Design cropping practices that make the most of the contribution of AM fungi Mycorrhizae in Crop Production is a comprehensive guide to the use of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in developing sustainable cropping systems. This unique book examines how AMF benefit crop plants in both greenhouse and field crop production. It's also a much-needed reference source on the management of the mycorrhizal symbiosis in non-English speaking countries where the development of AMF-based technologies is more advanced. Mycorrhizae in Crop Production explores the form and function of AMF extraradical mycelial networks, the impact of those networks on plant uptake in macro- and micro-nutrients, and the interaction between AMF and plant pathogens. The book draws on research and applications in Latin America and India, where AMF-based technologies are a high priority in the development of horticultural production. Mycorrhizae in Crop Production examines: the nature and role of AM mycelia as plant providers how AM fungi reduce the incidence of disease in plants how AM fungi are best used in horticultural production best practices for crop inoculation with effective AM strains how AM biotechnologies are applicable in tropical crops how AM inoculants are useful in soil rehabilitation how the negative aspects of human activity on the environment has established a need for research in wealthier countries "and much more "Mycorrhizae in Crop Production is an essential classroom and field resource for academics and researchers working in crop production, plant pathology, microbial ecology, soil science, and the environmental sciences.

This book has been prepared for those seeking a better understanding of the functioning of crop plants, particularly the processes that lead to the genera tion of products valued by human beings. The contributors, who are among the world's foremost experts on the important crops upon which humanity depends for food or fibre, address the relevant processes for their specific crop. Currently, the world population is continuing to increase. It is projected to plateau around the middle of the next century, and while there is considerable controversy regarding the population level when this plateau is achieved, most estimates are in the area of 10 000 000 000. At present, there are about 800000000 people in the world who do not have secure access to food. Over the last 50 years various aspects of agricultural research have been combined to increase the output of world crops approximately 2.5-fold. Given the need to feed the increasing population, and to provide better access, it is predicted that during the next 50 years the agricultural research community must repeat this achievement."