Pest Management Programs for Deciduous Tree Fruits and Nuts attempts to present the current status of pest management programs in orchard ecosystems. The book is a collection of papers from a symposium convened on the subject for the 1977 National Meeting of the Entomological Society of America and invitational papers on commodities not covered during the symposium. In recent years, books have appeared on "integrated pest management (IPM)"; however, most of these have concentrated on field crop IPM with an occasional chapter on fruits. No publication presently exists which brings together information on the pest management programs currently being conducted on the major nut crops, almonds, pecans and walnuts. Because it is the first treatment for almonds and walnuts, the authors of these chapters have attempted not only to present the current IPM technology but the historical data which led to the contemporary programs. Two chapters appear on pecan IPM. The first concentrates on the development of a management program for the pecan weevil, the key arthropod pest of pecans, while the second discusses the implementation of pilot pecan IPM programs in two southeastern states. The latter chapter illustrates that even with a limited data bank, the pesticide load in pecan orchards can be reduced by the adoption of the IPM approach to pest control.

More than 270 scientists from 33 countries attended the 6th International Conference on Plant Pathogenic Bacteria in College Park, Maryland, June 2-7, 1985. The Conference was jOintly sponsored by the International Society of Plant Pathology, Bacteria Section and by the United States Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Research Service. The Conference provided an opportunity for the presentation and discussion of recent developments in phytobacteriology. The Conference was organized into five symposia, seven discussion sessions, contributed papers and poster presentations. More than 230 contributions were presented under the following topics: ice nucleating bacteria; detection, identification, nomenclature and taxonomy of phytopathogenic bacteria; applications and impact of new biotechnologies on phytobacteriology; bacterial phytotoxins; diagnostic phytobacteriology; management of bacterial plant diseases; and molecular biology, genetics and ecology, epidemiology of phytopathogenic bacteria. In addition, special sessions focused on Agrobacterium, Erwinia, Psedomonas and fastidious prokaryotes. This reflected the broad spectrum of current research activity in phytobacteriology. Furthermore, interest in this series of conferences clearly continues to increase. Key research scientists who are currently making major advances in phytobacteriology participated in the Symposia and Discussions. One of the most significant recent changes that has occurred in the field of plant pathology generally is the dynamic growth of research in which recombinant DNA technology is being applied in basic studies on bacterial plant pathogens. Results from investigations on the crown gall bacterium have stimulated expansion of research on other bacterial systems.

There is suf?cient need to document all the available data on biological control of rice diseases in a small volume. Part of this need rests on the global importance of rice to human life. In the ?rst chapter, I have tried to show that rice is indeed life for most people in Asia and shortages in production and availability can lead to a food crisis. While rice is cultivated in most continents, biological disease management attains special relevance to rice farmers of Africa, Asia, and also perhaps, Latin America. These farmers are resource-poor and might not be able to afford the cost of expensive chemical treatments to control devastating rice pathogens such as Magnaporthe oryzae (blast), Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (bacterial leaf blight), Rhizoctonia solani (sheath blight) and the virus, rice tungro disease. In an earlier volume that I developed under the title, Biological Control of Crop Diseases (Dekker/CRC Publishers, 2002), I included transgenic crops generated for the management of plant pathogens as biological control under the umbrella of a broad de?nition. Dr Jim Cook who wrote the Foreword for the volume lauded the inclusion of transgenic crops and induced systemic resistance (ISR) as a positive trend toward acceptance of host plant resistance as part of biocontrol. I continue to subscribe to this view.

Plant pathology embraces all aspects of biological and scientific activity which are concerned with understanding the complex phenomena of diseases in plants. Physiological plant pathology represents those specialities within plant pathology which focus on the physiological and biochemical activities of pathogens and on the response of host plant tissues. Today there is an increasing recognition on the part of the scientific agri cultural community that only through a deeper and more fundamental under standing of all the interacting components of the agricultural biota can we expect to improve our capabilities of feeding an expanding world population. It is in this context that physiological plant pathology has assumed new significance within the broader field of plant pathology. No longer are studies on the biochemistry and physiology of pathogens and pathogenesis merely isolated academic exercises; rather, a substantial coherent body of knowledge is accumulating upon which our understanding of the process of disease developmen t and host resistance is being founded. It is from these foundations of knowledge that ultimately new insights into the control of plant diseases may be expected to grow. It seems appropriate, therefore, that at regular intervals those involved in the various subspecialities encompassing the broadest aspects of physiological plant pathology reassess the contributions within the particular specialities in the light of new knowledge and technologies for the purpose of articulating new and productive directions for the future."

Plant growth and development is controlled by various environmental cues that are sensed by the plant via various signal transduction pathways coupled to specific response. Some of these pathways are conserved from yeast to plants being regulated by various kinases and phosphatases. In addition, plants have many unique pathways that transduce to specific signals such as light, phytohormones and oligosaccharides. This volume highlights some of the examples of the plant signal transduction machinery opening new vistas in research on plant growth and development. The new technologies including the use of bacteria, yeast and Arabidopsis as functional complementation systems are providing proof of function of many of the proteins that show homology to those from other organisms. These studies will eventually lead to improvement of crop plants and use of plants as a new resource for producing desirable products to meet the growing needs of mankind.

Proceedings of a Meeting of the IUFRO, Working Party on Root Physiology and Symbiosis

The Proceedings of the 4th International Symposium held by the European Foundation for Plant Pathology on Diagnosis and Identification of Plant Pathogens in Bonn, Germany, from September 9th to 12th, 1996, include information on the application of classical as well as novel and innovative methods and techniques. This book gives an overview of the recent status and trends in the diagnosis and identification of viruses, bacteria and fungi in plants. It covers not only the development of methods and application of techniques but also its transformation into practice for disease-forecasting systems. The book includes 58 oral presentations and 61 poster contributions covering 6 main topics. In addition to introductory overviews of the phytosanitary implications of diagnosis in integrated crop protection, the application of classical and innovative diagnostic methods is stressed. The other contributions cover taxonomy and differentiation of plant pathogens, serological assays, nucleic acid based hybridisation techniques, disease assessment and quantification as well as disease prognosis and expert systems. This book provides information for all researchers and scientists involved in the production of healthy crop plants. It is of special interest for plant pathologists with responsibilities in the fields of plant quarantine, extension and applied diagnosis of plant pathogens as well as for those working in research and development of innovative crop protection techniques.

Plants interact with a large number of microoganisms which have a major impact on their growth either by establishing mutually beneficial symbiotic relationships or by developing as pathogens at the expense of the plant with deleterious effects. These microorganisms differ greatly not only in their nature (viruses, phytoplasmas, bacteria, fungi, nematodes, ... ) but also in the way they contact, penetrate and invade their host. Histology and cytology have brought an essential contribution to our knowledge of these phenomena. They have told us for instance, how specialized structures of the pathogen are often involved in the adhesion and penetration into the plant, how the interface between both organisms is finely arranged at the cellular level, or what structural alterations affect the infected tissues. They have thus set the stage for the investigations of the underlying molecular mechanisms could be undertaken. Such investigations have been remarkably successful in the recent years, expanding considerably our understanding of plant-microorganism interactions in terms of biochemical changes, rapid modifications of enzymatic activities, coordinated gene activation, signal reception and transduction. Biochemistry, molecular biology and cellular physiology have taken precedence in the phytopathologist's set of methods.

The fifth meeting of scientists working with Frankia and actinorhizal plants was held at Montmorency Forest of Laval University in Quebec from August 6-8, 1984. Results of research presented at the meeting are included in this special volume of Plant and Soil. The understanding of actinorhizal systems continue to increase, though work and use shops and discussions at this and similar meetings make it evident that this important subject remains open for fruitful investigation at all levels. Some important 'firsts' were reported at this meeting. The first extensive survey of Frankiae and their host specificity ranges from Asia was presented. This is of significance since Asia is a center of diversity for many actinorhizal host plant genera. A report that proto plasts of Frankia have been produced and regenerated for the first time improves the possibility for genetic manipulation of Frankia. It is also important to note the first report herein of successful mass inoculation of actinorhizal plants commercially for stabilization and reclamation of disturbed soils around hydroelectric power projects in Quebec. This heralds the transfer of actinorhizal technology to private and public users. The bacterial genus Frankia is easily recognized both in vivo and in vitro, and isolation of this organism has become routine. But, as yet, there are not sufficient biochemical, morphological, or anatomical criteria for establishing species."

This collection reviews advances in research on improving barley cultivation across the value chain. Part 1 reviews advances in understanding barley physiology in such areas as plant growth, grain development and plant response to abiotic stress. Chapters also review current developments in exploiting genetic diversity and mapping the barley genome. Building on this foundation, the second part of the book summarises advances in breeding with chapters on breeding trial design as well as advances in molecular breeding techniques such as genome wide association studies (GWAS) and targeted induced lesions in genomes (TILLING). Part 3 looks further along the value chain at ways of optimising cultivation practices. There are chapters on post-harvest storage as well as fungal diseases, weeds and integrated methods for their management. The final part of the book assesses current developments in optimising barley for particular end uses such as malting, brewing and animal feed as well as current research on the nutraceutical properties of barley.

Microorganisms, including those genetically modified (GMOs), are increasingly being released deliberately into the environment for different purposes. One major interest is the use of antagonistic organisms for biological control of pests and plant diseases. Both in the development of biocontrol agents and their later risk assessment and product approval, there is a need for methods that facilitate monitoring of such introduced microorganisms. This book particularly addresses the various approaches for monitoring introduced fungi and the current status of techniques which may be relevant to use are described. Such techniques include marker genes and other DNA-based techniques, serology using polyclonals or monoclonals, the use of enzymes or secondary metabolite profiles, and electronic noses' as well as more traditional methods like dilution plating.

Large parts of the continents are covered by a green blanket of living plants. From an insect's point of view this green blanket is not uniform, but consists of a mosaic of resources of variable quality and with various levels of noxious secondary compounds. It is the challenge of phytophagous insects to orientate and reproduce within this mosaic of resources and among hostile competitors and natural enemies. The International Symposia on Insect-Plant Relationships (SIP) provides fora where scientists from different fields (mainly in biology and chemistry) meet and discuss the most recent findings which contribute to our understanding of the complex interactions between plants and insects. The meetings seek to unravel basic mechanisms as well as applied aspects. It is recognized that human activities now have major influence on virtually all the world's ecosystems, and a better understanding of the dynamics of insect-plant interactions may be useful for development of new crop protection strategies and for coping with the threatening loss of biodiversity.

The 11th International Symposium on Insect-Plant Relationships (SIP11), held on August 4-10, 2001, in Helsingor, Denmark, followed the tradition of previous SIP meetings and covered topics of different levels from chemistry, physiology, and ethology to ecology, genetics, and evolution of insect-plant relationships. The present volume includes a representative selection of fully refereed papers as well as a complete list of all the contributions which were presented at the meeting. Reviews of selected topics as well as original experimental data are included. The book provides valuable information for students and research workers interested in chemical and biological aspects of interactions between individuals and populations of different organisms. "

Research on the interactions of plants and phytopathogenic fungi has become one of the most interesting and rapidly moving fields in the plant sciences, the findings of which have contributed tremendously to the development of new strategies of plant protection. This book offers insight into the state of present knowledge. Special emphasis is placed on recognition phenomena between plants and fungi, parasitization strategies employed by the phytopathogenic fungi, the action of phytotoxins, the compatibility of pathogens with host plants and the basic resistance of non-host plants as well as cultivar-specific resistance of host plants. Special attention is paid to the gene-for-gene hypothesis for the determination of race-specific resistance, its molecular models and to the nature of race non-specific resistance as well as the population dynamics of plants and the evolution of their basic resistance.

Mechanisms and Deployment of Resistance in Trees to Insects is a worldwide synthesis of tree resistance to insects. The contributions are by senior scientists and represent all the major forested regions of the world. The book constitutes a comprehensive treatment of the state of our knowledge on patterns of resistance by insect guilds and how this knowledge can be deployed to achieve the management of damaging forest insects. This book will serve as an essential reference book for all researchers and practitioners attempting to manage forest pests using genetic resistance.

In the summer of 1997 some twelve lecturers and sixty students met for ten days in Budapest Hungary in a NATO Advanced Studies Institute (ASI) to consider "New Scientific and Technical Aspects of Verification of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention." In many ways the meeting was ahead of its time. The Ad Hoc Group was only then about to move to the discussion of a rolling text of the Protocol to the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC). It had been mandated to negotiate the Protocol by the Special Conference which had considered the work of the VEREX process that had taken place following the 1991 Third Review Conference of the Convention. Now, in late 1999, after much further negotiation of the text of the Protocol we are moving towards the endgame of the negotiations. Nevertheless, the scientific and technical issues discussed in the ASI in Hungary continue to be of direct relevance to the verification of the Convention and will continue to be relevant as the eventual Protocol moves from agreement through a Preparatory Commission stage and into full implementation over the next several years. The papers in this volume are much as they were presented in Budapest both in order of presentation and in content. They were designed by the ASI co-directors, Professor Graham Pearson and Ambassador Tibor Toth (Chairman of the Ad Hoc Group) to provide an integrated overview and in-depth analysis of the issues at stake.

Emphasis in this second volume of Advances in Downy Mildew Research is on the biology of compatible interactions, forecasting and epidemiology, host specialisation, genetic variability amongst pathogen populations, novel methods for detection and systematics, and induced resistance. Two chapters focus on the related oomycete Albugo candida, which shares many pathogenic characteristics with the downy mildews and provides a valuable comparative pathosystem. Contributions on specific downy mildews include Bremia lactucae, Peronospora destructor, Peronospora sparsa, Peronospora viciae, Plasmopara halstedii, Plasmopara viticola, Pseudoperonospora cubensis and Sclerospora graminicola. Review chapters on compatibility, forecasting and systematics consider a broader range of downy mildew fungi, and compare them with other oomycete and biotrophic pathogens. The book is relevant to anyone with an interest in these unique biotrophic pathogens, either in their own right as causes of damaging diseases or as model systems for research on host-pathogen interactions. It should be read by: students, teachers and researchers in academic and research institutes; research and development personnel in the agrochemical industries; agricultural and horticultural advisers, and other extension workers.

Induced or acquired resistance to disease in plants has been known for many years, but the phenomenon was studied in only a few laboratories until about a decade ago. Since then, there has been an increasing interest in induced resistance as a new, environmentally safe means of disease control, as well as a model for the study of the genes involved in host defence and the signals that control them. This increased interest led the editors of Induced Resistance to Disease in Plants to collect and summarise much of the current and older literature on the topic in a single volume. Each chapter covers its topic as comprehensively as possible, thus serving as a solid introduction to the literature, as well as expressing its writer's own views on the state of research in the area and giving an indication of where future research may lead. Induced Resistance to Disease in Plants addresses the biology of induced resistance in legumes, solanaceae, cucurbits and monocots, since these are the families that have received the most attention, followed by a discussion of the molecular basis of induced resistance, its genetic and evolutionary significance, and practical applications in disease control. The book will provide a background for those commencing work in the area, as well as a source of information for established workers who wish to learn about other areas of induced resistance.

Wheat breeders have achieved significant results over the last fifty years in research on mankind's one of the most important crops. Classical genetic and breeding methods, far broader international cooperation than was experienced in earlier periods, and improvements in agronomic techniques have led to previously unimaginable development in the utilisation of wheat for human consumption. The contribution of wheat researchers is particularly noteworthy since these results have been achieved at a time when the world population has grown extremely dynamically. Despite this demographic explosion, of a proportion never previously experienced, thousands of millions of people have been saved from starvation, thus avoiding unpredictable social consequences and situations irreconcilable with human dignity. Despite these developments in many regions of the world food supplies are still uncertain and the increase in the world's wheat production has not kept pace with the population increase during the last decade. Due to the evils of civilisation and the pollution of the environment there is a constant decline in the per capita area of land suitable for agricultural production. Based on population estimates for 2030, the present wheat yield of around 600 million tonnes will have to be increased to almost 1000 million tonnes if food supplies are to be maintained at the present level.

This, the first volume of the Integrated Management of Plant Pests and Diseases book series, presents general concepts on integrated pest and disease management. Section one includes chapters on infection models, resurgence and replacement, plant disease epidemiology and effects of climate change in tropical environments. The second section includes remote sensing and information technology. Finally, the third section covers molecular aspects of the subject."

Microbial toxins are secondary metabolites that accumulate in the organism and, to a large extent, are metabolically inactive towards the organism that produces them. The discovery of penicillin, a secondary metabolite of Penicillium notatum West (= P. chrysogenum Thom), in 1929 marked a milestone in the development of antibiotics (microbial toxins). In the intensive studies that followed this discovery, scientists chemically characterized several new molecules (toxins) from secondary metabolites of microbes, some having a definite function in causing pathogenesis in plants. Toxins are also known to playa significant role in inciting animal (human) and insect diseases and as plant growth regulators. Many common toxins have also been isolated from different microbes exhibiting a wide spectrum of biological activity. Toxins are broadly divisible into several characteristic groupings - polyketides, oxygen heterocyclic compounds, pyrons, terpenoidS, amino acids - diketopiperazines, polypeptides etc. Recent research has indicated that these toxins play an important role in plant pathogenesis, disease epidemics, plant breeding, biological control of plant pathogens and insect pests, induced resistance, plant-pathogen interactions etc. Toxins produced by weed pathogens are exploited as lead molecules in developing environmentally friendly herbicides.

Major Fungal Diseases of Rice: Recent Advances provides a comprehensive overview of latest research in rice fungal pathology. There are 25 chapters dealing with the blast, sheath blight, sheath rot, brown spot and scald diseases of rice as well as some broader topics. The book covers recent progress in a number of key fundamental aspects such as pathogenicity, pathogen diversity, molecular characterisation, gene cloning, genetics of host resistance and host-pathogen interactions. It also presents the current status and perspectives in strategic and applied areas such as epidemiology, resistance breeding, biological control, induced resistance, seed-borne diseases and quarantine issues and disease management strategies. This book is essential for rice researchers, pathologists and breeders and will also be suitable for cereal and plant pathologists in general, as there is an extensive coverage of recent research advances in rice blast, a model system in plant pathology.

Each plant-pathogen interaction involves a two-way molecular communication. On one hand, the pathogen perceives signals from the plant, secretes chemical arsenals to establish infection courts, and produces metabolites that disrupt structural integrity, alter cellular function, and circumvent host defenses. On the other hand, the plant senses the signals from the pathogen, reinforces its cell walls, and accumulates phytoalexins and pathogenesis-related proteins in an attempt to defend itself. The production of pathogenicity and virulence factors by the pathogen, the elicitation of defense mechanisms by the plant, and the dynamic interaction of the two are the focal points of this book. The book will be of interest to researchers and advanced undergraduate and graduate students in the areas of plant pathology, plant physiology, and plant biochemistry.

Straminipilous Fungi presents a critical comparative review of the morphology and ultrastructure, morphogenesis, cytology, molecular biology and evolution of the biflagellate fungi. These organisms encompass the fungi formerly called oomycetes; taxonomically related heterotrophs studied by mycologists; plasmodiophorids and other heterotrophs. Appropriate comparisons are made with chromophyte algae, marine heterotrophs and chytridiaceous fungi. Little-known taxa which have been referred to the various orders of flagellate fungi are also listed together with citations. A new hierarchical classification is presented which is supported by systematic accounts and synoptic keys. Dichotomous keys based on habitat and habit are given to all known species of lagenidiaceous fungi, labyrinthulids and plasmodiophorids. A unique 'one stop' reference resource for plant pathologists is provided by the binominal lists, including host-related lists for the downy mildews. The book, including ca 4000 references, is a major text for post-graduate and research workers, particularly freshwater and marine biologists, soil ecologists and plant pathologists.

This volume focuses on integrated pest and disease management (IPM/IDM) and biocontrol of some key diseases of perennial and annual crops. It continues a series originated during a visit of prof. K. G. Mukerji to the CNR Plant Protection Institute in Bari (Italy), in November 2005. Both editors aim at a series of five volumes embracing, in a multi-disciplinary approach, advances and achievements in the practice of crop protection, for a wide range of plant parasites and pathogens. Two volumes of the series were already produced, dedicated to general concepts in IPM and to management and biocontrol of nematodes of grain crops and vegetables. This Volume deals, in particular, with diseases due to bacteria, phytoplasma and fungi. Every day, in any agroecosystem, farmers face problems related to plant diseases. Since the beginning of agriculture, indeed, and probably for a long time in the future, farmers will continue to do so. Every year, plant diseases cause severe losses in the global production of food and other agricultural commodities, worldwide. Plant diseases are not limited to episodic events occurring in single farms or crops, and should not be regarded as single independent cases, affecting only farms on a local scale. The impact of plant disease epidemics on food shortage ignited, in the last two centuries, deep cultural, social and demographic changes, affecting million human beings, through i. e. migration, death and hunger.

Among the Horticultural Crops, Fruits and Vegetables (FV) are of primary - portance as the key source of essential components in an adequate and balanced human diet. FV have supported largely the daily food requirement of mankind since ages and even before man learned to grow cereal crops systematically. Over the years, growing FV has been the mainstay of rural economy and has emerged as an indispensable part of agriculture world over, offering farmers a wide range of crops in varied topography and climate. In certain parts of the world, FV are the major dietary staple. Apart from being a rich source of vitamins and minerals, this sector also contributes significantly in economy of the region or the nation. The increased income from per unit area of FV is far ahead and can not be compared with that of cereal crops. A recent survey by the Economist revealed that the world population has - creased by 90 % in the past 40 years while food production has increased only by 25 % per head. With an additional 1. 5 billion mouth to feed by 2020, farmers worldwide have to produce 39 % more. Looking at the load of the future food requirement, the global increased production of FV during last few years has absorbed the additional food requirement and accordingly the eating habits are also changing and shifting - wards more consumption of these commodities worldwide.