"This beautifully produced book will be inspiring to botanical artists and all those who are captivated by the orchid." -Leisure Painter Orchids have long held a place of esteem and fascination in the horticultural world. In the 19th century, orchid collecting reached new fanatical heights, with explorers dispatched to every corner of the globe in search of new varieties that could be auctioned at extravagant prices, and orchids are still one of the most popular flowers to breed and buy to this day. These beautiful, diverse flowers are one of the two largest families of flowering plants, with over 30,000 species and over 181,500 hybrids and cultivars. The RHS Orchid Committee have commissioned watercolours of over 7,000 award-winning hybrids that demonstrate particular value in their fabulous array of colours, patterns, sizes and shapes. Through these paintings, stories of high stakes orchid breeding and exhibiting are explored, with a cast of characters who helped shape the horticultural world we know today, alongside the dedicated artists who still support their endeavours.

Home Gardens for Improved Food Security and Livelihoods demonstrates how home gardens hold particular significance for resource-poor and marginalized communities in developing countries, and how they offer a versatile strategy toward building local and more resilient food systems. With food and nutritional security being a major global challenge, there is an urgent need to find innovative ways to increase food production and diversify food sources while increasing income-generating opportunities for communities faced with hunger and poverty. This book shows that when implemented properly, home gardens can become just such an innovative solution, as well as an integral part of sustainable food security programs. It provides a conceptual overview of social, economic, environmental and nutritional issues related to home gardening in diverse contexts, including gender issues and biodiversity conservation, and presents case studies from Africa, Asia and Latin America highlighting home gardening experiences and initiatives. The volume concludes with a synthesis of key lessons learned and ways forward for further enhancing home gardens for sustainable food security and development. This book will be a useful read for students and scholars working on local food systems, food security, sustainable development and more broadly development strategy.

This is a must-have book for all commercial and hobby growers - it serves as a production guide to cannabis producers, researchers, industry supporters and students!! Contains comprehensive information on all aspects of cannabis production. There are a few hundred large and many small cannabis production operations in North America - contact them. Contact suppliers including fertilizer companies, insect control companies, pathogen control companies, water treatment companies, greenhouse and environmental control companies, and lighting companies. Many countries are legalizing the medical use of cannabis the medical use and recreational use of cannabis - this teaches users optimal drug harvesting techniques for key quality through controlled environments. Although there are many books published on cannabis, they do not focus on cultivation - this book is the first of its kind (the proposal reviewers say it is desperately needed) and is written by scientists at different universities or research institutions who have been conducting cannabis research; some chapters are written in collaboration with university trained practitioners who are currently involved in commercial cannabis production. University of Guelph has developed and currently teaching a fourth-year undergraduate course titled "Cannabis Production." More institutions, both in Canada and in other countries, are currently planning to offer this course to more and more students.

"The work not only presents the state of the art for several aspects of IPM but goes further in analysing the actual issues of efficiency and obstacles for wider application by growers...In conclusion this book is a must-have for horticultural students and scientists. It will certainly help to raise IPM application in horticulture to a higher level."(Peter Bleyaert, Chronica Horticulturae) "The book contains some excellent detailed overviews of recent advances in IPM technology...I congratulate the editor and authors for assembling such a wide range of up-to-date IPM resources into this valuable initiative for scientists, students, agronomists and growers with an interest in horticulture." (Dr Almudena Ortiz-Urquiza, Plant Pathology) "Improving integrated pest management in horticulture presents a comprehensive review of recent advances in knowledge and research in IPM in horticultural production...The book is easy and enjoyable to read and understand and the chapters and topics are logically arranged and presented. It will be a standard reference for graduate students preparing for careers in horticulture, IPM researchers in horticulture, crop pest management professionals, government agencies tasked with monitoring and regulating pesticide use in agriculture and manufacturers and suppliers of agricultural pesticides."(Professor Stephen N. Wegulo, Crop Protection) "This book is an extremely important source of information on the present situation and hopefully will encourage more research to refine IPM in horticultural crops."(Professor Graham Matthews, Outlooks on Pest Management) Pests and diseases remain a significant threat to crop yields worldwide. With concerns about the environmental impact of synthetic pesticides, there remains a need to develop more environmentally-friendly biological methods of control that can be combined synergistically within integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. Improving integrated pest management in horticulture provides a comprehensive review of the recent developments in integrated pest management for horticultural crops. The collection builds on the wealth of research on insect and disease control in horticulture using IPM strategies in areas such as biological control and decision support systems to target techniques more effectively. The book also includes valuable case studies based on practical experience of IPM.

Focuses on cotton breeding and biotechnology Proposes ideas, data, and strategies to mount breeding programs for enhancing cotton production Details strategies for cotton quality improvement against abiotic and biotic stresses

First full biography of Richard Woods, the landscape designer, examining his work and restoring him to the attention he merits. A contemporary of the famous landscape designer "Capability" Brown, Richard Woods has never received the recognition he deserves: in contrast to Brown, he emphasised the pleasure ground and kitchen garden, with a more pronounced use of flowers than was general among the landscape improvers of his time. He liked variety and incident in his plans and, where he was employed on a larger scale, the encroachment of the pleasure ground into the park created the Woodsian "pleasure park". In this important work of detection and biography, Fiona Cowell analyses his designs, and explores his activities as a plantsman, a determined amateur architect and a farmer. In particular, she showsthe difficulties he found as a Catholic living in penal times, examining the difficulties encountered by both Woods and his Catholic patrons, and placing the man and his work in their wider social and economic context. Unjustly neglected in the past, he is here given his rightful place among the creators of the English landscape style.

This collection features four peer-reviewed literature reviews discussing fungal diseases of apples. The first chapter discusses the main pre- and postharvest pathogens affecting apple production. The chapter also reviews recent advances in biological, chemical and cultural forms of disease management to optimise production, maintain fruit quality and enhance sustainability. The second chapter reviews the epidemiology of apple scab. The chapter explores the role of host resistance, as well as techniques to manage apple scab and minimise crop losses, including fungicide application and the use of biocontrol agents. The third chapter reviews preharvest fungal and bacterial diseases as well as viruses of tree fruit. It looks at advances in technology for pathogen detection as well as methods of integrated disease management, including biological and cultural control. The final chapter reviews the development of apple varieties that are resistant to a number of important diseases, including apple scab, powdery mildew, fire blight, nectria canker and Marssonina apple blotch. The chapter also considers the use of DNA-based selection techniques for developing resistance and the mechanisms on which resistance depends.

This breakthrough handbook for botanical garden and arboretum curators (and curators in training) has now been expanded and updated fifteen years after the last edition was published. The new edition includes up-to-date information and methods for the preservation and conservation of plants and their use in both ex-situ and in-situ conservation programs, habitat restorations, and conservation research. There are expanded and updated sections on plant acquisitions and field collecting that conform to the Convention on Biological Diversity protocols. New technologies for documenting plant collections are described including reviews of the most common software programs to streamline this process. Recommendations for plant preservation-caring for collections-have been updated with expanded information on basic horticulture practice, sustainable techniques, special applications for conservation collections, and examples of preservation plans. There is an entirely new section on collections research and applications with several chapters on the latest conservation practices, technologies, and programs involving collections. All of the basic and essential information for collections management contained within the first edition, including specific recommendations and examples, has been expanded and updated with recommendations on new technologies and procedures to assist and guide curators in their critical role as plant collection developers, managers, and programmers. What is an important resource for public garden professionals and students has now become even more essential.

Micropropagation of plants is a multi billion dollar industry being practiced in hundreds of sm all and large nurseries and commerciallabo- ratories throughout the world. At present, it is the only component of plant biotechnology which has been commercially exploited on such a large scale, especially for the production of ornamentals. Now micropropagation of trees and medicinal plants has also assumed great importance. With recent progress made in the propagation of fruit and forest trees, and the immediate need for afforestation and planting of orchards, propagules and plantlets are required quickly and in large numbers. Taking these points into consideration High-Tech and Micropropagation I, II, III, and IV were published in 1991 and 1992. The present two volumes, High-Tech and Micropropagation V and VI, comprise 51 chapters contributed by international experts from 24 countries. High-Tech and Micropropagation V comprises 24 chapters arranged into the following three seetions: 1. Vegetables and fruits (garlic, Amaranthus, Brassica oleracea, pep- per, watermelon, cassava, banana, Myrtus communis, passionfruit, Polymnia sonchifolia, pepino, and spinaeh) H. Grasses (bamboos, Caustis dioica, Dendrocalamus, Miscanthus x giganteus, sugarcane) In. Trees (Aegle marmelos, Eucalyptus, Fraxinus excelsior, luglans cinerea, Pinus virginiana, Prosopis, and Vlmus species) High-Tech and Micropropagation VI comprises 27 chapters arranged in two sections: 1. Ornamental and aromatic plants (Amaryllis, Anthurium, Blandfordia, bromeliads, Campanula, Coleus, Ctenanthe, Cyclamen, Daphne, Dracaena, Gerbera, Helianthemum, Hippeastrum, Leucojum, Mammillaria, Maranta, Mediocactus, Mussaenda, Narcissus, Otacanthus, ponytail palm, Prunus tenella, Spiranthes, and Zinnia) II.

Floricultural crops all over the world are challenged by a number of insect and mite pests. The pest scenario is changing, and with climate change the instances of new pest incidences have become a more common problem. Like other crops, the intensive cultivation of commercial flowers has accentuated pest problems, as farmers tend to use more agricultural chemicals, which, in turn, increase the problems of pesticide resistance, pest resurgence, and residues leading to health hazards. This volume, Advances in Pest Management in Commercial Flowers, looks at the major challenges and improvements in this growing area today. It first provides an informative overview of worldwide pests of important commercial flowers. It explores a number of important issues in this area, such as the role of climate change on insect pests of commercial flowers and the synthetic chemicals and their possible harmful effects on the environment.

The book has covered recent techniques on bio-intensive integrated approaches of horticultural pest's management. An attempt to compile information on non-chemical ways of pest management strategies including agronomic approaches to physical, mechanical, biopesticides, biocontrol agents, biorational pesticides etc. which are non harmful to environment and economically viable has been made. This book is a useful reference material for organic product producing farmers, researchers and students who are involved in bio-intensive pest management strategies. Note: T& F does not sell or distribute the hardback in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. This title is co-published with NIPA.

The content of this book provides information on advanced knowledge in the sphere of importance and scope of horticulture in India, horticulture based integrated farming systems, integration of livestock in horticulture based farming systems, emerging issues, natural resource management, disease and pest management, organic farming and certification, post-harvest measures and value addition in arid fruits and vegetables, marketing aspects, status and export promotion measures and procedures. Note: T&F does not sell or distribute the hardback in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. This title is co-published with NIPA.

The book mainly comprises of novel food processing techniques and the equipment requirement for installation. The book also provides the scope and opportunities of entrepreneurship in the major horticultural crops like banana, mango, pine-apple, and some under-utilized fruits and vegetables. The book also enlightens the readers about the marketing strategies, business plan preparation, safety and quality issues etc. It covers almost all important aspects of entrepreneurship development in food processing sector. Note: T&F does not sell or distribute the hardback in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. This title is co-published with NIPA.

Forage crops are an essential component of livestock's diet. Production and availability of sufficiently good quality forage under diverse ecological dynamics are fundamental to develop an efficient and productive livestock industry. Growers worldwide, especially in developing and underdeveloped countries, face significant challenges in producing sufficient winter fodder. The livestock population is increasing at high rates, and its feed requirement is increasing accordingly. Fodder crops are the leading and cheapest source of feed for livestock; however, the shortage of fodder production is the primary limiting factor for livestock production. This book features an extensive overview of literature providing information on winter fodders used in livestock management. Key features Discusses breeding strategies of winter fodders through conventional approaches and biotechnology. Highlights production, agronomy, and bioecology of winter fodder crops. Provides comprehensive information on the ecological dynamics of winter fodders. Describes the use of precision agriculture for mitigating the effect of climate change on winter fodders. Relays challenges of winter fodder crops on account of microbes, toxins, pests, and diseases. This book is written for researchers and practitioners in agronomy, biotechnology, bioecology and is a comprehensive guide for improving winter fodder production.

Forage crops are an essential component of livestock's diet. Production and availability of sufficiently good quality forage under diverse ecological dynamics are fundamental to develop an efficient and productive livestock industry. Growers worldwide, especially in developing and underdeveloped countries, face significant challenges in producing sufficient winter fodder. The livestock population is increasing at high rates, and its feed requirement is increasing accordingly. Fodder crops are the leading and cheapest source of feed for livestock; however, the shortage of fodder production is the primary limiting factor for livestock production. This book features an extensive overview of literature providing information on winter fodders used in livestock management. Key features Discusses breeding strategies of winter fodders through conventional approaches and biotechnology. Highlights production, agronomy, and bioecology of winter fodder crops. Provides comprehensive information on the ecological dynamics of winter fodders. Describes the use of precision agriculture for mitigating the effect of climate change on winter fodders. Relays challenges of winter fodder crops on account of microbes, toxins, pests, and diseases. This book is written for researchers and practitioners in agronomy, biotechnology, bioecology and is a comprehensive guide for improving winter fodder production.

This collection features five peer-reviewed literature reviews on life cycle assessment (LCA) of crops. The first chapter discusses the application of LCA to agricultural systems and highlights key issues associated with its implementation, including delimitation of systems boundaries, defining the functional unit, handling coproduction, and the choosing of impact assessment methods. The second chapter explores the concepts of LCA and the coffee value chain. The chapter discusses how carbon footprint performances can be used to upgrade coffee value chains. The third chapter assesses the environmental impact of oil palm production during cultivation and as a result of land use change for new plantations. The chapter describes the principles and modelling steps of LCA, as well as the challenges ahead regarding further development and application. The fourth chapter reviews the core principles of LCA methodology, the state of the art of LCA for fruits and associated key challenges. The first complete LCA case study for export mango is also discussed. The final chapter assesses the environmental impact of banana production and highlights the importance of LCA in influencing the adoption of practices that can reduce or offset the carbon footprint of the banana value chain.

In this book, Sharon Amos explains how to design and create a beautiful garden for little or no money, offering tips on bartering for clippings, getting a bargain at garage sales or neighbourhood fairs, digging up suckers or adapting wild species and controlling them in a garden environment. She provides a comprehensive directory of 80 plants including detailed advice on where and how to grow a wide variety of garden favourites, from snowdrops to poppies. With beautiful illustrations, Plants for Free is the perfect gift book for cultivating your garden on a budget of next-to-nothing.