food and feed crops and plants of medicinal and industrial importance are discussed, both at a national and international level. A brief account of conservation strategies and gene bank problems unique to Ethiopia is also given. The importance of Ethiopia's plant genetic resources to world agriculture has been demonstrated on more than one occasion. Plant breeders, geneticists, and botanists throughout the world will, therefore, find this unique book a valuable source of information and an essential reference work.

Confusion about the genera Geranium and Pelargonium existed even before Linnaeus' binomial system of classification bundled both into the former category in 1753. Despite later evaluations that separated the two, many practitioners of alternative medicine and aromatherapists, among others, remain unaware of the distinction. Laymen and plant sales personnel are often equally in the dark - the majority of garden centre 'geraniums' are Pelargonium species and cultivars. This work aims to dispel myths and peel away layers of incorrect and muddled information which contribute to the unclear image of the genera.
Geranium and Pelargonium: History of Nomenclature, Usage and Cultivation features discussion and new information on some of the following areas:
* taxonomy and history of usage and nomenclature
* cultivation for essential oil production and retail purposes in different countries
* phytochemistry of the genera
* chemistry of Geranium and Pelargonium oils
* theory and practice of distillation of Geranium and Pelargonium oils
* pharmacology an therapeutic properties of Geranium and Pelargonium oils and extracts
* use of Geranium and Pelargonium products in aromatherapy, perfumery, cosmetics, food processing and medicine
* new research into Geranium and Pelargonium
This book will be of interest to graduate students, scientists and professionals in the Geranium and Pelargonium growing and retail industry, the perfumery, food and cosmetics industries, and to those interested in Geranium and Pelargonium for alternative and conventional medical use.
* Theory and practice of distillation

eBook available with sample pages: 0203216539

Cardamom otherwise known as Malabar cardamom, true cardamom or small cardamom second only to pepper in its importance during the Renaissance period, is often qualified as the Queen of Spices because of its very pleasant aroma and taste. The Western Ghat forest of the Malabar coast, India, is the centre of origin and diversity for cardamom and it might have been nature's design that the King and Queen of spices (black pepper and cardamom) originated in the same forest.
This volume contains sixteen chapters, fourteen on cardamom and one each on large cardamom and false cardamoms. All aspects of the cardamom crop have been covered in this volume, and each chapter is written by experts in their respective fields. This volume is visualised as both a textbook and reference work for scientists and students of horticulture, plantation crops, botany and related fields, and will go on to serve as the main reference volume on cardamom for many years to come.

eBook available with sample pages: 0203216636

Oregano - The genera Origanum and Lippia is an updated and analytic review on the currently available technical knowledge and market information on the world's commercially most valued spice. The book treats in detail various aspects of practical significance for the crops industrilization - such as optimizing germplasm selection and utilization, novel cultivation methods and product processing, blending and uses in different countries, along with other market related issues never included in previous reviews. Written by leading experts, every aspect of this plant genera is examined in detail.
Information provided on the structural dynamics of Origanum as well as analytical information on extraction, isolation and characterization assist the reader in forming a clear picture about the construction and operation of this specific genus. Extensively referenced and including a special guide to electronic data retrieval strategies, this volume is the definitive source of information for anyone interested in the research in, and application of, Oregano across both academia and industry.

eBook available with sample pages: 0203222091

Discover the role of nanotechnology in promoting plant growth and protection through the management of microbial pathogens In Nanotechnology in Plant Growth Promotion and Protection, distinguished researcher and author Dr. Avinash P. Ingle delivers a rigorous and insightful collection of some of the latest developments in nanotechnology particularly related to plant growth promotion and protection. The book focuses broadly on the role played by nanotechnology in growth promotion of plants and their protection through the management of different microbial pathogens. You'll learn about a wide variety of topics, including the role of nanomaterials in sustainable agriculture, how nano-fertilizers behave as soil feed, and the dual role of nanoparticles in plant growth promotion and phytopathogen management. You'll also discover why nanotechnology has the potential to revolutionize the current agricultural landscape through the development of nano-based products, like plant growth promoters, nano-fertilizers, nano-pesticides, and nano-insecticides. Find out why nano-based products promise to be a cost-effective, economically viable, and eco-friendly approach to tackling some of the most intractable problems in agriculture today. You'll also benefit from the inclusion of: A thorough introduction to the prospects and impacts of using nanotechnology to promote the growth of plants and control plant diseases An exploration of the effects of titanium dioxide nanomaterials on plant growth and the emerging applications of zinc-based nanoparticles in plant growth promotion Practical discussions of nano-fertilizer in enhancing the production potentials of crops and the potential applications of nanotechnology in plant nutrition and protection for sustainable agriculture A concise treatment of nanotechnology in seed science and soil feed Toxicological concerns of nanomaterials used in agriculture Perfect for undergraduate, graduate, and research students of nanotechnology, agriculture, plant science, plant physiology, and crops, Nanotechnology in Plant Growth Promotion and Protection will also earn a place in the libraries of professors and researchers in these areas, as well as regulators and policymakers.

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.

In the recent years, the looming food scarcity problem has highlighted plant sciences as an emerging discipline committed to devise new strategies for enhanced crop productivity. The major factors causing food scarcity are biotic and abiotic stresses such as plant pathogens, salinity, drought, flooding, nutrient deficiency or toxicity which substantially limit crop productivity world-wide. In this scenario, strategies should be adopted to achieve maximum productivity and economic crop returns. In this book we have mainly focused on physiological, biochemical, molecular and genetic bases of crop development and related approaches that can be used for crop improvement under environmental adversaries. In addition, the adverse effects of different biotic (diseases, pathogens etc.) and abiotic (salinity, drought, high temperatures, metals etc) stresses on crop development and the potential strategies to enhance crop productivity under stressful environments are also discussed.

Completely revised and updated, the Second Edition of Specialty Corns includes everything in the first edition and more. Considered the standard in this field, significant changes have been made to keep all the information current and bring the references up-to-date. Two new chapters have been added to keep up with the latest trends: Blue Corn and Baby Corn.
Access the latest methods in developing specialty corns with this standard-setting reference. Edited by an expert in the field who has spent his professional life working with corn, Specialty Corns, Second Edition discusses the genetic variation inherent in corn, genetic materials available, breeding methods, and special problems associated with the development of specialty corns. Hallauer has assembled a team of international experts who have contributed to this work.

In this manual, Post-harvest Tobacco Infestation Control, we have addressed the 'state-of-the-art' and given little account of obsolete techniques. With contributing authors from international cigarette manufacturers, plus consultation with the worldwide tobacco industry, we have recorded the acceptable methodology for infestation management. This manual fills a void, as the most recent treatment of this subject was more than 20 years 350 ago. Major emphasis is on sanitation which should, where possible, reduce or replace pesticide use at all stages of tobacco processing. This manual is divided into an introduction and chapters dealing with: biology, monitoring, sanitation, physical control and insecticides - with separate chapters on insect growth regulators and fumigation. At the end, a few case histories are outlined to show how this integrated approach to infestation control is put into practice. Comments from users of this manual regarding general usefulness, omissions and/or corrections are welcome and should be addressed to CORESTA, the infestation control subgroup of the Phytopathology group. Introduction 1 Tobacco is vulnerable to many insect pests while growing in the 13 357 field. 4. 3 * Farmers may use pesticides to help control some insects and avoid losing up to 40% of the growing crop. Two insects, the cigarette beetle (Lasioderma serricorne) and the tobacco moth (Ephestia elutella), feed on cured tobacco leaves, whether air-cured burley, sun-cured oriental, flue-cured or tobacco by-products (Chapter 2).

The first book on crop nutrition that covers topics from soil hydrology to molecular biology!The first book ever to elucidate so many different aspects of mineral nutrition of crops, Mineral Nutrition of Crops: Fundamental Mechanisms and Implications will allow you to grasp the complexity of the soil-water-plant-microbe interactions governing nutrient uptake and utilization by crops. By emphasizing a fundamental mechanistic approach, this book effectively complements the monograph Nutrient Use in Crop Production (The Haworth Press, Inc.). With Mineral Nutrition of Crops you will explore the many facets necessary to increase crop and pasture yields and minimize unwanted losses of nutrients to the environment.Mineral Nutrition of Crops covers a wide range of topics that span several scientific disciplines: agriculture, agronomy, botany, forestry, ecology, plant science, and soil science. From this book, you will gain vital knowledge required to understand the complexity of mechanisms and processes governing nutrient transport toward roots, including biological and chemical reactions influencing nutrient availability in the rhizosphere, uptake by root cells, long-distance transport toward grain, and the role of nutrients in metabolism. Also, you will explore issues relating to the following topics: biology and chemistry of nutrient availability in the rhizosphere kinetics of nutrient uptake by plant cells role of mineral photosynthesis and yield formation importance of seed nutrient reserves in crop growth and development breeding crops for improved nutrient efficiency significance of root size for plant production monitoring water and nutrient fluxes down the profile From Mineral Nutrition of Crops , you will gain the knowledge you need to understand and improve methods of crop growth and nutrition. Mineral Nutrition of Crops is an indispensable manual for anyone involved in the many aspects of growing crops.

Having a robust drought monitoring system for Ethiopia is crucial to mitigate the adverse impacts of droughts. Yet, such monitoring system still lacks in Ethiopia, and in the Upper Blue Nile (UBN) basin in particular. Several drought indices exist to monitor drought, however, these indices are unable, individually, to provide concise information on the occurrence of meteorological, agricultural and hydrological droughts. A combined drought index (CDI) using several meteorological, agricultural and hydrological drought indices can indicate the occurrence of all drought types, and can provide information that facilitates the drought management decision-making process. This thesis proposes an impact-based combined drought index (CDI) and a regression prediction model of crop yield anomalies for the UBN basin. The impact-based CDI is defined as a drought index that optimally combines the information embedded in other drought indices for monitoring a certain impact of drought, i.e. crop yield for the UBN. The developed CDI and the regression model have shown to be effective in indicating historic drought events in UBN basin. The impact-based CDI could potentially be used in the future development of drought monitoring in the UBN basin and support decision making in order to mitigate adverse drought impacts.

Emphasizing the unpredictable nature of plant behaviour under stress and in relation to complex interactions of biological pathways, this work covers the versatility of plants in adapting to environmental change. It analyzes environmentally triggered adaptions in developmental programmes of plants that lead to permanent, heritable DNA modifications.

This book looks at how people in the semi-arid conditions of the Sahel cope with their harsh environment. It draws on four years of field research with farmers in the Sahelian region and builds on work with these communities over several decades. Reporting on studies of four village communities, it shows how people work to achieve sustainable livelihoods and emphasises that there can be development without disaster.

"Cannabis sativa" has been a source of man-mad products for over 5000 years. This book contains a series of dissertations, supported by over 700 references, on the history, ethnobotany, chemistry and analysis, and cultivation and processing of cannabis. The medicinal and non-medicinal uses of the plant and its derivates are viewed in the context of national and international legislation to define and control its use. Developments in cannabinoid pharmacology research and receptor theory are also discussed.

This book compiles information relevant to understanding soybean production processes and condenses it into a single volume. The authors identify production practices and bring together diverse information that suggests ways for producers to better utilize the soil and climatic resources of the midsouthern U.S. to enhance production of this valuable and versatile crop. This publication makes a special effort to focus on information that will enhance soybean production in the midsouth, where yields have been lower than those in the upper midwester n portion of the U.S., however, much of the information, such as statistics and crop models, will be applicable to other regions, from Texas to the Carolinas.

In Calabria, Italy, where bergamot has been successfully cultivated since the eighteenth century, it is commonly defined as "the prince of the Citrus genus." Written by an international panel of experts from multiple disciplines, Citrus bergamia: Bergamot and its Derivatives represents the most complete treatise on bergamot and its derivatives currently available.

Although production of bergamot and its derivatives is comparatively small, its chemical composition and biological properties have been of great scientific interest and the oil is considered essential in many high-quality perfumes. There is also an increased demand for bergamot oil for food flavorings and gastronomy. A tribute to bergamot, Citrus bergamia: Bergamot and its Derivatives covers all aspects of bergamot, from its historical and botanical origins, cultural practices, and transformation technologies to the use of its derivatives, possible contaminations, and biological activity.
The book examines the chemical composition of bergamot in peel oils, leaf oils, juice, and fruits, extracted by various techniques mechanical, distillation, and by supercritical fluids. It covers newly identified classes of compounds, limonoids and statins, describing the identification and assay of natural statins and the pharmacological activities of limonoids. It also discusses bergapten properties and its uses in cosmetics and medicine, as well as the use of bergamot in perfumery and in foods and beverages. The book concludes with a chapter reviewing the available data and global legislative status of bergamot as they relate to the safe use and trade of bergamot products.

Indian spices are famous across the globe and have attracted food lovers for ages. With the increasing awareness of health through foods, people are now more conscious about the health and nutraceutical benefits of spices. The past few years have witnessed pioneering research work in this area with various spices. This volume is a comprehensive volume that collects and collates the wisdom of the past and blends it with the technological progress of today. The book offers comprehensive coverage on the subject of Indian spices and their agrotechniques. It is a rich compilation of agrotechniques coupled with background information, research work, and scientific discussion on the basic and applied aspects on the subject. The first chapter in Spices: Agrotechniques for Quality Produce is introductory and provides an overview of spices that have important flavor compounds. It looks at the present status of world spice scenario on export and import, major markets, etc. The second chapter deals with classification of spices, condiments, and herbs. The third chapter is the major one that precisely describes agrotechniques and production technology of fifty individual spices comprised of the major spices. It covers three rhizomatous spices, six bulbous spices, eight tree spices (six aromatic and two acidulant), eleven seed spices, twelve leafy or herbal spices or aromatic herbs, four lesser-known spices, and three other spices with due consideration to quality and value-added benefits. This chapter also presents a general discussion of the systematic position, composition, uses, export-import scenario, medicinal values, etc., of these spices. The subsequent chapters deal with recent research approaches on spices around the world and explore the promises of organic spices and future research directions. This volume will be useful to all those who are interested in spices, including students, teachers, researchers, amateur readers, policymakers, as well as farming communities.

The coconut palm occupies a significant place in the world economy as an important subsistence crop in all the areas in which it is grown. Relatively few countries are able to export any quantity of coconut products because of increasing home demands coupled with low productivity. Yields are generally well below potential despite recent developments with improved planting stock and agronomic practices. In the last 50 years, both these aspects have received considerable attention, but the focus is shifting to investigate how the use of recently developed biotechnological techniques- can benefit the coconut industry. This volume, the result of the International Symposium on Coconut Biotechnology (held in December 1997 in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico), describes recent research in three important areas. Standard plant breeding techniques used with coconut have produced improved planting material, but progress is inevitably very slow. Can more rapid genetic improvement be obtained using molecular techniques? The papers presented in this section suggest that such techniques will open up exciting new prospects, but only after basic information has been gathered on the genetic status of existing coconut stocks. Research using microsatellite techniques seems to provide a useful tool to help to classifying these stocks. However, only a combination of classical breeding methods with modem techniques will lead to the rapid improvement which is required to supply material for urgent replanting programs.