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Books in Agricultural and biological sciences

The Agricultural and Biological Sciences collection advances science-based knowledge for the improvement of animal and plant life and for secure food systems that produce nutritious, novel, sustainable foods with minimal environmental impact. Food Science titles include not only those products from agriculture but all other aspects from food production to nutrition, health and safety, chemistry to security, policy, law and regulation. Biological Sciences address animal behaviour and biodiversity, organismal and evolutionary biology, entomology, marine biology and aquaculture, plant science and forestry.

  • Sustainable Cropping Systems Under a Changing Climate

    • 1st Edition
    • Mukhtar Ahmed
    • English
    Sustainable Cropping Systems Under a Changing Climate explores how climate change is reshaping agriculture and highlights the urgent need for resilient, adaptive, and sustainable farming practices. As extreme weather, rising temperatures, and resource pressures threaten food security, this volume offers practical pathways to transform agricultural systems.Bringing together leading research, real-world case studies, and innovative strategies, this book addresses vulnerabilities and opportunities in modern farming. It covers sustainability principles, climate-smart practices, and the roles of soil health, biodiversity, conservation agriculture, organic farming, agroforestry, regenerative approaches, and plant–microbe interactions in enhancing resilience. Special focus is given to intensive systems such as rice–wheat and rainfed agriculture, particularly in the Global South.With an interdisciplinary approach and emphasis on both scientific evidence and practical application, this volume bridges a critical gap by supporting informed decision-making at farm, institutional, and policy levels. It is a timely resource for researchers, agronomists, extension professionals, and others seeking to future-proof agriculture through nature-based and technological solutions for climate adaptation and mitigation.
  • Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals of Fungal Origin

    Current Developments and Concepts
    • 1st Edition
    • Pragya Tiwari + 1 more
    • English
    Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals of Fungal Origin: Current Developments and Concepts discusses recent topics and relevant developments in the production of functional foods and nutraceuticals of fungal origin, along with their production technologies, nutritional components, health benefits, socioeconomic relevance, and potential for translational commercialization. The book's chapters include novel products, processes, and techniques such as microbial enzyme technologies, the use of native microbes, and renewable source of substrates and microbial engineering in the development of nutraceuticals. Omics technologies and their applications in edible fungi research and artificial intelligence-based prediction of bioactive compounds are also discussed. The book provides strategies and tools for the identification and analysis of fungi-based products while also exploring fungal pigments and colorants as food ingredients. Safety and regulatory aspects of fungal-derived food products and research innovation across the globe are also thoroughly explored. This book serves as a reference for food microbiologists, food scientists, and pharmaceutical professionals on the development of new functional foods and nutraceuticals.
  • Machine Learning and AI Technology for Agricultural Applications

    • 1st Edition
    • Kishore Chandra Swain + 5 more
    • English
    Machine Learning and AI Technology in Agricultural Applications offers a comprehensive overview of how artificial intelligence and machine learning are transforming the agricultural industry. By delving into image processing and advanced data analysis, the book demonstrates how technology addresses modern agricultural challenges, including climate change, urbanization, and increasing global populations. It emphasizes the importance of integrating sensors and data collection methods to generate vast pools of information, which can be efficiently analyzed through AI-driven solutions. The text lays a strong foundation for understanding the role of technological innovation in supporting sustainable and secure food production.Beyond introducing core machine learning models such as random forest, support vector machines, logistic regression, and decision trees, the book highlights the centralization of critical agricultural data in the cloud. This resource benefits both students and seasoned agricultural scientists, providing practical insights for optimizing crop yields, monitoring soil and weather conditions, and managing resources like fertilizers and pesticides. The book also explores the rapid analysis of complex datasets, empowering users to make informed, timely decisions in real-world agricultural scenarios.
  • Plant Regeneration In Vitro

    Environmental Cues and Sustainability
    • 1st Edition
    • Mohammad Faisal + 2 more
    • English
    Plant Regeneration In Vitro: Environmental Cues and Sustainability provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of plant regeneration in vitro, with a particular focus on the environmental cues that influence this process. Authored and edited by leading experts, and addressing multiple methods, applications, and prospects of in vitro regeneration, the book explores the mechanisms and role that environmental factors play in determining the success of in-vitro plant regeneration. Furthermore, it explores a variety of environmental triggers that affect plant regeneration in vitro, such as temperature, light, humidity, nutrient availability, and plant growth regulators.Additiona... sections describe the current state-of-the-science and the latest in experimental work, helping readers optimize their own applications of current knowledge while also inspiring new approaches.
  • Oilseeds and Fats

    Trait Improvement, Processing, Properties and Applications
    • 1st Edition
    • Sanju Bala Dhull + 2 more
    • English
    Oilseeds and Fats: Trait Improvement, Processing, Properties and Applications covers recent developments in the areas of oilseeds production practices, breeding, and genetic improvement for sustainable production, with an emphasis on processing technologies and nutrition. The book explores eco-friendly extraction methods, waste reduction techniques, and the potential of using waste by-products for energy production or other applications. Specific sections deal with production, breeding, processing methods, composition, and consumption trends, and then delve into oilseeds and fats origin, composition, and characteristics, as well as the principles and methods involved in processing and refining these resources.Additional sections cover oilseed crops processing, properties, and application, offering insights into the utilization of oilseeds and fats to develop new products that meet consumers' evolving preferences, thus addressing environmental concerns. With increasing awareness of environmental issues and climate change, the book underscores the significance of sustainable practices in the oilseed and fats industry.
  • The Metallome in Motion

    Insights into Ecosystem and Food Chain Toxicodynamics
    • 1st Edition
    • Vandana Singh + 3 more
    • English
    The Metallome in Motion: Insights into Ecosystem and Food Chain Toxicodynamics fills a vital gap by integrating multidisciplinary research on how metals influence biological systems, food safety, and environmental health. The book’s contents span a wide range of interrelated topics, beginning with metal-mediated epigenetic modifications and toxicodynamics at the molecular and cellular levels. Other sections explore the geochemical and anthropogenic origins of contaminants, factors affecting metal bioavailability, and the synergistic effects of metal-radical interactions. In addition, detailed chapters address the roles of metalloproteins, pathways of bioaccumulation and trophic transfer, transgenerational toxicity, and hidden reservoirs such as soil microaggregates.Adva... analytical methods, the emerging field of toxicometallomics, impacts of metals in agriculture, quantum effects of nanoparticles, and global regulatory frameworks are also thoroughly discussed, making this an essential reference for postgraduate students in food science, as well as academics and researchers in agriculture, plant science, environmental science, and biotechnology.
  • Nitric Oxide in Plant Resilience to Abiotic Stress

    • 1st Edition
    • Ravi Gupta + 2 more
    • English
    Nitric Oxide in Plant Resilience to Abiotic Stress, the latest release in the Plant Gasotransmitters and Molecules with Hormonal Activity series, offers a detailed examination of this essential gasotransmitter’s pivotal role in bolstering plant defenses against environmental stressors. The book investigates the molecular mechanisms of nitric oxide (NO) biosynthesis and signaling, emphasizing how post-translational modifications like S-nitrosylation and tyrosine nitration govern key targets to activate adaptive stress responses. It systematically examines NO’s properties, detection techniques, and its regulation under both optimal and adverse conditions, providing a comprehensive understanding of how it modulates plant functions.Expanding beyond fundamental processes, the volume highlights NO’s crucial involvement across a spectrum of abiotic stresses—drought, salinity, temperature extremes, heavy metals, and UV radiation—unveiling its capacity to mitigate damage and strengthen plant resilience. It also discusses the crosstalk between NO and other signaling molecules, such as phytohormones and emerging growth regulators, revealing synergistic pathways that underpin sustainable agriculture.
  • Postharvest Loss and Waste Management of Horticultural Produce

    From Farm to Fork
    • 1st Edition
    • Zahra H. Mohammad + 2 more
    • English
    Postharvest Loss and Waste Management of Horticultural Produce: From Farm to Fork addresses the major challenges and root causes of postharvest losses while also presenting solutions to reduce losses using innovative technologies. Sections introduce an overview of postharvest challenges, such as postharvest handling, storage, and transportation of fruits, vegetables, and berries, along with the impact of COVID-19 on postharvest losses. Other sections cover postharvest biological issues and control, such as postharvest diseases and microbiology issues of produce, novel technologies for reducing postharvest loss and waste in horticulture, like biological control, packaging, MAP films, etc., and mitigation strategies. A final section explores the environmental, economic, and social impact of postharvest losses across the food supply chain. Edited by a team of experts in the field, this is an excellent resource that brings sustainable solutions to reduce postharvest losses on a global level. Attracting a wider audience in the fields of food engineering and technology, as well as professionals, researchers, and academicians working in the fields of postharvest losses and their management, this book will be a welcomed resource.
  • Nanotechnological Innovations for Dairy Products

    Applications from Farm to Fork
    • 1st Edition
    • Ravi Pandiselvam + 2 more
    • English
    Nanotechnological Innovations for Dairy Products: Application from Farm to Fork offers an overview of the prominent, cutting-edge nanotechnology applications throughout the entire dairy supply chain, from farm-level production to consumer consumption. It will explore how nanotechnology can improve milk quality, extend shelf life, enhance nutritional value, and enable controlled release of bioactive compounds. It will also highlight the importance of ethical considerations, consumer acceptance, and transparency in the adoption of nanotechnology in the dairy industry. Written and edited by a team of international experts, Nanotechnological Innovations for Dairy Products: Application from Farm to Fork will guide researchers and industry stakeholders in implementing nanotechnology solutions in their practices and inspire future research and discoveries.
  • Exploring Health Benefits of Phenolic Compounds in Food By-Products and Functional Foods

    • 1st Edition
    • Abdur Rauf + 1 more
    • English
    Exploring Health Benefits of Phenolic Compounds in Food By-Products and Functional Foods investigates the diverse sources of bioactive compounds found in various foods and their physiological effects on the human body. This comprehensive volume emphasizes the chemical structures that maximize nutritional benefits, offering insights into how different phenolic compounds can improve health and manage diseases. From fruits and vegetables to marine sources and microbial fermentation, this book highlights new developments in phenolic compounds and functional food research.The book also delves into the functional attributes of ingredients like mushrooms and pomegranates, exploring the potential of flavonoids and antibacterial agents in certain fruits and vegetables to promote healing and overall health. Chapter authors discuss the role of bioactive compounds in areas such as weight management, gut health, sports nutrition, cardiovascular health, and more.