Volume 74 contains six excellent cutting-edge reviews detailing advances in the plant and environmental soil sciences. Chapter 1 is an extensive review on soil quality. Chapter 2 covers recent advances in understanding the formation of metal hydroxide precipitates on soil surfaces and their implications on metal sequestration and soil remediation. Chapter 3 is a timely review on effects of organic acid exudation from roots on phosphorus uptake and aluminum tolerance of plants in acid soils. Chapter 4 discusses bamboo production and management, including manipulation of growth and development and environmental aspects of bamboo production. Chapter 5 addresses a significant worldwide issue - management of soils for food security and environmental quality. Chapter 6 is a comprehensive review on the management of wheat, barley, and oat root systems.

Grazing animals need to be managed in order to accommodate desired results in terms of animal, plant, land and economic responses. Grazing Management, 2nd Edition integrates principles and management techniques that apply to all grazing lands and to all grazing animals. This comprehensive volume provides authoritative review on a wide range of relevant topics: animal nutrition and nutritional balance when fed on different sorts of grazing lands; seasonal variation and limits placed on ecosystems by grazing; the effects of grazing on grazing lands; the various sorts of grazing behaviors; selecting plants and managing grazing lands, as well as many other important topics bearing upon the methods, practises and procedures for properly managing grazing lands and animals.
* Animal nutrition and nutritional balance when fed on different sorts of grazing lands
* Seasonal variation and limits placed on ecosystems by grazing
* The effects of grazing on grazing lands
* The various sorts of grazing behaviours
* Selecting plants and managing grazing lands

Abiotic stress, such as high salinity and drought is the most common challenge for sustainable food production in large parts of the world, in particular in emerging countries. The ongoing and expected global climate change will further increase these challenges in many areas, making improved stress resistance of crops a key topic for the 21st Century. Proteomics, genomics and metabolomics are methods allowing for the rapid and complete analysis of the complete physiology of crop plants. This knowledge in turn, is the prerequisite for improvements of crop resistance against abiotic stress through genetic engineering or traditional breeding methods."Improving Crop Resistance to Abiotic Stress" is a double-volume, up-to-date overview of current progress in improving crop quality and quantity using modern methods such as proteomics, genomics and metabolomics.With this particular emphasis on genetic engineering, this text focuses on crop improvement under adverse conditions, paying special attention to such staple crops as rice, maize, and pulses.

It includes an excellent mix of specific examples, such as the creation of nutritionally-fortified rice and a discussion of the political and economic implications of genetically engineered food.

The result is a must-have hands-on guide, ideally suited for Agricultural Scientists, Students of Agriculture, Plant Physiologists, Plant Breeders, Botanists and Biotechnologists.

Sections include: PART I Climate Change and Abiotic Stress Factors

PART II Methods to Improve Crop Productivity

PART III Species-Specific Case Studies: Graminoids, Leguminosae, Rosaceae

As populations in many developed countries age and the burden of chronic disease increases, there remains a need to establish effective preventative measures. Fruit and vegetables are a natural source of vitamins and minerals which can contribute to good health. Understanding and optimising the nutraceutical properties of fruit and vegetables reviews the associated health benefits of key horticultural crops, including apples, broccoli and cranberries. The book provides authoritative discussions on the nutraceutical properties of the major phytochemical compounds, including antioxidants and flavonoids, and how these properties can be optimised to prevent the onset of chronic diseases. By providing a comprehensive insight into the human health benefits of fruit and vegetables, the book highlights the emergence of a more sustainable, alternative method to preventing the onset of disease with less reliance on overburdened healthcare systems.

Demonstrates the intimate relationship between biological diversity and cultural diversity. The 15 contributors look at experimentation using crops such as rice, maize, beans and root crops, illustrated by case studies from India, Nepal and Nigeria among others. There are also studies of water harvesting in the Sudan and of the home gardens in South India.;The findings of this study show: farmers do experiment; farmers know their local environments intimately, and their experiments are usually site-specific; farmers have a close and detailed knowledge of local cultivators, and are well aware of the need to promote biological diversity; the experiments underlie the imporatnce of "in situ" conservation, including the protection of wild plants; and any attempts of local conservation of natural resources should involve the local inhabitants.;This collection emphasizes the importance of cultural factors and will contribute to the debate about biological diversity.

Modern Coconut Management is aimed at guiding those who work with small-scale farmers and farmer groups through the complex area of coconut management. It will also be of value to the many processors and others, whose livelihoods depend on coconuts. The emphasis is on the need for training and education of coconut smallholders in how to become good managers, using appropriate techniques and materials. The book combines a wealth of information that exists in this area with new research on diseases and pests and breeding techniques to improve crop performance. The book also deals with coconut based farming systems in which many aspects of the combination of coconuts with other crops and/or animals are discussed. Equally important are processing techniques which are vital to the survival of the coconut industry. There is a section of the book devoted to post-harvest treatment, processing and research where the many new developments in the processing of coconut products are discussed. This book will serve as a valuable reference tool to trainers and agencies working with coconut smallholders, as well as those involved with the processing of coconuts and products.

In the developing world, day to day crop management is often women's work. Yet women's interest and knowledge are often ignored. In addition to empowerment, involving women can provide significant support to crop protection programmes. This book addresses many aspects of plant protection. Most chapters, however, relate to integrated pest management (IPM). Practical lessons on women's roles in crop protection and ways to increase access to information and training are evident. Contributions come from Bhutan, Vietnam, Indonesia, Russia, Costa Rica, Honduras, Tanzania, and Ghana.

The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L. ) is the most important pulse crop in the world. It is an important source of calories, proteins, dietary fibers, minerals, and vitamins for millions of people in both developing and developed countries worldwide. It complements cereals and other carbohydrate-rich foods in providing near-perfect nutrition to people of all ages. Moreover, a regular intake ofbeans helps lower cholesterol and cancer risks. Despite the fact that per capita consumption of common bean in some developed countries (e. g. , the U. S. A. ) has been increasing over the last several years, in general, the average global per capita consumption is declining because production is unable to keep up with the population growth. Moreover, increasing demand for pesticide-free food products, concern for natural resources conservation, and the need to reduce production costs offer daunting challenges to the twenty-first century policy makers, bean growers, and researchers alike. High yielding, high quality bean cultivars that require less water, fertilizers, pesticides, and manual labor combined with integrated management of abiotic and biotic stresses will have to be developed. Eminent bean researchers were invited to contemplate these issues, prepare a state-of-the-art account on most relevant topics, and offer their insight into research directions into the twenty-first century. Four excellent books have been published covering various aspects ofthe common bean since 1980. These books are: I) Bean Production Problems nd in the Tropics (l SI ed. 1980, 2 ed. 1989), H. F. Schwartz & M. A.

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.

Climate change is a diverse, multifactorial phenomenon, meaning that the necessary agronomic strategies are case-specific and will have regional differences. This book provides an integrated view of the challenges and opportunities that will face agriculture in the future as a result of climate change. It discusses how the stresses resulting from climate change can be overcome by assessing, measuring and predicting environmental changes and stresses, identifying opportunities and adapting to change and responding to multifactorial change. Challenges and potential strategies that might be taken to overcome these are illustrated using a number of case studies.Climate change will pose many challenges to agriculture in the future, but by taking an integrative approach to predicting and adapting to change, this book will inspire researchers to turn those challenges into opportunities.

Mites pose a serious problem to plants worldwide, attacking crops and spreading disease. When mites damage crops of economic importance the impacts can be felt globally. Mites are among the most diverse and successful of invertebrates, with over 45,000 described species, with many more thousands to be discovered. They are responsible for a significant portion of the losses of crops for food, fibre, industry and other purposes, and require expensive and often controversial pest control measures. Understanding these mites is vital for entomologists, pest researchers, agronomists and food producers. Knowledge of mite pests helps to inform control strategies and optimize the production of economic plants and the agrarian economy. This encyclopedia provides a thorough coverage of the mites and the problems they cause to crops, yet it is easily searchable, organised by mite species and subdivided into helpful headings. It takes a worldwide view of the issue of mites injurious to economic plants, describing mites prevalent in different regions and discussing control methods appropriate in different environments. This book provides an encyclopaedic reference to the major mites, described by family in terms of their internal and external morphology, bio-ecology and family systematics. Methods of mite collection and laboratory study is described, as well as species diagnostic characteristics, worldwide distribution, host plants, identification by the type of damage they cause and control strategies, including chemical and biological intervention and integrated pest management measures. Mites of the following families are included: (Eriophyoidea, Tarsonemidae, Tuckerellidae, Tenuipalpidae, Tetranychidae, Acaridae, Penthaleidae). The Handbook of Mites of Economic Plants is an important resource for students of entomology and crop production, and as a thorough reference guide for researchers and field workers involved with mites, crop damage and food production.

Comprehensive and timely, Edible and Medicinal Mushrooms: Technology and Applications provides the most up to date information on the various edible mushrooms on the market. Compiling knowledge on their production, application and nutritional effects, chapters are dedicated to the cultivation of major species such as Agaricus bisporus, Pleurotus ostreatus, Agaricus subrufescens, Lentinula edodes, Ganoderma lucidum and others. With contributions from top researchers from around the world, topics covered include: * Biodiversity and biotechnological applications * Cultivation technologies * Control of pests and diseases * Current market overview * Bioactive mechanisms of mushrooms * Medicinal and nutritional properties Extensively illustrated with over 200 images, this is the perfect resource for researchers and professionals in the mushroom industry, food scientists and nutritionists, as well as academics and students of biology, agronomy, nutrition and medicine.

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.

One of the earliest scientific works on all aspects of compost and manure. Still of value today, especially to those interested in organic agriculture. Howard is the author of the very influencial book "An Agricultural Testament."

Plant Production in Closed Ecosystems provides overviews of the current trends and concepts in plant production in closed or semi-closed environments. The overviews reflect both the present and future challenges that face the agricultural industry and the methods and tools which will meet these challenges. Plant Production in Closed Ecosystems contains the full texts of the Special Lectures from the International Symposium on Plant Production in Closed Ecosystems, plus several contributed papers. The challenges which await the agricultural industry are diverse. This diversity is reflected in the topics that were covered in the special lectures given by experts in the field. These topics included: greenhouse horticulture, hydroponics, micropropagation, food production in space, environmental control, co-generation, controlled ecological life support systems (CELSS), and resource conservation.

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 international debate on biodiversity has resulted in a renewed interest in the role of farmers and local communities in the management of natural resources and crop genetic diversity. The local varieties of crops which have been developed by farmers have made a great contribution to plant breeding genetic resources in the North. In recent years it has become apparent that local crop diversity in the South is threatened by promotion of modern varieties promising higher yields. This study reflects new approaches and concepts in the field of conservation and the development of local crops. Case studies from Africa, Latin America and Asia address these issues from different angles, examining the significance of local knowledge, and documenting new approaches and methodologies. The text looks at the policy issues raised by the expansion of agribusiness, and the need to consider the interests of small-scale farmers. The authors come from a variety of backgrounds, from plant breeders to anthropologists, international researchers to NGO development workers and lobbyists, and present a number of different views and perspectives on the subject. This text should be of interest to researchers from biological and social backgrounds, as well as people with a more practical interest. The book provides an introduction to this field, and should be of use to university teachers and students in the agricultural, biological and social sciences. It places farmers at the centre of crop development and genetic diversity, and through this focus, challenges the dominant models in formal crop research.

* Quinoa is an invaluable crop, highlighted by the FAO as one of the world's main crops for future food security * Timely publication - The year 2013 has been declared "The International Year of the Quinoa" (IYQ), recognizing the Andean indigenous peoples, who have maintained, controlled, protected and preserved quinoa as food for present and future generations thanks to their traditional knowledge and practices of living well in harmony with mother earth and nature. * Covers the history, phylogeny and systematics, botany and agrotechnology

Grapes (Vitis spp.) are economically the most important fruit species in the world. Over the last decades many scientific advances have led to understand more deeply key physiological, biochemical, and molecular aspects of grape berry maturation. However, our knowledge on how grapevines respond to environmental stimuli and deal with biotic and abiotic stresses is still fragmented. Thus, this area of research is wide open for new scientific and technological advancements. Particularly, in the context of climate change, viticulture will have to adapt to higher temperatures, light intensity and atmospheric CO2 concentration, while water availability is expected to decrease in many viticultural regions, which poses new challenges to scientists and producers. With Grapevine in a Changing Environment, readers will benefit from a comprehensive and updated coverage on the intricate grapevine defense mechanisms against biotic and abiotic stress and on the new generation techniques that may be ultimately used to implement appropriate strategies aimed at the production and selection of more adapted genotypes. The book also provides valuable references in this research area and original data from several laboratories worldwide. Written by 63 international experts on grapevine ecophysiology, biochemistry and molecular biology, the book is a reference for a wide audience with different backgrounds, from plant physiologists, biochemists and graduate and post-graduate students, to viticulturists and enologists.

The Economics and Organization of Brazilian Agriculture: Recent Evolution and Productivity Gains presents insights on Brazilian agriculture and its impressive gains in productivity and international competitiveness, also providing insightful examples for global policymakers. In Brazil, as in many countries, many economists and policymakers believe that agriculture is a traditional, low-tech sector that crowds out the development of other economic sectors and the country. This book shows that this anti-agriculture bias is ill-informed, and with population growth, rising incomes, urbanization and diet changes - especially in developing countries like China and India - on the rise, the demand for food is expected to double in the next 40 years. Brazil has the natural resources, technology and management systems in place to benefit from this expected growth in food consumption and trade. Through real-world examples, the book shows how other low-latitude countries with tropical climate and soils like Brazil - especially in sub-Saharan Africa - can benefit from the agricultural technology, production, and management systems developed in Brazil. Case studies in each of three key categories, including technology, resource management, and effective government programs provide valuable insights into effective decision-making to maximize the effect of each.

Field Crop Arthropod Pests of Economic Importance presents detailed descriptions of the biology and ecology of important arthropod pest of selected global field crops. Standard management options for insect pest control on crops include biological, non-chemical, and chemical approaches. However, because agricultural crops face a wide range of insect pests throughout the year, it can prove difficult to find a simple solution to insect pest control in many, if not most, cropping systems. A whole-farm or integrated pest management approach combines cultural, natural, and chemical controls to maintain insect pest populations below levels that cause economic damage to the crop. This practice requires accurate species identification and thorough knowledge of the biology and ecology of the target organism. Integration and effective use of various control components is often enhanced when the target organism is correctly identified, and its biology and ecology are known. This book provides a key resource toward that identification and understanding. Students and professionals in agronomy, insect detection and survey, and economic entomology will find the book a valuable learning aid and resource tool.

Los cultivos industriales son un complejo y amplio grupo de plantas cultivadas que, a diferencia de los cereales, pertenecen a especies botanicas muy diferentes y que por tanto presentan caracteristicas ecofisiologicas y de manejo muy distintas y aprovechamientos muy dispares, algunos de ellos no alimentarios. Destaca en el conjunto de los cultivos industriales su gran importancia economica, en algunos casos estrategica, y su conexion imprescindible con la industria transformadora de la materia prima. Esto supone un fuerte valor anadido, una garantia de estabilidad de la produccion y la generacion de una fuerte actividad economica y de empleo.El libro esta estructurado en nueve capitulos, dedicados a la remolacha azucarera, algodon, otros cultivos productores de fibra (lino, canamo, kenaf y sorgo papelero), oleaginosas en general, girasol, colza, soja, otras oleaginosas (cartamo, lino y ricino) y tabaco. Para cada cultivo se estudia su origen e historia, caracteristicas botanicas, fisiologia y ecologia, objetivos de la mejora genetica y la eleccion varietal y las diferentes tecnicas de cultivo.La obra tiene a la vez un caracter cientifico y tecnico, y su proposito es servir como libro de consulta para los profesionales de la agricultura y como texto de estudio para los estudiantes de las Escuelas de Ingenieria Agraria. Esta ilustrada con 170 tablas y 199 figuras que suministran gran abundancia de datos e informaciones de gran utilidad para todos los interesados en el conocimiento actualizado de los cultivos industriales.

"Improving Water and Nutrient Use Efficiency in Food Production Systems" provides professionals, students, and policy makers with an in-depth view of various aspects of water and nutrient us in crop production. The book covers topics related to global economic, political, and social issues related to food production and distribution, describes various strategies and mechanisms that increase water and nutrient use efficiency, and review te curren situation and potential improvements in major food-producing systems on each continent. The book also deals with problems experienced by developed countries separtaely from problems facing developing countries.

"Improving Water and Nutrient Use Efficiency" emphasizes judicious water and nutrient management which is aimed at maximising water and nutrient utilisation in the agricultural landscape, and minimising undesirable nutrient losses to the environment.

Agroecology is defined as the application of ecological concepts and principles to the design and management of sustainable food systems. Hence, learning can best be achieved through an experiential approach to the topic. Designed to accompany Agroecology: The Ecology of Sustainable Food Systems, Third Edition, Field and Laboratory Investigations in Agroecology, Third Edition features 24 investigations divided into five sections that parallel the main text: Studies of Environmental Factors: These investigations deal with how an individual plant responds to the environment, how environmental factors in specific agroecosystems are measured and characterized, and how particular environmental factors affect individual plants. Studies of Population Dynamics in Crop Systems: This section studies how populations of organisms act in agroecosystems. It focuses on what populations are present, how they change over time and respond to the environment, and how individuals within a population may interact. Studies of Interspecific Interactions in Cropping Communities: This section emphasizes the between-species interactions of the organisms that make up crop communities. These interactions include herbivory, allelopathy, and mutualisms. Studies of Farm and Field Systems: These investigations cover system-level agroecology and whole farms or systems within farm boundaries. They touch on the complexity with which the farmer deals in managing agroecosystems. Food System Studies: These investigations reach out beyond the individual farm to examine components of the food system at a local level, which impact all of the levels of analysis in the first four parts. This manual facilitates hands-on learning that involves close observation, creative interpretation, and constant questioning of findings. The investigations emphasize the importance of careful data interpretation and presentation and the value of a clear, concise, and well-written research report. The book uses simple statistical analysis for data management and interpretation and students are guided through the steps of data analysis in the context of the particular investigations in which it is employed.

The Genomics Applications in Crop Improvement two volume set brings together a diverse field of international experts in plant breeding genomics to share their experiences in the field, from success stories to lessons learnt. In recent years advances in genetics and genomics have greatly enhanced our understanding of the structural and functional aspects of plant genomes. Several novel genetic and genomics approaches such as association genetics, advanced back-cross QTL analysis, allele mining, comparative and functional genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, etc. offer unprecedented opportunities to examine crop genetic variation and utilize this variability for breeding purposes. Enhancing the prediction of the phenotype from a genotype using genomics tools is referred to as 'genomics-assisted breeding'. To date, genomics-assisted breeding has shown its potential for crop improvement in several crops, however these successes have been largely restricted to temperate cereal and legume crops, and others such as Eucalyptus, sugarcane, tomato and other vegetables crops. Moreover, while success stories are available for improving resistance to biotic stresses, only a few examples are available on development of superior lines for abiotic stresses. These volumes will allow researchers the tools to begin to apply these technologies more broadly and will hopefully lead to lasting improvements in a wide variety of economically important crops. Volume One, Biotic Stress, focuses on genomic-assisted advances for improving economically important crops against biotic stressors, such as viruses, fungi, nematodes, and bacteria. Looking at key advances in crops such as rice, barley, wheat, and potato amongst others. Volume Two, Abiotic Stress, Quality and Yield Improvement, focuses on advances improving crop resistance to abiotic stresses such as extreme heat, drought, flooding as well as advances made in quality and yield improvement. Chapters examine advances in such key crops as rice, maize, and sugarcane, among others. * Two volumes covering important topics in crop genomics and applying that information to breeding improved varieties of economically important crops * Volumes cover improving resistance to abiotic and biotic stressors as well as breeding efforts to improve yield and quality * Includes chapters on current challenges for plant breeders such as fusarium disease in wheat and cyst nematodes in soybean crops * Organized by crop, with chapters covering a variety of topics for each including disease resistance, drought tolerance, salinity tolerance and overall improvement of yield * Written by an international team of experts This book is intended for crop science researchers, plant biologists, geneticists, physiologists, cellular and molecular biologists, and advanced students in related fields will also find this set useful.