Agricultural droughts affect whole societies, leading to higher food costs, threatened economies, and even famine. In order to mitigate such effects, researchers must first be able to monitor them, and then predict them; however no book currently focuses on accurate monitoring or prediction of these devastating kinds of droughts. To fill this void, the editors of Monitoring and Predicting Agricultural Drought have assembled a team of expert contributors from all continents to make a global study, describing biometeorological models and monitoring methods for agricultural droughts. These models and methods note the relationships between precipitation, soil moisture, and crop yields, using data gathered from conventional and remote sensing techniques. The coverage of the book includes probabilistic models and techniques used in America, Europe and the former USSR, Africa, Asia, and Australia, and it concludes with coverage of climate change and resultant shifts in agricultural productivity, drought early warning systems, and famine mitigation. This will be an essential collection for those who must advise governments or international organizations on the current scope, likelihood, and impact of agricultural droughts.
Sponsored by the World Meterological Organization

In spite of the extensive attention given by research workers to aphids no comprehensive review has been published covering all aspects of aphid biology. A few small books exist on certain aspects of nomenclature, ecology, physiology and natural enemies. Aphid biology is studied by many specialists, all representing their own area of interest, therefore the only way to present this comprehensive review is by the multi-author approach. This three-volume work is compiled in a similar way to the first books in the series World Crop Pests: Spider Mites. The volumes contain contributions by more than 40 authors. In this first volume an account is given on morphology and systematics, anatomy, genetics, life cycles, ways of life, reproduction and polymorphism and interaction with the environment. These topics are followed by an in-depth study of evolution of aphids, especially in connection with the evolution of plants. In addition processes governing the development of population structure and speciation are elicited.

Managing climate variability and change remains a key development and food security issue in Bangladesh. Despite significant investments, floods, droughts, and cyclones during the last two decades continue to cause extensive economic damage and impair livelihoods. Climate change will pose additional risks to ongoing efforts to reduce poverty. This book examines the implications of climate change on food security in Bangladesh and identifies adaptation measures in the agriculture sector using a comprehensive integrated framework. First, the most recent science available is used to characterize current climate and hydrology and its potential changes. Second, country-specific survey and biophysical data is used to derive more realistic and accurate agricultural impact functions and simulations. A range of climate risks (i.e. warmer temperatures, higher carbon dioxide concentrations, changing characteristics of floods, droughts and potential sea level rise) is considered to gain a more complete picture of potential agriculture impacts. Third, while estimating changes in production is important, economic responses may to some degree buffer against the physical losses predicted, and an assessment is made of these. Food security is dependent not only on production, but also future food requirements, income levels and commodity prices. Finally, adaptation possibilities are identified for the sector. This book is the first to combine these multiple disciplines and analytical procedures to comprehensively address these impacts. The framework will serve as a useful guide to design policy intervention strategies and investments in adaptation measures.

Large numbers of tropical trees from natural forests or plantation forest are available for human consumption and management. This book focuses on the prospects and utilization of tropical plantation trees in context of economic and business, planting, managing stocks, and uses of trees converted to various wood-based products. It provides information on key areas of tropical plantation trees including growth performance, nursery practices, soil properties, planting stock production, raw material cellulose, anatomy, pulping and papermaking, fiber modification, and properties of wood composites. Features: Comprehensive information on prospects and utilization of tropical plantation tree species. Features information on potential products derived from tropical plantation trees including cellulose-based wood products, particleboard with bioplastic binder, and laminated veneer lumber. Discusses species usage of economic importance other than wood production. Presents information on nursery practices, growth performance, and soil properties of tropical trees. Illustrates methodologies for repeating investigations on work that has been done previously in tropical tree research. This book introduces information for entrepreneurs or researchers before undertaking work with these tree species illustrating technical methodologies allowing for repetition or previous successful works. This information proves valuable to researchers if further work is needed for improvement on these plant-derived products.

The Mango is one of the oldest cultivated fruit crops, having been grown in India for at least 4000 years. Mango is the most important fruit crop of Asia and its annual production is exceeded worldwide only by Musa, citrus, grapes and apples. The last decade has seen a rapid growth of mango production, mainly due to expansion into new growing regions but also to the adoption of modern field practices and cultivars. A wide range of fresh, mango cultivars are now consumed worldwide and are available year round. "The Mango: Botany, Production and Uses," published in 1997, represented the first comprehensive examination of all aspects of modern mango production and research. Developing upon the successful first edition, this book incorporates a discussion of significant advances in mango research that have contributed to improved production and will be highly relevant for researchers and growers alike.

This book will help its readers to learn the first step of R statistics as it will help its readers to sit before the computer and to enter the commands, Practice makes perfect and the best way to learn R is to work with it and ask questions when you don't get the results.

First gives an introduction to computers. This provides an overview of anatomy, generation and classification of computers. In addition to this, it discusses about the personal computers, booting and viruses. Second entitled "Operating Systems" describes about disk operating system and its commands. three discusses Working in Windows. four describes word processing and creating, saving, opening and editing a document. Besides formatting options has also been described in four. Introduction to Ms-Excel and creating, editing and saving a document are explained in five and six. seven describes Mathematical Functions and their use in excel. The various features of data analysis using excel which deals with data analysis tools, tests, graphs and ANOVA along with illustrated examples are described in eight and nine. The tenth introduces the reader with Ms-Access database. number eleven gives the basic concepts of internet. number twelve discusses with pictures flow chart and algorithm.

This book is an effort to present in a progressive and systematic form the basic knowledge required both for selection and technical design of appropriate drying systems. This book consists of 15 s; the first is dedicated to fundamental principles and basic terminology of drying followed by s offering a detailed description of different drying techniques and their applications. The challenge of developing advanced drying techniques for the food industry is followed in line with the demand for enhanced food quality and safety. Therefore, further s cover a comprehensive review of the latest developments in different drying technologies and locating the trends in future research and development. These s are written in a very easy to read and understandable language containing clear explanation of every concept and aspect of the same which can be used by undergraduate and graduate students as well as by faculty for teaching purposes. Recent literature is also compiled and discussed to assist researchers and scientists for clear understanding of the concepts in greater detail behind different types of drying techniques. The contributors in this book have worked extensively in respective areas of drying technology and their strong experience will greatly benefit the readers.

In large parts of the developed and developing worlds soil tillage by plough or hoe is the main cause of land degradation leading to stagnating or even declining production levels and increasing production cost. It causes the soil to become more dense and compacted, the organic matter content to be reduced and water runoff and soil erosion to increase. It also leads to droughts becoming more severe and the soil becoming less fertile and less responsive to fertiliser.

This book brings together the key notes lectures and other outstanding contributions of the I World Congress on Conservation Agriculture and provides an updated view of the environment and economic advantages of CA and of its implementation in diferent areas of the World.

Orchids are widely considered to be the most highly evolved of all flowering plants. They are amongst the most beautiful flowers of the entire plant kingdom, combining exotic looks with a diverse set of characteristics. Orchid plants are capable of growing indoors and outdoors, and are no doubt unique difficult to grow successfully. Among flower crops, orchids play a key role in Indian floral economy as they share sizeable export. The vast area and the varied agro-climatic conditions of our country, ranging from tropical to temperate region make possible to grow all kinds of orchids. In this context, a need of simple book on recent advances in cultivation and management of orchid is highly demanded by students of Horticulture & Forestry and florists of India. Thus, this book is brought about mainly to fulfil the above requirement and is also the outcome of our teaching, research and field experiences of several years. Orchid's morphology, propagation methods, cultivation, breeding, post harvest management, diseases and insect pest management describes in details in this book.

This book draws on world-wide experiences and valuable lessons to highlight community-ecosystem interactions and the role of traditional knowledge in sustaining biocultural resources through community-based adaptations. The book targets different audiences including researchers working on human-environment interactions and climate adaptation practices, biodiversity conservators, non-government organizations and policy makers involved in revitalizing traditional foods and community-based conservation and adaptation in diverse ecosystems. This volume is also a source book for educators advocating for and collaborating with indigenous and local peoples to promote location-specific adaptations to overcome the impacts of multiple biotic and abiotic stresses.

In many tropical areas, the main constraint to increased output of livestock products is the inability of producers to feed animals adequately throughout the year. Yet opportunities exist to enhance ruminant livestock feed supplies by using crop residues, such as cereal straw and legume haulms. Greater emphasis is therefore now being placed on vegetative production in plant breeding research. Crop residues also play an important role in conserving soil moisture, preventing erosion and providing products such as fuel or thatch for smallholders. This book provides a multi-disciplinary perspective on crop residues, bringing together crop, animal and social scientists from six continents. It has been developed from papers presented at a workshop held in April 1996, at ICRISAT Asia Center, as part of the Systemwide Livestock Program of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) convened by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), based in Africa. It will appeal to a wide readership in disciplines as diverse as agronomy, soil science, plant breeding, animal nutrition and socio-economics.

The pig is one of the earliest domesticated animals and plays an integral part in a number of peasant economies in the tropics, for example in Oceania and Southeast Asia. In several African countries and others such as Thailand, increasingly intensive pig production has played a significant role in the overall economic growth and the feeding of an expanding urgan population. Furthermore, although in some circumstances pigs do compete with humans for food resources, they are also very versatile at utilizing byproducts and wastes that are not suitable for human consumption. There is therefore considerable potential for developing pig production in the tropics, and this book provides an accessible guide to the subject for students, farmers and advisory workers. It is translated from an original French edition compiled by the Institut d'Elevage et de Medecine Veterinaire des Pays Tropicaux."

Enormous changes are affecting African production agriculture, urbanization, and food consumption patterns, requiring new approaches to training and knowledge generation and dissemination to achieve food security. Many agricultural universities and other tertiary agricultural education (TAE) organizations have been slow to respond, hindered by inadequate staffing and facilities and growing competition for funds. However, some African agricultural universities are transforming themselves and are achieving remarkable success. This book documents successful approaches to remaking TAE in Africa to inspire leaders, both formal and informal, of other TAE organizations. It emphasises adaptive strategies and processes creating an internal culture driven by stakeholder needs and where organizational transformation improves the quality and relevance of teaching, research, and outreach. The chapters cover the role of TAE in agricultural transformation, trends in TAE in Africa, solutions to the rigour-versus-relevance dilemma, curriculum design informed by actual and emerging labour market conditions, innovation and entrepreneurship, TAE quality assurance, and networking among TAE institutions. This book: Emphasizes best practices within Africa rather than theories or models from outside Promotes adaptive organizational learning strategies rather than blueprints Promotes collaboration and networking for cross-learning and leveraging of resources Features practical examples and case studies This book is aimed at academics in Africa and abroad, students of agricultural development, educational and agricultural policy makers in Africa, international development partners, and education sector investors.

The contributions to this collection focus on the intersecting dynamics of gender, generation and class in Southeast Asian rural communities engaging with expanding capitalist relations, whether in the form of large-scale corporate land acquisition or other forms of penetration of commodity economy. Gender, and especially generation, are relatively neglected dimensions in the literature on agrarian and environmental transformations in Southeast Asia. Drawing on key concepts in gender studies, youth studies and agrarian studies, the chapters mark a significant step towards a gendered and 'generationed' analysis of capitalist expansion in rural Southeast Asia, in particular from a political ecology perspective. The collection highlights the importance of bringing gender and generation, in their interaction with class dynamics, more squarely into agrarian and environmental transformation studies. This is key to understanding the implications of capitalist expansion for social relations of power and justice, and the potential of these relations to shape the outcomes for different women and men, younger and older, in rural society. The chapters in this book were originally published in a special issue of The Journal of Peasant Studies.

Dioscorea species, commonly known as yams, are tuberous plants that constitute a major staple food in many parts of Africa, South East Asia, Latin America and the South Pacific. Yams are cultivated in about 50 mainly tropical countries, and the world annual production of edible tubers is around 73 million tonnes. This book evaluates the current state of knowledge about yams, and how this knowledge affects practices in production, cultivation and postharvest technology. Dioscorea is a diverse genus in terms of its geographical origin, domestication, morphology, chemistry and breeding. Therefore, besides concentrating on the dozen or so species that are used as major food crops, the book examines species that have limited commercial or domestic value at present, but have the potential in future to contribute to the production and utilization of this crop. This book: * Covers botany, taxonomy, composition, uses, cultivation, handling, storage, diseases, pests and production. * Describes the yam industry in the main producer countries, and around 100 of the most commonly grown species. * Reviews many Dioscorea species that may be developed in the future. It is an essential resource for researchers in horticulture, yam growers, breeders and postharvest technologists.

Papaya (Carica papaya) is an important and widely-cultivated tropical fruit, grown in more than 60 countries of the world. Global papaya production has grown significantly over the last few years, mainly as a result of increased production in India. Papaya has become an important agricultural export for developing countries where export revenues of the fruit provide a livelihood for thousands of people, especially in Asia and Latin America. This book includes coverage of recent research developments with the potential to improve crop yields and quality. New research has contributed to our understanding of the crop environment, plant growth and physiology of tree and fruit development with implications for both breeding and cultivation. It looks at how analysis of the papaya genome promises new, faster breeding techniques to improved cultivars and how these and other advances are helping to tackle disease like papaya ring spot viruses and major pests which cause significant losses. Key features include: updated information for sustainable papaya cultivation research developments in tackling the major production and post-harvest problems interdisciplinary and collaborative research With contributions from international experts, the book presents the current state of knowledge concerning the history, physiology, culture and marketing of papaya throughout the world. It is an essential resource for researchers, growers and all those involved in the papaya industry.

The concept of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) was developed as an alternative to chemical pesticides following the widespread realization or their horrifying and damaging effects on environment, human, animal and plant health, which were vividly portrayed in Rachel Carsons book Silent Spring. The IPM approach involves the use of different tactics in compatible combinations to keep pest populations below the levels at which they cause economics injury. Thus. the IPM approach minimizes the use of chemical pesticides and avoids their harmful effects. The development and implementation of IPM has been increasing in North America with successful results. However, its role in tropical agriculture is less well known. For this reason, the United Nations Environment Programine (UNEP), and the International Center for Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) undertook a global review of IPM to assess the impact of related activities in tropical regions of Asia. Africa and South America. This volume assesses the current status and future prospects for IPM in these regions, it provide a unique overview of the efforts made to develop and implement IPM for the pests of livestock and agroforestry in selected countries in the tropics (including India and China), as well as a survey of IPM strategies on a crop-by-crop basis for each continent. The book gives an honest appraisal of both the successes and failures of past IPM programmes and provides new paradigms and directions that IPM must develop, if it is to be adopted by farmers and governments on a scale necessary to change their current reliance on chemical pestioldes

Contributed articles presented at an International Workshop on Networking for Low-external-input and Sustainable Agriculture in Silang, Philippines, in March 1992, organized by International Institute of Rural Reconstruction, World Neighbors and ILEIA.

As populations continue to grow in tropical countries, there is an ever increasing pressure to produce more food from less land, while at the same time maintaining the quality of the environment. This textbook integrates research in agronomy, physiology, environmental physics and soil science to provide a framework for analyzing practical problems associated with crop production in tropical environments. The impact of essential resources, such as solar radiation and water, are discussed and research findings are used to illustrate solutions to real challenges. The book will serve as a core textbook for advanced undergraduate courses in agronomy.