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Books > Science & Mathematics > Biology, life sciences > Botany & plant sciences > Plant pathology & diseases
This book discusses the latest developments in plant-mediated
fabrication of metal and metal-oxide nanoparticles, and their
characterization by using a variety of modern techniques. It
explores in detail the application of nanoparticles in drug
delivery, cancer treatment, catalysis, and as antimicrobial agent,
antioxidant and the promoter of plant production and protection.
Application of these nanoparticles in plant systems has started
only recently and information is still scanty about their possible
effects on plant growth and development. Accumulation and
translocation of nanoparticles in plants, and the consequent growth
response and stress modulation are not well understood. Plants
exposed to these particles exhibit both positive and negative
effects, depending on the concentration, size, and shape of the
nanoparticles. The impact on plant growth and yield is often
positive at lower concentrations and negative at higher ones.
Exposure to some nanoparticles may improve the free-radical
scavenging potential and antioxidant enzymatic activities in plants
and alter the micro-RNAs expression that regulate the different
morphological, physiological and metabolic processes in plant
system, leading to improved plant growth and yields. The
nanoparticles also carry out genetic reforms by efficient transfer
of DNA or complete plastid genome into the respective plant genome
due to their miniscule size and improved site-specific penetration.
Moreover, controlled application of nanomaterials in the form of
nanofertilizer offers a more synchronized nutrient fluidity with
the uptake by the plant exposed, ensuring an increased nutrient
availability. This book addresses these issues and many more. It
covers fabrication of different/specific nanomaterials and their
wide-range application in agriculture sector, encompassing the
controlled release of nutrients, nutrient-use efficiency, genetic
exchange, production of secondary metabolites, defense mechanisms,
and the growth and productivity of plants exposed to different
manufactured nanomaterials. The role of nanofertilizers and
nano-biosensors for improving plant production and protection and
the possible toxicities caused by certain nanomaterials, the
aspects that are little explored by now, have also been generously
elucidated.
This book presents a broad perspective on saponins as important
natural products with a key role in plant defense. The presence of
saponins has been reported in several plant species, and many types
of saponins have been found to exhibit significant antifungal
activities. In addition to their role in plant defense, saponins
are of increasing interest for drug research, as they are active
ingredients in several traditional medicines and hold potentially
valuable pharmacological properties. In this book, the authors
briefly introduce readers to saponin accumulation in various plant
organs, with a specific focus on their structure classification and
diversity. Readers will find detailed information on the saponin
structure-activity relationship and saponins' vital role in
sustainable agriculture as a chemical barrier to pathogen attack.
The latest techniques for isolating, identifying, and quantifying
saponins are also discussed. In the closing chapter, the authors
outline the recent metabolic engineering strategies applied to
improve saponin glycosides production and their potential
applications in plant disease resistance. This book and the
companion volume Bioactive Molecules in Plant Defense: Signaling in
Growth and Stress offer vital resources for all researchers and
students interested in plant pathology, mycology and sustainable
agriculture.
This volume describes the various applications of entomopathogenic
soil microorganisms in the management and control of the
devastating lepidopteran pest. An introduction describes the
insecticidal properties of viruses, bacteria, fungi, nematodes and
their metabolites, as well as their applications in the context of
crop improvement. Subsequent chapters focus on topics such as
insecticidal proteins; the role of nucleopolyhedroviruses; Bt
toxins and their receptors; control of lepidopterans using
entomopathogenic fungi; management of cotton defoliators; and
sustainable use of entomopathogenic nematodes and their bacterial
symbionts. An overview of culture collections of entomopathogenic
microorganisms rounds out the volume.
This book provides extensive and comprehensive knowledge to
researchers and academics who work on strontium contaminated areas.
Topics covered include impact on plants and environment, as well as
remediation strategies. This book will inform graduate and
undergraduate students who are specializing in radioecology,
especially strontium uptake via soil to plants, safe disposal of
strontium waste, remediation legacies and impact of strontium waste
material on the natural and manmade environment. A broad overview
of reviews is provided covering a number of original publications
on strontium plant uptake, including case studies that present the
latest technological developments and future trends for
investigating strontium mobility in soil and treatment of strontium
contaminated areas.
This book reviews the current state of knowledge concerning cacao
pathogens and methods for their management. Topics discussed
include the history, biology and genetic diversity of
Moniliophthora species (which cause witches' broom and frosty pod
rot) and Phytophthora species (which cause black pod rot) that
cause diseases resulting in major losses to cacao production.
Emerging pathogens such as Cacao swollen shoot virus and
Ceratobasidium theobromae (which causes vascular streak dieback)
are also discussed in detail, along with many pathogens of
significant local concern. Most of these pathogens represent major
risks to global cacao production should they expand into new areas,
breaking out of their current limited distributions. By considering
cacao diseases as a group, similarities in the available tools and
techniques used in their management become apparent, as do their
limitations. Gaps in our current knowledge of cacao pathogens and
the management of the diseases they cause are detailed, and
suggestions for future research directions are provided. This
insight allows readers to consider cacao disease threats from a
more comprehensive, global perspective and paves the way for an
improved synergy of efforts between the various research programs,
agencies, and industries, both private and public, with vested
interests in cacao production, and cacao farmers.
The population of the world continues to increase at an alarming
rate. The trouble linked with overpopulation ranges from food and
water scarcity to inadequacy of space for organisms. Overpopulation
is also linked with several other demographic hazards, for
instance, population blooming will not only result in exhaustion of
natural repositories, but it will also induce intense pressure on
the world economy. Today nanotechnology is often discussed as a key
discipline of research but it has positive and negative aspects.
Also, due to industrialization and ever-increasing population,
nano-pollution has been an emerging topic among scientists for
investigation and debate. Nanotechnology measures any substance on
a macromolecular scale, molecular scale, and even atomic scale.
More importantly, nanotechnology deals with the manipulation and
control of any matter at the dimension of a single nanometer.
Nanotechnology and nanoparticles (NPs) play important roles in
sustainable development and environmental challenges as well. NPs
possess both harmful and beneficial effects on the environment and
its harboring components, such as microbes, plants, and humans.
There are many beneficial impacts exerted by nanoparticles,
however, including their role in the management of waste water and
soil treatment, cosmetics, food packaging, agriculture,
biomedicines, pharmaceuticals, renewable energies, and
environmental remedies. Conversely, NPs also show some toxic
effects on microbes, plants, as well as human beings. It has been
reported that use of nanotechnological products leads to the more
accumulation of NPs in soil and aquatic ecosystems, which may be
detrimental for living organisms. Further, toxic effects of NPs on
microbes, invertebrates, and aquatic organisms including algae, has
been measured. Scientists have also reported on the negative impact
of NPs on plants by discussing the delivery of NPs in plants.
Additionally, scientists have also showed that NPs interact with
plant cells, which results in alterations in growth, biological
function, gene expression, and development. Thus, there has been
much investigated and reported on NPs and plant interactions in the
last decade. This book discusses the most recent work on NPs and
plant interaction, which should be useful for scientists working in
nanotechnology across a wide variety of disciplines.
White rust caused by the fungus Albugo is the most devastating
disease known to occur in more than 50 countries and infects about
400 plant species belonging to 31 families worldwide including
important vegetable crucifers, oil yielding Brassicas, ornamental
plants and numerous weeds. This book on "White Rust" deals with the
aspects on "the disease" and "the pathogen" is vividly illustrated
for stimulating, effective and easy reading and understanding. We
are sure that this comprehensive treatise on "white rust" will be
of immense use to the researchers, teachers, students and all
others who are interested in the diagnosis and management of white
rust diseases of crops worldwide.
Pulses have played a major role in human diet and are considered a
rich source of proteins. But, the major constraints in achieving
the yield of pulses are the occurrences of various diseases and
pests. Hence, there is a need to understand major fungal pathogens
and their management strategies for sustainable agriculture. The
major pulse crops in India and other Asian countries are bengal
gram, pigeon pea, black gram, green gram, lentil and peas, which
are attacked by several pathogens that cause considerable crop
damage. Bengal gram is affected mainly by wilt (Fusarium oxysporum
f. sp. ciceri), blight (Mycosphaerella pinodes) and rust (Uromyces
ciceris-arietini). The main diseases of pigeon pea are wilt
(Fusarium oxysporum) and Phytophtora stem blight (Phytophthora
drechsleri f. sp. cajani). Powdery mildew (Erysiphe polygoni) and
rust (Uromyces vicia-fabae) are the most important diseases
affecting the production of pea. This volume offers details like
symptoms, distribution, pathogens associated, predisposing factors
and epidemiology, sources of resistance and holistic management of
diseases with particular reference to those of economic importance.
Several minor diseases of lentil, green gram and of black gram are
discussed with their detailed and updated information. This volume
provides pooled information regarding the management of major
fungal phytopathogens affecting pulses.
This volume presents the issues and challenges of crop pathogens
and plant protection. Composed of the latest knowledge in plant
pathology, the book covers topics such as fungal diseases of the
groundnut, plant growth promoting rhizobacteria, plant pathogenic
fungi in the genomics era, the increased virulence of wheat rusts
and oat fungal diseases.
Written by experienced and internationally recognized scientists
in the field, "Future Challenges in Crop Protection Against Fungal
Pathogens "is a concise yet comprehensive resource valuable for
both novice as well as experienced plant scientists and
researchers.
This book discusses and addresses the rapidly increasing world
population demand for food, which is expected to double by 2050. To
meet these demands farmers will need to improve crop productivity,
which relies heavily on nitrogen (N) fertilization. Production of N
fertilizers, however, consumes huge amounts of energy and the loss
of excess N fertilizers to leaching results in the pollution of
waterways and oceans. Therefore, increasing plant nitrogen use
efficiency (NUE) is essential to help farmers produce more while
conserving the environment. This book assembles some of the best
work of top researchers from academic and industrial institutions
in the area of NUE and provides valuable insight to scholars and
researchers by its comprehensive discussion of current and future
strategies to improve NUE through genetic manipulation. This book
should also be highly valuable to policy makers, environmentalists,
farmers, biotechnology executives, and to the hard-core researchers
working in the lab.
Plants are endowed with innate immune system, which acts as a
surveillance system against possible attack by pathogens. Plant
innate immune systems have high potential to fight against viral,
bacterial, oomycete and fungal pathogens and protect the crop
plants against wide range of diseases. However, the innate immune
system is a sleeping system in unstressed healthy plants. Fast and
strong activation of the plant immune responses aids the host
plants to win the war against the pathogens. Plant hormone
signaling systems including salicylate (SA), jasmonate (JA),
ethylene (ET), abscisic acid (ABA), auxins, cytokinins,
gibberellins and brassinosteroids signaling systems play a key role
in activation of the sleeping immune systems. Suppression or
induction of specific hormone signaling systems may result in
disease development or disease resistance. Specific signaling
pathway has to be activated to confer resistance against specific
pathogen in a particular host. Two forms of induced resistance,
systemic acquired resistance (SAR) and induced systemic resistance
(ISR), have been recognized based on the induction of specific
hormone signaling systems. Specific hormone signaling system
determines the outcome of plant-pathogen interactions, culminating
in disease development or disease resistance. Susceptibility or
resistance against a particular pathogen is determined by the
action of the signaling network. The disease outcome is often
determined by complex network of interactions among multiple
hormone signaling pathways. Manipulation of the complex hormone
signaling systems and fine tuning the hormone signaling events
would help in management of various crop diseases. The purpose of
the book is to critically examine the potential methods to
manipulate the multiple plant hormone signaling systems to aid the
host plants to win the battle against pathogens.
This book provides in-depth information on all key aspects of
geminivirus biology, e.g. the genetics and evolution, global
diversity and spread of these plant pathogens, as well as the
molecular mechanisms underlying their virulence. Geminiviridae is
one of the largest viral families, comprising numerous
plant-infecting viruses that cause diseases in crops and weeds.
These diseases have been reported from nearly all continents, in
particular Asia, Europe, Africa and America. The book summarizes
the current state of knowledge on the interactions between plant
host and virus. In addition, it discusses advances regarding the
trans-replication of satellite molecules and its effect on
geminiviral pathogenesis, as well as pest management strategies to
combat these diseases in the field. Given its scope, the book is a
must-read reference guide for all researchers and advanced students
working in virology, agriculture and plant biotechnology..
This book provides a timely review of concepts in plant disease
management involving microbial soil suppressiveness and organic
amendments. Topics discussed include the impact of suppressive
soils on plant pathogens and agricultural productivity, the
enhancement of soil suppressiveness through the application of
compost and the development of disease suppressive soils through
agronomic management. Further chapters describe diseases caused by
phytopathogens, such as Pythium, Fusarium and Rhizoctonia,
interaction of rhizobia with soil suppressiveness factors,
biocontrol of plant parasitic nematodes by fungi and soil
suppressive microorganisms.
Allelopathy is an ecological phenomenon by which plants release
organic chemicals (allelochemicals) into the environment
influencing the growth and survival of other organisms. In this
book, leading scientists in the field synthesize latest
developments in allelopathy research with a special emphasis on its
application in sustainable agriculture. The following topics are
highlighted: Ecological implications, such as the role of
allelopathy during the invasion of alien plant species; regional
experiences with the application of allelopathy in agricultural
systems and pest management; the use of microscopy for modeling
allelopathy; allelopathy and abiotic stress tolerance; host
allelopathy and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi; allelopathic
interaction with plant nutrition; and the molecular mechanisms of
allelopathy. This book is an invaluable source of information for
scientists, teachers and advanced students in the fields of plant
physiology, agriculture, ecology, environmental sciences, and
molecular biology.
A great deal of effort is being invested in understanding the
molecular mechanisms through which plants interact with pathogenic
microbes. In Plant Immunity: Methods and Protocols, expert
researchers in the field describe emerging technologies that can be
applied to the most significant outstanding questions faced by
scientists studying immunity in plants. The technologies in this
detailed volume include methods for examining protein localization,
protein complex purification, protein-protein interactions,
transient and inducible gene expression, chromatin
immunoprecipitation, microaspiration, laser microdissection,
purification of fungal haustoria, and genetic manipulation of
bacterial and oomycete pathogens. These techniques are applicable
to a wide range of topics, including molecular functionality of
NB-LRR proteins and other immune signaling components, and
functional characterization of effector proteins and other pathogen
components that sabotage host immunity. Written in the highly
successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format,
chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of
the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily
reproducible laboratory protocols, and key tips on troubleshooting
and avoiding known pitfalls.
This book describes how genomics has revolutionized our
scientific understanding of agriculturally important
plant-associated bacteria. Each chapter focuses on the genomics of
particular bacteria: the first described plant pathogen, "Erwinia
amylovora"; phytoplasmas lacking cell walls; fastidious,
phloem-restricted liberibacters; "Pseudomonas syringae," which is a
genetically tractable model system; "Xanthomonas citri," which
causes a disease that can devastate citrus crops and "Pseudomonas
fluorescens," which can protect plants from diseases.
Topics considered in this volume include the importance of
horizontal gene transfer in originating new bacterial strains and
species and advances in transcriptomics that allow us to describe
the complex regulatory networks critical to plant-microbe
interactions. The availability of the "Xanthomonas oryzae" genome
has led to new technologies in genome editing, which will
revolutionize approaches to genetic engineering, even in
eukaryotes. The contributions show how genomics has greatly
accelerated progress toward understanding the biology of these
bacteria and how that understanding can be translated into novel
crop protection methods.
Experience shows that biotic stresses occur with different levels
of intensity in nearly all agricultural areas around the world. The
occurrence of insects, weeds and diseases caused by fungi, bacteria
or viruses may not be relevant in a specific year but they usually
harm yield in most years. Global warming has shifted the paradigm
of biotic stresses in most growing areas, especially in the
tropical countries, sparking intense discussions in scientific
forums. This book was written with the idea of collecting in a
single publication the most recent advances and discoveries
concerning breeding for biotic stresses, covering all major classes
of biotic challenges to agriculture and food production.
Accordingly, it presents the state-of-the-art in plant stresses
caused by all microorganisms, weeds and insects and how to breed
for them. Complementing Plant Breeding for Abiotic Stress
Tolerance, this book was written for scientists and students
interested in learning how to breed for biotic stress scenarios,
allowing them to develop a greater understanding of the basic
mechanisms of resistance to biotic stresses and develop resistant
cultivars.
The theme of the book is highly relevant to the current emphasis on
environment conservation, with focus on native biodiversity
conservation in agro-ecosystems. The current impetus being given to
organic farming and export oriented agri-hortculture in the country
calls for access to relevant scientific knowledge base among the
stakeholders. Research on biological pest control is more than a
century old in India. Egg parasitoids, which are mainly tiny wasps,
led by the family Trichogrammatidae, are the most widely utilized
natural enemies for biological control globally. Over thirty
countries are using these bioagents to protect over 10 million
hectares of agricultural and forestry crops from many important
insect pests. The book comprises 18 chapters, which are arranged in
continuum, commencing with basic aspects of knowledge and ending in
their utilization targets. The chapters cover broadly four areas:
bio-diversity and natural occurrence of egg parasitoids, behaviour
and adaptation of egg parasitoids, mass production and safe use of
egg parasitoids and utilisation of egg parasitoids in different
crop ecosystems. Some of the chapters cater to the needs of
discipline-wise update on the current R&D scenario-like insect
taxonomy, biotechnology, mass-production and quality control of the
target organisms - egg-parasitoids, which are useful for laboratory
scientists/researchers. There are also chapters devoted to
knowledge status and scope for utilization of egg parasitoids in
different target crops, which cater to requirements of field
entomologists and extensionists for use in their tasks of guiding
farmers/local guides. The book is different in approach, method,
structure and content and ensures holistic coverage of the topic.
The chapters are written by active and experienced workers in
different crops and aspects and co-edited by four very experienced
experts who have over three decades R&D experience in the
subject. All the authors have uniformly focussed on comprehensive
literature study and critical identification of knowledge gaps for
future R&D, thus the book is novel in outlook, up-to-date in
content and comprehensive in coverage of themes. This book will be
useful for supplementary reading for MSc Agriculture and PhD
Agriculture students, besides MSc/PhD research students in
Zoology/Environmental Biology, who are specialising in Entomology.
It would also serve as a very useful reference book for researchers
worldwide, though focus is also there on Indian work. It addresses
the special information needs of students and faculty, besides
practitioners and extensionists in the Australasia and Africa
regions and thus not limited to the R&D knowledge generated in
developed countries.
Increasing world population, unpredictable climate and various kind
of biotic and abiotic stresses necessitate the sustainable increase
in crop production through developing improved cultivars possessing
enhanced genetic resilience against all odds. An exploration of
these challenges and near possible solution to improve yield is
addressed in this book. It comprehensively and coherently reviews
the application of various aspect of rapidly growing omics
technology including genomics, proteomics, transcriptomics and
metabolomics for crop development. It provides detailed examination
of how omics can help crop science and introduces the benefits of
using these technologies to enhance crop production, resistance and
other values. It also provides platform to ponder upon the
integrative approach of omics to deal with complex biological
problems. The book highlights crop improvement such as yield
enhancement, biotic and abiotic resistance, genetic modification,
bioremediation, food security etc. It explores how the different
omics technology independently and collectively would be used to
improve the quantitative and qualitative traits of crop plants. The
book is useful for graduate and post-graduate students of life
science including researchers who are keen to know about the
application of omics technologies in the different area of plant
science. This book is also an asset to the modern plant breeders,
and agriculture biotechnologist.
Insects, pests and weeds are responsible for substantial loss of
crops and reduced food supplies, poorer quality of agricultural
products, economic hardship for growers and processor. Generally,
chemical control methods are neither always economical nor are they
effective and may have associated unwanted health, safety and
environmental risks. Biological control involves use of beneficial
biological agents to control pests and offers an environmental
friendly approach to the effective management of plant diseases and
weeds. The chapters are written by well recognized group leaders in
the field. This book provides a comprehensive account of
interaction of host and pests, and development of biological
control agents for practical applications in crops management
utilizing inherent defence mechanism, induced stimulation and
biological control agents. The contents are divided into the
following sections: General biology of plant defence, Use of
natural compounds for biological control, Use of biological agents,
Mechanism of action and Commercial aspects. The book will be useful
for academicians, researcher and industries involved in study and
manufacturing these products.
Nanotechnology progresses its concerts and suitability by improving
its effectiveness, security and also reducing the impact and risk.
Various chapters in this book are written by eminent scientists and
prominent researchers in the field of nanotechnology across the
world. This book is focused to put emerging techniques forward
using nanoparticles for safe and nutritional food production,
protecting crops from pests, increasing nutritional value and
providing solutions for various environmental issues. The outcome
of this book creates a path for wide usage of nanoparticles in
food, agriculture and the environment fields. This book has clear
and simple illustrations, tables and case studies to understand the
content even by non-experts. This book especially deals with the
nanotechnology for controlling plant pathogens, food packaging and
preservation, agricultural productivity, waste water treatment and
bioenergy production. Hence, this book can be adopted and used by
many researchers and academicians in the fields of food,
agriculture, environment and nanotechnology for catering the needs
of sustainable future. The salient features of this book are *
Describes nanotechnology as an interdisciplinary and emerging field
in life sciences* Useful for researchers in the cutting edge life
science related fields of nanoscience, nanobiology and
nanotechnology* Deal with various problems in food, agriculture and
environmental sector for sustainable solutions through the
application of nanotechnology* Supported with illustrations in
color, tables and case studies (wherever applicable), and *
Contributed and well written by nanotechnology experts from across
various disciplines
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