Scientists are continually making exciting discoveries concerning the interactions between microbes and plants, interactions which may be damaging, in the case of plant pathogens, or beneficial, as in the case of nitrogen fixation. This new volume in the successful and well received Chapman & Hall Plant-Microbe Interaction series is an exciting and broad-ranging view of the outstanding work being done in this area.

Plant-Microbe Interactions, Volume 2 Volume 1 of this series has made its appearance and dealt forcefully with impor tant current topics in the field of plant-microbe interactions. We believe that the quality of those chapters was high and should serve as a focal point for the state of the art as well as an enduring reference. Volume 2 builds upon these accom plishments. Chapter 1 discusses the fascinating lipo-chitin signal molecules from Rhizo bium, aspects regarding their biosynthesis, and the basis for host specificity. These molecules are a cardinal example of how microorganisms influence plant development and stimulate speculation that they have identified a previously un known aspect of plant hormone activity. Chapter 2 continues the discussion of Rhizobium by considering the trafficking of carbon and nitrogen in nodules. Al though the ostensible advantage of nodules to plants is the fixation of atmos pheric nitrogen, the actual process involved in supplying reduced nitrogen to the plant host is complex."

Plant-Microbe Interactions, Volume 1 Many plant-microbe interactions have agronomic importance because of either beneficial (e.g., nitrogen fixation or biocontrol) or detrimental (e.g., pathogen esis) effects. Although these systems have been the subjects of scientific re search for many years, recently there has been a tremendous increase in our knowledge of them. The increases in this research have followed a similar general increase in plant science research. Classical plant science research disciplines (e.g., agronomy, breeding, plant physiology, systematics, etc.) have been affected by an increased focus on molecular biology. These new technologies, as well as advances in other areas, have the effect of blurring the traditional borders between research disciplines. Another factor influencing the development of this research is the increased attention given to environmental issues. These concerns have been brought about by debate over the release of genetically modified organisms and the general concern over environmental quality. Thus, research areas focused on plant-microbe interactions are presently in a period of great excitement and growth that shows every sign of continuing far into the future. As in most research areas, the rate of advance and breadth of disciplines involved in the study of plant-microbe interactions make it impossible for the average researcher or student to stay abreast of the primary scientific literature."

Soybean genomics is of great interest as one of the most economically important crops and a major food source. This book covers recent advances in soybean genome research, including classical, RFLP, SSR, and SNP markers; genomic and cDNA libraries; functional genomics platforms; genetic and physical maps; and gene expression profiles. The book is for researchers and students in plant genetics and genomics, plant biology and pathology, agronomy, and food sciences.

Soybean genomics is of great interest as one of the most economically important crops and a major food source. This book covers recent advances in soybean genome research, including classical, RFLP, SSR, and SNP markers; genomic and cDNA libraries; functional genomics platforms; genetic and physical maps; and gene expression profiles. The book is for researchers and students in plant genetics and genomics, plant biology and pathology, agronomy, and food sciences.

Well designed, constructed and maintained reinforced or prestressed concrete structures are generally very durable. In aggressive environments though, corrosion of steel can be a significant problem and structures such as bridges, industrial buildings and those subjected to marine conditions can be particularly at risk. Over the last decade there has been fast growing interest in reinforcing concrete with fibre reinforced plastic materials which cannot rust or deteriorate like steel. This proceedings of the Second International RILEM Symposium on the subject, held in Ghent, August 1995, deals with a wide range of non-metallic materials and opens up possibilities of lighter, more durable structures. The contributions by leading international researchers and design engineers are divided into parts covering material development and properties, bond behaviour of FRP elements, structural behaviour of reinforced and prestressed concrete members, rehabilitation and strengthening, and design methods and applications. This complete overview of knowledge on the subject will provide an essential update for structural engineers, concrete specialists and researchers into materials and structures.

Well designed, constructed and maintained reinforced or prestressed concrete structures are generally very durable. In aggressive environments though, corrosion of steel can be a significant problem and structures such as bridges, industrial buildings and those subjected to marine conditions can be particularly at risk. Over the last decade there has been fast growing interest in reinforcing concrete with fibre reinforced plastic materials which cannot rust or deteriorate like steel. This proceedings of the Second International RILEM Symposium on the subject, held in Ghent, August 1995, deals with a wide range of non-metallic materials and opens up possibilities of lighter, more durable structures. The contributions by leading international researchers and design engineers are divided into parts covering material development and properties, bond behaviour of FRP elements, structural behaviour of reinforced and prestressed concrete members, rehabilitation and strengthening, and design methods and applications. This complete overview of knowledge on the subject will provide an essential update for structural engineers, concrete specialists and researchers into materials and structures.

Plant-Microbe Interactions, Volume 1 Many plant-microbe interactions have agronomic importance because of either beneficial (e.g., nitrogen fixation or biocontrol) or detrimental (e.g., pathogen esis) effects. Although these systems have been the subjects of scientific re search for many years, recently there has been a tremendous increase in our knowledge of them. The increases in this research have followed a similar general increase in plant science research. Classical plant science research disciplines (e.g., agronomy, breeding, plant physiology, systematics, etc.) have been affected by an increased focus on molecular biology. These new technologies, as well as advances in other areas, have the effect of blurring the traditional borders between research disciplines. Another factor influencing the development of this research is the increased attention given to environmental issues. These concerns have been brought about by debate over the release of genetically modified organisms and the general concern over environmental quality. Thus, research areas focused on plant-microbe interactions are presently in a period of great excitement and growth that shows every sign of continuing far into the future. As in most research areas, the rate of advance and breadth of disciplines involved in the study of plant-microbe interactions make it impossible for the average researcher or student to stay abreast of the primary scientific literature."

Nitrogen fixation is a key component of the nitrogen cycle, one of the most fundamental cycles in the biosphere. Conversion of atmospheric nitrogen into organic nitrogen compounds can be carried out only by certain bacteria and blue-green algae (cyanobacteria). Some nitrogen fixing bacteria live symbiotically with leguminous plants such as peas, beans, clover, and certain tropical trees in nodules on the plants' roots, while others live independently in the soil and aquatic habitats. By the activity of these microorganisms, the soil is enriched with the nitrogen required for plant growth and function. Thus the topic is of considerable practical as well as fundamental importance. In Biological Nitrogen Fixation, the leading researchers in nitrogen fixation from all over the world contribute up-to-the-minute general reviews on all aspects of the subject, from the molecular biology and genetics to the biochemistry, physiology, and ecology of nitrogen fixation. This compendium of current research is an indispensable reference for all involved in nitrogen fixation research, and of use to all who deal indirectly with the subject. It will also serve as a thoroughly up-to-date textbook for graduate students in microbiology, plant science, biochemistry, molecular biology, plant pathology, agronomy, and genetics.