Food gardening is becoming increasingly popular, as people look for new ways to live more sustainably and minimize harm to the environment. This book addresses the 21st century trends which bring new challenges to food gardening - anthropogenic climate change, environmental degradation, natural resource scarcity, and social inequity - and explains the basic biological, ecological and social concepts needed to understand and respond to them. Examples throughout the text demonstrate how to successfully use these concepts, while supporting gardeners' values, and their goals for themselves, their communities and the world.

The best person to design the property of your dreams is you. This book gives you the tools to succeed. Building Your Permaculture Property offers a revolutionary holistic method to overcome overwhelm in the complex process of resilient land design. It distills the authors' decades of experience as engineers, farmers, educators, and consultants into a five-step process complete with principles, practices, templates, and workflow tools to help you: Clarify your vision, values, and resources Diagnose your land and resources for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats Design your land and resources to meet your vision and values Implement the right design to enhance your strengths and improve your weakest resource Establish benchmarks to monitor the sustainability and success of your development. When designing a regenerative permaculture property, too many land stewards suffer from option paralysis, a lack of integrated holistic design, fruitless trial-and-error attempts, wasted money, and the frustration that results from too much information and no context. Building Your Permaculture Property is the essential guide for everyone looking to cut through the noise and establish an ecologically regenerative, financially sustainable, enjoyable, and thriving permaculture property, anywhere in the world.

From set-up to operation--everything the turf equipment manager needs to know, all in one place

Inside this book are proven techniques that enable you to design, build, and manage an efficient and safe turf maintenance facility for golf courses, parks, and sports complexes. Backed by more than fifty years of collective experience, the authors assist you in developing and implementing cost-effective preventive maintenance programs that rely on the latest technology to optimize the performance of turf equipment. Moreover, with its detailed coverage of safety regulations and regulatory agencies, the book helps ensure the safety of everyone who works in the shop or uses the turf equipment.

This unique reference brings together all the best practices and clear, step-by-step guidance for critical tasks such as:

Remodeling older maintenance facilities to maximize efficiency and equipment performance

Using the quick-start method for setting up an effective preventive maintenance program

Selecting essential tools and equipment for the shop

Maintaining closely mown turf using the latest reel technology

Taking advantage of a simple diagnostic technique to organize, dissect, and isolate equipment problems

Choosing the right turf equipment manager and training equipment operators

Extensive use of drawings and photographs of actual facilities and equipment help you understand how to implement the authors' recommendations. Web site addresses for many of the suppliers and services that you need are listed in the Appendix. In short, all the essentials of turf equipment management and maintenance--from initial set-up to operation--are now available in one place for quick andeasy reference.

Biocontrol of major grapevine diseases provides a timely research update on the use of biological control agents and plant resistance inducers against phytopathogenic infections of the grapevine by fungi, oomycetes, bacteria and phytoplasma.Taking a holistic approach, this book presents in detail the ecology, mechanisms and the application methods of these agents. Its 19 chapters, authored by international experts, cover diseases such as grey mould, trunk diseases, powdery and downy mildews, as well as phytoplasma diseases, and, by nature, emphasise applications of biocontrol in organic viticulture and as part of integrated pest management systems.

Over the past decade there has been a resurgence of interest in growing fruit and vegetables in the garden and on the allotment. Part of the driving force behind this is an increased awareness of the health benefits that can be derived from fruit and vegetables in the diet. The 'five helpings a day' dictum reflects the correlation between a regular consumption of fruit and vegetables and a reduced incidence of, for example, cardiovascular disease and some cancers. Growing your own vegetables provides the opportunity to harvest them at their peak, to minimize the time for post-harvest deterioration prior to consumption and to reduce their 'food miles'. It also provides an opportunity to grow interesting and less common cultivars. The combination of economic advantages and recreational factors add to the pleasure of growing fruit and vegetables.

This book covers the natural products that have been identified in common 'home-grown' fruit and vegetables and which contribute to their organoleptic and beneficial properties. Over the last fifty years the immense advances in separation methods and spectroscopic techniques for structure elucidation have led to the identification of a wide range of natural products in fruit and vegetables. Not only have many of their beneficial properties been recognized but also their ecological roles in the development of plants have been identified. The functional role of many of these natural products is to mediate the balance between an organism and its environment in terms of microbial, herbivore or plant to plant interactions.

The book is aimed at readers with a chemical background who wish to know a little more about the natural products that they are eating, their beneficial effects, and the roles that these compounds have in nature. Developments in the understanding of the ecological and beneficial chemistry of fruit and vegetables have made the exploration of their chemical diversity a fascinating and expanding area of natural product chemistry and readers will obtain some 'taste' for this chemistry from the book. It develops in more detail the relevant sections from the earlier RSC book 'Chemistry in the Garden'.

The book begins with an outline of the major groups of compound that are found in fruit and vegetables. This is followed by a description of aspects of environmental chemistry that contribute to the successful cultivation of these crops. Subsequent chapters deal with individual plants which are grouped in terms of the part of the plant, roots, bulbs and stems, leaves, seeds, that are used for food. The final chapters deal with fruit and herbs. The epilogue considers some general aspects of ecological chemistry and climatic stress which may, in the future, affect the growth of fruit and vegetables in the garden particularly in the context of potential climate changes. The book concludes with a section on further reading, a glossary of terms used in plant chemistry and a list of the common fruit and vegetables grouped in their plant families.

A full-colour and beautifully illustrated guide into transforming your existing garden or plot of land into a modern, visually-stunning - but also easily achieved and maintained - space. Including full-colour images and tips and tricks from gardening experts and Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medal winners Harry and David Rich as well as suggestions tailored to various garden types, this is a must-read for anyone wanting that little bit of paradise to escape to at home... 'Full of creativity and good ideas... plenty here to whet the appetite of an aspiring garden designer' -- Gardens Illustrated 'Love Your Plot is a book to read right through and then dip into again to bring a particular idea or method of working back into focus.' -- Garden Design Journal 'Very inspiring' -- ***** Reader review 'This book is a joy to own, beautifully written and illustrated. It's crammed with information, easy to read and fantastic inspiration' -- ***** Reader review 'Awesome book. Clear and easy to understand with lots of useful tips' -- ***** Reader review 'Best book ever for any garden designer - an excellent read' -- ***** Reader review 'A gold mine of garden design wisdom' -- ***** Reader review ***************************************************************************************************** Fusing conceptual garden design with the beauty of the natural landscape, twice Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medal winners and stars of BBC's Garden Rescue Harry and David Rich are here to show you how you can transform your outdoor space into a beautiful Eden, no matter what plot you have. In Love Your Plot Harry and David set out to help you transform your outdoor space into an inspiration green haven by making nature work for you. Fusing different outdoor elements, such as coastal and woodland landscapes, alongside key design principles, they will show you how to create a modern, practical and visually stunning outdoor space that will awe and inspire - and that is crucially easy to maintain. Complete with practical tips, unique sketches and designs, planting suggestions and stunning full-colour visuals, Love Your Plot will have you reaching for the spade and wellies in no time at all to create your own Eden, no matter what plot you've got.

Plant Small RNA: Biogenesis, Regulation and Application describes the biosynthesis of small RNA in plant systems. With an emphasis on the various molecular mechanisms affected by small RNA and their applications in supporting plant growth and survival, this books presents the basics and most recent advancements in small RNA mediated plant genomics, metabolomics, proteomics and physiology. In addition, it emphasizes the various molecular mechanisms affected by small RNA and their applications in supporting plant growth and survival. Final sections cover the most recent advancements in small RNA mediated plant genomics, metabolomics, proteomics and physiology.

A major reference work on exotic and underutilised fruits and nuts of the New World. While many of these are well known in the local markets and in Spanish-language literature, they have rarely been brought to the attention of the wider English-speaking audience, and as such this book will offer an entirely new resource to those interested in exotic crops.

‘Fascinating...I’ll never look at a rose in quite the same way again.’ Adrian Tinniswood The rose is bursting with meaning. Over the centuries it has come to represent love and sensuality, deceit, death and the mystical unknown. Today the rose enjoys unrivalled popularity across the globe, ever present at life’s seminal moments. Grown in the Middle East two thousand years ago for its pleasing scent and medicinal properties, it has become one of the most adored flowers across cultures, no longer selected by nature, but by us. The rose is well-versed at enchanting human hearts. From Shakespeare’s sonnets to Bulgaria’s Rose Valley to the thriving rose trade in Africa and the Far East, via museums, high fashion, Victorian England and Belle Epoque France, we meet an astonishing array of species and hybrids of remarkably different provenance. This is the story of a hardy, thorny flower and how, by beauty and charm, it came to seduce the world.

Sustainable Horticulture, Volume 1: Diversity, Production, and Crop Improvements is part of a two-volume compendium that addresses the most important topics facing horticulture around the world today. Volume 1, on Diversity, Production, and Crop Improvement, outlines the contemporary trends in sustainable horticulture research, covering such topics as crop diversity, species variability and conservation strategies, production technology, tree architecture management, plant propagation and nutrition management, organic farming, and new dynamics in breeding and marketing of horticulture crops. Sections include: Genetic Resources & Biodiversity Conservation Production & Marketing of Horticulture Crops Crop Improvement & Biotechnology Together with Volume 2: Food, Health, and Nutrition, this two-volume compendium presents an abundance of new research on sustainable horticulture that will be valuable for a broad audience, including students of horticulture, faculty and instructors, scientists, agriculturists, government and nongovernment organizations, and other industry professionals.

Fruit ripening is an important aspect of fruit production. The timing of it affects supply chains and buying behavior, and for consumers ripeness not only affects perceptions of health but has nutritional effects too. Ripeness is closely related to spoilage; spoilage has a major financial impact on agricultural industries. Currently there are fast moving developments in knowledge of the factors affecting fruit ripeness, and this up-to-date monograph seeks to draw together the disparate research in this area. The aim of the book is to produce a comprehensive account covering almost every area related to fruit ripening including the latest molecular mechanisms regulating fruit ripening, its impact on human nutrition and emerging research and technologies.

Garden Centre management has professionalised in recent years as garden centres have become more highly developed retail operations. Many students of horticulture are expected to go into retail management and so the topic has increasingly appeared on the further education curriculum. This book is equally targeted at students, garden centre managers and professional courses in garden centre management. It provides a practical approach backed up by management theory. The text covers consumer behaviour, staff management, stock management, marketing and productivity.

The group of plants known as 'peppers' is diverse, containing types that contribute to the fresh and processed food markets as well as varieties that are used in pharmaceuticals and other non-food commercial products. Peppers originally developed in tropical regions, but are now grown and used in every country where it is possible to grow them, including in areas where production is difficult. This book examines peppers from historical, genetic, physiological and production perspectives, following the development of the cultivated crop from the wild type. Diverse examples of pod types and their variation in pungency are examined. Production methods, including the importance of fertilization and irrigation are discussed, as are constraints on production, including pests, pathogens and weeds. Harvesting methods and post-harvest challenges and opportunities are also explored.

"Genetically Modified Food Sources" reports detailed results of studies on the medical and biological safety of 14 species of genetically modified plant-derived organisms (GMOs). The authors focus on issues in GMO production and world output, specifically the basic legislative regulations of modern biotechnology in the Russian Federation. Also covered are international approaches to the medical and biological assessment of safety and control of the food produced from genetically modified organisms. A special chapter is devoted to the problem of informational coverage of novel biological technologies.

Previously available only in a 2007 Russian-language edition published by the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, this English translation has been completely revised and updated to include the latest developments in regulations and human and animal safety assessment practices.

The book is addressed to a wide community of specialists working in the fields of food science, plant genetics, and food safety as well as medicine and biology. Students and postgraduates focusing on the problems of modern biotechnology and biological safety will find it a valuable guide to these topics.
Specific assessments of 14 species of genetically modified plant-derived organisms used for food supply

Addresses the safety assessment requirements to ensure consumer health

International coverage provides comparative insights into regulation development and application

This book focuses on light-emitting diode (LED) lighting, mainly for the commercial production of horticultural crops in plant factories and greenhouses with controlled environments, giving special attention to: 1) plant growth and development as affected by the light environment; and 2) business and technological opportunities and challenges with regard to LEDs. The book contains more than 30 chapters grouped into seven parts: 1) overview of controlled-environment agriculture and its significance; 2) the effects of ambient light on plant growth and development; 3) optical and physiological characteristics of plant leaves and canopies; 4) greenhouse crop production with supplemental LED lighting; 5) effects of light quality on plant physiology and morphology; 6) current status of commercial plant factories under LED lighting; and 7) basics of LEDs and LED lighting for plant cultivation. LED lighting for urban agriculture in the forthcoming decades will not be just an advanced form of current urban agriculture. It will be largely based on two fields: One is a new paradigm and rapidly advancing concepts, global technologies for LEDs, information and communication technology, renewable energy, and related expertise and their methodologies; the other is basic science and technology that should not change for the next several decades. Consideration should be given now to future urban agriculture based on those two fields. The tremendous potentials of LED lighting for urban agriculture are stimulating many people in various fields including researchers, businesspeople, policy makers, educators, students, community developers, architects, designers, and entrepreneurs. Readers of this book will understand the principle, concept, design, operation, social roles, pros and cons, costs and benefits of LED lighting for urban agriculture, and its possibilities and challenges for solving local as well as global agricultural, environmental, and social issues.

Horticultural Reviews presents state-of-the-art reviews on topics in horticultural science and technology covering both basic and applied research. Topics covered include the horticulture of fruits, vegetables, nut crops, and ornamentals. These review articles, written by world authorities, bridge the gap between the specialized researcher and the broader community of horticultural scientists and teachers.

This comprehensive book, written by an acknowledged expert, is packed with useful information and is an invaluable reference work that covers all aspects of protected horticulture. It discusses the appropriate siting for a greenhouse enterprise, and covers greenhouse design principles and commercial glasshouses. It also considers cladding materials, the development and use of polythene-clad tunnel structures, and greenhouse energy sources. The greenhouse environment, growing rooms, irrigation, composts and other growing media are examined as well as plant nutrients, fertilizers, pest and disease control, nursery hygiene and much more.

An ornithologist's personal look at farming practices that finds practical solutions for sustainable food production compatible with bird and wildlife conservation With predictions of a human population of more than nine billion by the middle of this century and eleven billion by 2100, we stand at a crossroads in our agricultural evolution. In this clear and engaging yet scientifically rigorous book, wildlife biologist John M. Marzluff takes a personal approach to sustainable agriculture. He travels to farms and ranches across North and Central America, including a Nebraska corn and soybean farm, California vineyards, cattle ranches in Montana, and small sustainable farms in Costa Rica, to understand the unique challenges and solutions to sustainable food production. Agriculture and wildlife can coexist, Marzluff argues, if farmers are justly rewarded for conservation; if future technological advancements increase food production and reduce food waste; and if consumers cut back on meat consumption. Beginning with a look backward at our evolutionary history and concluding with practical solutions for change that will benefit farmers and ranchers, he provides an accessible and insightful study for the ecologically minded citizen, farmer, rancher, or conservationist.

Unleash your inner geek and let this irreverent romp through the wonders of the garden yield practical results. Curious why caressing your cucumber plants will help them bear more fruit? Or why you should grow oranges from seed even if the fruit is inedible? Or why trees need to sleep and how to help them? Join acclaimed gardener, scientist, and author Lee Reich on a journey through the delights of your garden in this laugh-out-loud treatise on the scientific wonders of plants and soil. Offering eye-opening insight and practical guidance, coverage includes: How to maximize both flavor and nutrition in your garden bounty Helping plants thrive during drought Outwitting weeds by understanding their nature Making the best use of compost Tips on pruning and orchard care Why the dead language of Latin can make you a better gardener. The Ever Curious Gardener is an irreverent romp through the natural science of plants and soil, ideal for newer gardeners moving beyond back-of-the-seed-pack planting to experienced gardeners whose curiosity at the wonders of cultivation grows deeper and stronger with each season.