Vegetable production in our country is still dominated by the locally available genotypes or open-pollinated varieties, which are low-yielding and susceptible to various insect pest and diseases. This is mainly due to farmers' ignorance and poor extension activities. Hence, there is a need to grow vegetable hybrids for increasing production and productivity along with quality. Development or hybrids from the existing ones play a pivotal role not only for increasing the productivity but also helps to combat several problems faced by farmers. Thus to achieve these objectives, the authors have made an effort to give information for development of vegetables hybrid both theoretical and practical aspects in the form of book entitled, Heterosis Breeding in Vegetable Crops. This publication contains 17 s in two sections. The first section includes 10 s related to theoretical aspect of heterosis. viz. i Introduction to Heterosis ii Basis of Heterosis iii Commercial Exploitation of Heterosis iv Reproduction, Pollen and Pollen Biotechnology v Population Improvement of Parents/Hybrids Varieties vi Genetic Purity Testing of Hybrids vii Hybrid Varieties Testing and Release Procedures in India viii Biotechnology and Vegetable Improvement xi Intellectual Property Right related Issues in Hybrid Technology and x Economics, Import and Export. Second section consists of practical aspect of hybrid seed production deals seven s, viz. xi Solanaceous Crops-tomato, brinjal, chilli and bell pepper, xii Malvaceous Crops-okra, xiii Cole crops-cabbage and cauliflower xiv Cucurbitaceous Crops-bitter gourd, bottle gourd, cucumber, muskmelon, watermelon, pumpkin, ridged and smooth gourd xv Root Crops-carrot. xvi Bulb Crops-onion and xvii Hints for Hybrid Cultivation. All the s cover references, illustrations and tables. The publication also contains characteristics of national released hybrids with colored photographs. This would be useful to teachers, scientists, students, extension workers, vegetable industry and farmers of this country.

An important overview of the state of the art in naturally occurring antimycotics!Here is a comprehensive and innovative examination of the antimycotic potential of essential plant oils and extracts against fungal infections affecting humans, animals, plants, and foodstuffs. Plant-Derived Antimycotics emphasizes the antimycotic activity of plants found in Central America, India, Nepal, Fiji, and China--areas rich in phyto-diversity and traditional botanical/medical knowledge.From editor M.K. Rai: "Since the inception of human civilization men have been using herbs against various mycotic infections. In the recent past, several antimycotic agents have been introduced into the market due to their rapid curative properties. Still, the quest for new antifungal agents of a fungicidal rather than fungistatic nature continues. Furthermore, there has been a dramatic increase in the new spectrum of fungal infections known as opportunistic fungal pathogens. Consequently, plant-derived antimycotics are gaining importance, being natural, cheaper, safer, eco-friendly, and within the reach of the common man."With a distinguished list of contributors from around the world, Plant-Derived Antimycotics explores: antifungal compounds that strengthen plant-defense systems traditional herbs that have revealed their antifungal properties newer, faster methods of screening and evaluating antifungal drugs natural antimycotics derived from plants in Croatia, South America, South Africa, China, India, and Fiji the mechanism of herbal antimycotic action the diversity of antimycotic efficacy in Asteraceous and Meliaceous plants new bioactive antifungal molecules Plant-Derived Antimycotics is an essential reference for pharmacologists, microbiologists, clinical mycologists, oncologists, immunologists, drug manufacturers, botanists and ethnobotanists, phytochemists, herbalists, and everyone searching for a natural remedy for the new spectrum of opportunistic fungal infections generated by the immunocompromising difficulties encountered by AIDS and cancer patients. Color illustrations, photographs, charts, tables, and graphs make the information easier to absorb and understand.

Geomicrobiology is a combination of geology and microbiology, and includes the study of interaction of microorganisms with their environment, such as in sedimentary rocks. This is a new and rapidly-developing field that has led in the past decade to a radically-revised view of the diversity and activity of microbial life on Earth. Geomicrobiology examines the role that microbes have played in the past and are currently playing in a number of fundamental geological processes. The present book is of great importance for researchers working in the field of microbiology, biotechnology, geology and environmental biotechnology. It can be a major reference book for students as well as researchers.

Geomicrobiology is a combination of geology and microbiology, and includes the study of interaction of microorganisms with their environment, such as in sedimentary rocks. This is a new and rapidly-developing field that has led in the past decade to a radically-revised view of the diversity and activity of microbial life on Earth. Geomicrobiology examines the role that microbes have played in the past and are currently playing in a number of fundamental geological processes. The present book is of great importance for researchers working in the field of microbiology, biotechnology, geology and environmental biotechnology. It can be a major reference book for students as well as researchers.

This volume provides a contemporary overview of new strategies for traditional medicine development, of the importance of cataloging ethnomedical information, of determining the active principles, and of examining the genetic diversity and range of actions of traditional medicines. It discusses the challenges of using traditional medicines for diseases where access to modern medicine is limited, and the research areas needed to improve quality, safety and efficacy for enhancing healthcare. The book affirms the importance of traditional medicines as an essential and integral component of healthcare systems, and the vast opportunities that exist for their evidence-based development.

An important overview of the state of the art in naturally occurring antimycotics!Here is a comprehensive and innovative examination of the antimycotic potential of essential plant oils and extracts against fungal infections affecting humans, animals, plants, and foodstuffs. Plant-Derived Antimycotics emphasizes the antimycotic activity of plants found in Central America, India, Nepal, Fiji, and China--areas rich in phyto-diversity and traditional botanical/medical knowledge.From editor M.K. Rai: "Since the inception of human civilization men have been using herbs against various mycotic infections. In the recent past, several antimycotic agents have been introduced into the market due to their rapid curative properties. Still, the quest for new antifungal agents of a fungicidal rather than fungistatic nature continues. Furthermore, there has been a dramatic increase in the new spectrum of fungal infections known as opportunistic fungal pathogens. Consequently, plant-derived antimycotics are gaining importance, being natural, cheaper, safer, eco-friendly, and within the reach of the common man."With a distinguished list of contributors from around the world, Plant-Derived Antimycotics explores: antifungal compounds that strengthen plant-defense systems traditional herbs that have revealed their antifungal properties newer, faster methods of screening and evaluating antifungal drugs natural antimycotics derived from plants in Croatia, South America, South Africa, China, India, and Fiji the mechanism of herbal antimycotic action the diversity of antimycotic efficacy in Asteraceous and Meliaceous plants new bioactive antifungal molecules Plant-Derived Antimycotics is an essential reference for pharmacologists, microbiologists, clinical mycologists, oncologists, immunologists, drug manufacturers, botanists and ethnobotanists, phytochemists, herbalists, and everyone searching for a natural remedy for the new spectrum of opportunistic fungal infections generated by the immunocompromising difficulties encountered by AIDS and cancer patients. Color illustrations, photographs, charts, tables, and graphs make the information easier to absorb and understand.