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Books in Agricultural science

Our Agricultural Science portfolio encompasses a broad spectrum of topics including crop production, sustainable farming, agroecology, crop genetics, pest management, and precision agriculture. Featuring cutting-edge research, innovative methodologies, and practical case studies, these resources support researchers, agronomists, and students in addressing global food security, climate change, and resource management challenges. The portfolio emphasizes sustainable practices, technological advancements, and policy development, providing valuable insights to improve productivity, resilience, and environmental stewardship across diverse agricultural systems worldwide.

  • Rethinking Food and Agriculture

    New Ways Forward
    • 1st Edition
    • Amir Kassam + 1 more
    • English
    Given the central role of the food and agriculture system in driving so many of the connected ecological, social and economic threats and challenges we currently face, Rethinking Food and Agriculture reviews, reassesses and reimagines the current food and agriculture system and the narrow paradigm in which it operates. Rethinking Food and Agriculture explores and uncovers some of the key historical, ethical, economic, social, cultural, political, and structural drivers and root causes of unsustainability, degradation of the agricultural environment, destruction of nature, short-comings in science and knowledge systems, inequality, hunger and food insecurity, and disharmony. It reviews efforts towards ‘sustainable development’, and reassesses whether these efforts have been implemented with adequate responsibility, acceptable societal and environmental costs and optimal engagement to secure sustainability, equity and justice. The book highlights the many ways that farmers and their communities, civil society groups, social movements, development experts, scientists and others have been raising awareness of these issues, implementing solutions and forging ‘new ways forward’, for example towards paradigms of agriculture, natural resource management and human nutrition which are more sustainable and just. Rethinking Food and Agriculture proposes ways to move beyond the current limited view of agro-ecological sustainability towards overall sustainability of the food and agriculture system based on the principle of ‘inclusive responsibility’. Inclusive responsibility encourages ecosystem sustainability based on agro-ecological and planetary limits to sustainable resource use for production and livelihoods. Inclusive responsibility also places importance on quality of life, pluralism, equity and justice for all and emphasises the health, well-being, sovereignty, dignity and rights of producers, consumers and other stakeholders, as well as of nonhuman animals and the natural world.    
  • Controlled Release Fertilizers for Sustainable Agriculture

    • 1st Edition
    • F.B Lewu + 3 more
    • English
    Controlled Release Fertilizers for Sustainable Agriculture provides a comprehensive examination of precision fertilizer applications using the 4-R approach—the right amount of fertilizer at the right time to the right plant at the correct stage of plant growth. This volume consolidates detailed information on each aspect of controlled release fertilizers, including up-to-date literature citations, the current market for controlled release fertilizers and patents. Presenting the tremendous advances in experimental and theoretical studies on sustainable agriculture and related areas, this book provides in-depth insight into state-of-the-art controlled release mechanisms of fertilizers, techniques, and their use in sustainable agriculture. Conventional release mechanisms have historically meant waste of fertilizers and the adverse effects of that waste on the environment. Controlled release delivery makes significant strides in enhancing fertilizer benefit to the target plant, while protecting the surrounding environment and increasing sustainability.
  • Millets and Pseudo Cereals

    Genetic Resources and Breeding Advancements
    • 1st Edition
    • Mohar Singh + 1 more
    • English
    Millets and Pseudo Cereals is the first comprehensive resource to focus on the potential crop improvements through genetic enhancements. The choice of food crop for a region is primarily determined by the conditions of climate and soil. Once labelled as orphan crops, millets and pseudo-cereals are now known as miracle grains due to their adaptation to harsh conditions and high nutritional quality. Small millets and pseudo-cereals are now seen to occupy special niches through their ability to adapt to challenging conditions. These crops have a comparative advantage in marginal lands where they withstand stress conditions and contribute to sustainable production. They also contribute to the diversity-richness and production stability of agro-ecosystems. Millets include sorghum, pearl millet, finger millet, foxtail millet, proso millet, barnyard millet, little millet and kodo millet while the other group which are not cereals but consumed as cereals and generally referred as pseudo-cereals comprises of grain amaranths, buckwheat and chenopods. Millets and Pseudo Cereals presents current information on the genetic architecture of important economic traits and the genomic resources for gene enabled breeding. This compilation contains information on the global status, available germplasm resources, nutritional value, breeding advancements, genomics applications and sustainability of agriculture through millets and pseudo-cereals cultivation. This book is a valuable resource for those conducting research and exploring new areas for advancing crop genetic understanding.
  • Transcription Factors for Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Plants

    • 1st Edition
    • Shabir Hussain Wani
    • English
    Transcription Factors for Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Plants highlights advances in the understanding of the regulatory network that impacts plant health and production, providing important insights for improving plant resistance. Plant production worldwide is suffering serious losses due to widespread abiotic stresses increasing as a result of global climate change. Frequently more than one abiotic stress can occur at once, for example extreme temperature and osmotic stress, which increases the complexity of these environmental stresses. Modern genetic engineering technologies are one of the promising tools for development of plants with efficient yields and resilience to abiotic stresses. Hence deciphering the molecular mechanisms and identifying the abiotic stress associated genes that control plant response to abiotic stresses is a vital requirement in developing plants with increased abiotic stress resilience.Addressin... the various complexities of transcriptional regulation, this book includes chapters on cross talk and central regulation, regulatory networks, the role of DOF, WRKY and NAC transcription factors, zinc finger proteins, CRISPR/CAS9-based genome editing, C-Repeat (CRT) binding factors (CBFs)/Dehydration responsive element binding factors (DREBs) and factors impacting salt, cold and phosphorous stress levels, as well as transcriptional modulation of genes involved in nanomaterial-plant interactions.Transcr... Factors for Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Plants provides a useful reference by unravelling the transcriptional regulatory networks in plants. Researchers and advanced students will find this book a valuable reference for understanding this vital area.
  • Advancement in Crop Improvement Techniques

    • 1st Edition
    • Narendra Tuteja + 3 more
    • English
    Advancement in Crop Improvement Techniques presents updates on biotechnology and molecular biological approaches which have contributed significantly to crop improvement. The book discusses the emerging importance of bioinformatics in analyzing the vast resources of information regarding crop improvement and its practical application and utilization. Throughout this comprehensive resource, emphasis is placed on various techniques used to improve agricultural crops, providing a common platform for the utility of these techniques and their combinations. Written by an international team of contributors, this book provides an in-depth analysis of existing tools and a framework for new research.
  • Wheat and Barley Grain Biofortification

    • 1st Edition
    • Om Prakash Gupta + 5 more
    • English
    Wheat and Barley Grain Biofortification addresses topics associated with the alleviation of malnutrition in globally diverse populations via wheat and barley biofortification. The book synthesizes the current trends of malnutrition across the globe, the need for wheat and barley nutritional enhancement and how agronomic, microbial and molecular understanding of biofortification can help in devising significant approaches and strategies. In addition, it includes discussions on potential genetic variability available and their efficient utilization in wheat and barley for molecular breeding for nutrients, challenges and opportunities for bioavailability, and technical advancement for analysis of bioavailability.
  • Long-Term Farming Systems Research

    Ensuring Food Security in Changing Scenarios
    • 1st Edition
    • Gurbir Bhullar + 1 more
    • English
    Long-Term Farming Systems Research: Ensuring Food Security in Changing Scenarios presents the legacy and heritage of Long-Term Experiments (LTEs) in Agriculture while also addressing the challenges and potential solutions. The book discusses how LTEs form an important asset in understanding agriculture’s significant influence on life on earth. As global governments and development agencies try to achieve the Global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations, this book’s content is of unprecedented importance, providing insights into the interactions of agricultural production with ecological, economic and societal aspects. In this regard, this book offers a thorough resource of information based on experiences from various ongoing LTEs in different parts of the world. The contextual variety and geographic diversity presented in this book makes it useful for agricultural and environmental scientists, as well as students and educators in such fields. --- From the Editors: "Thanks to the excellent panel of our contributing authors, in this book, we have attempted to offer the widest possible thematic and geographical coverage on LTEs. Experts from different institutions leading LTEs across the globe have provided their perspectives on different aspects of LTEs, not only highlighting the unique knowledge contribution of LTEs, but also discussing the unique challenges of effectively managing LTEs and maintaining their relevance to changing scenarios. We hope that this book will offer something for everyone interested in the history, present and future of our agroecosystem."
  • Beneficial Microbes in Agro-Ecology

    Bacteria and Fungi
    • 1st Edition
    • N. Amaresan + 4 more
    • English
    Beneficial Microbes in Agro-Ecology: Bacteria and Fungi is a complete resource on the agriculturally important beneficial microflora used in agricultural production technologies. Included are 30 different bacterial genera relevant in the sustainability, mechanisms, and beneficial natural processes that enhance soil fertility and plant growth. The second part of the book discusses 23 fungal genera used in agriculture for the management of plant diseases and plant growth promotion. Covering a wide range of bacteria and fungi on biocontrol and plant growth promoting properties, the book will help researchers, academics and advanced students in agro-ecology, plant microbiology, pathology, entomology, and nematology.
  • Handbook of Vegetable Pests

    • 2nd Edition
    • John Capinera
    • English
    Handbook of Vegetable Pests, Second Edition, provides two types of diagnostic aids: the easy-to-use "guides to pests of vegetable crops", which guides the reader to the most likely pests of each vegetable crop based on the portion of the plant attacked and the category of pest; and the more technical dichotomous keys for identification of many of the difficult-to-identif... species. It includes over 300 common and occasional pest species, detailing the geographic distribution of vegetable pests, host plant relationships, natural enemies, damage, life history, and methods of control and damage prevention.
  • Climate Change and Food Security with Emphasis on Wheat

    • 1st Edition
    • Munir Ozturk + 1 more
    • English
    Climate Change and Food Security with Emphasis on Wheat is the first book to present the full scope of research in wheat improvement, revealing the correlations to global issues including climate change and global warming which contribute to food security issues. Wheat plays a key role in the health of the global economy. As the world population continuously increases, economies modernize, and incomes rise, wheat production will have to increase dramatically to secure it as a reliable and sustainable food source. Since covering more land area with wheat crops is not a sustainable option, future wheat crops must have consistently higher yields and be able to resist and/or tolerate biotic and abiotic stresses that result from climate change. Addressing the biophysical and socioeconomic constraints of producing high-yielding, disease-resistant, and good quality wheat, this book will aid in research efforts to increase and stabilize wheat production worldwide. Written by an international team of experts, Climate Change and Food Security with Emphasis on Wheat is an excellent resource for academics, researchers, and students interested in wheat and grain research, especially as it is relevant to food security.
  • Molecular Aspects of Plant Beneficial Microbes in Agriculture

    • 1st Edition
    • Vivek Sharma + 2 more
    • English
    Molecular Aspects of Plant Beneficial Microbes in Agriculture explores their diverse interactions, including the pathogenic and symbiotic relationship which leads to either a decrease or increase in crop productivity. Focusing on these environmentally-frie... approaches, the book explores their potential in changing climatic conditions. It presents the exploration and regulation of beneficial microbes in offering sustainable and alternative solutions to the use of chemicals in agriculture. The beneficial microbes presented here are capable of contributing to nutrient balance, growth regulators, suppressing pathogens, orchestrating immune response and improving crop performance. The book also offers insights into the advancements in DNA technology and bioinformatic approaches which have provided in-depth knowledge about the molecular arsenal involved in mineral uptake, nitrogen fixation, growth promotion and biocontrol attributes.
  • Microbial Endophytes

    Functional Biology and Applications
    • 1st Edition
    • Ajay Kumar + 1 more
    • English
    Microbial Endophytes: Functional Biology and Applications focuses on endophytic bacteria and fungi, including information on foundational endophytes and the latest advances in relevant genomics, proteomics and nanotechnological aspects. The book provides insights into the molecular aspects of plant endophytes and their interactions and applications, also exploring the potential commercialization of endophytic microorganisms and their use as bio fertilizers, in biocontrol, and as bioactive compounds for other sustainable applications. Coverage of important and emerging legal considerations relevant to those working to implement these important bacteria in production processes is also included.
  • Chickpea: Crop Wild Relatives for Enhancing Genetic Gains

    • 1st Edition
    • Mohar Singh
    • English
    Chickpea: Crop Wild Relatives for Enhancing Genetic Gains explores aspects related to critical analysis on factors responsible for narrow genetic base of chickpea productions including domestication bottleneck, the level of diversity present in different cultivated and wild species, the uniqueness and usefulness of potential gene sources available and maintained in production systems across the globe, the level of genetic erosion both at landrace and species level over time and space etc. Despite considerable international investment in conventional breeding, production of chickpea has not yet been significantly improved beyond that achieved through its normal single domestication event and high self-pollination rate. Total annual pulse production of ~12 million tons (FAO 2016) is far below actual potential. Susceptibility to both biotic and abiotic stresses have created a production level bottleneck whose solution possibly lies in the use of crop wild relatives and other genetic traits cultivated by tailoring novel germplasm. Presenting options for widening the genetic base of chickpea cultivars by introgression of diverse genes available in distantly related wild Cicer taxa, thus expanding the genetic base and maximize genetic gains from the selection, it is necessary to accumulate other complimentary alleles from CWRs. This review will focus on present status of gene pool and species distribution, germplasm conservation, characterization and evaluation, problems associated with crop production, sources of target traits available in wild species, status of trait introgression in synthesizing new gene pool of chickpea along with progress made in chickpea genomics. An edited book with contributions from leading scientists, this information will guide and inform chickpea breeders, PGR researchers and crop biologists across the world.
  • Advances in Cyanobacterial Biology

    • 1st Edition
    • Prashant Kumar Singh + 3 more
    • English
    Advances in Cyanobacterial Biology presents the novel, practical, and theoretical aspects of cyanobacteria, providing a better understanding of basic and advanced biotechnological application in the field of sustainable agriculture. Chapters have been designed to deal with the different aspects of cyanobacteria including their role in the evolution of life, cyanobacterial diversity and classification, isolation, and characterization of cyanobacteria through biochemical and molecular approaches, phylogeny and biogeography of cyanobacteria, symbiosis, Cyanobacterial photosynthesis, morphological and physiological adaptation to abiotic stresses, stress-tolerant cyanobacterium, biological nitrogen fixation. Other topics include circadian rhythms, genetics and molecular biology of abiotic stress responses, application of cyanobacteria and cyanobacterial mats in wastewater treatments, use as a source of novel stress-responsive genes for development of stress tolerance and as a source of biofuels, industrial application, as biofertilizer, cyanobacterial blooms, use in Nano-technology and nanomedicines as well as potential applications. This book will be important for academics and researchers working in cyanobacteria, cyanobacterial environmental biology, cyanobacterial agriculture and cyanobacterial molecular biologists.
  • The Genus Citrus

    • 1st Edition
    • Manuel Talon + 2 more
    • English
    The Genus Citrus presents the enormous amount of new knowledge that has been generated in recent years on nearly all topics related to citrus. Beginning with an overview of the fundamental principles and understanding of citrus biology and behavior, the book provides a comprehensive view from Citrus evolution to current market importance. Reporting on new insights supported by the elucidation of the citrus genome sequence, it presents groundbreaking theories and fills in previous knowledge gaps. Because citrus is among the most difficult plants to improve through traditional breeding, citrus researchers, institutions and industries must quickly learn to adapt to new developments, knowledge and technologies to address the biological constraints of a unique fruit-tree such as citrus. Despite the challenges of working with citrus, tremendous progress has been made, mostly through advances in molecular biology and genomics. This book is valuable for all those involved with researching and advancing, producing, processing, and delivering citrus products.
  • The Science of Grapevines

    • 3rd Edition
    • Markus Keller
    • English
    The Science of Grapevines, Third Edition reflects the latest insights into cultivar relationships, vascular transport, hormone action, and stress responses of grapevines. Based on the author’s many years of teaching, research and practical experience with grapevines and grape production, the book is completely revised and updated, presenting a comprehensive introduction on the physical structure of the grapevine, its organs, their functions, and their environmental interactions. While many concepts discussed are broadly applicable to plants in general, the focus is on grapevines, especially cultivated grapevines. This book enables readers to use these concepts in their own scientific research or in practical production systems. Scientifically grounded and integrating discoveries in other plant species, the book explores the physiological processes underlying grapevine form and function, their developmental and environmental control, and their implications for practical vineyard management.
  • Agricultural Internet of Things and Decision Support for Precision Smart Farming

    • 1st Edition
    • Annamaria Castrignanò + 5 more
    • English
    Agricultural Internet of Things and Decision Support for Smart Farming reveals how a set of key enabling technologies (KET) related to agronomic management, remote and proximal sensing, data mining, decision-making and automation can be efficiently integrated in one system. Chapters cover how KETs enable real-time monitoring of soil conditions, determine real-time, site-specific requirements of crop systems, help develop a decision support system (DSS) aimed at maximizing the efficient use of resources, and provide planning for agronomic inputs differentiated in time and space. This book is ideal for researchers, academics, post-graduate students and practitioners who want to embrace new agricultural technologies.
  • Irrigation Water Management

    Challenges and Innovations
    • 1st Edition
    • Chandra Madramootoo
    • English
    Irrigation Water Management: Challenges and Innovations advances the scientific understanding, development and application of agricultural water management through an integrated approach. The book presents a collection of recent developments and rigorous applications of agricultural water management from advanced sources, such as satellite, mesoscale and climate models that are integrated with a conceptual modeling system. Theory, abstraction and practices presented include, but are not limited to: drought, irrigation scheduling, weather forecasting, climate change, precipitation forecasting, and others. As agricultural water management has gained considerable momentum in recent decades among the earth and environmental science communities, this book provides an ideal resource.This book represents the first handbook to promote the synergistic and multidisciplinary activities among scientists and users working in the fields of hydro-meteorological and agricultural sciences.
  • Crop Genome Editing Using CRISPR/Cas9

    Theory and Practice
    • 1st Edition
    • Ramalingam Ravindhran + 2 more
    • English
    Crop Genome Editing Using CRISPR/Cas9: Theory and Practice is a highly useful reference for implementing genome engineering technologies, particularly CRISPR related projects in agricultural crops and other plants. This book provides an introduction to CRISPR’s basic science and applied aspects, along with detailed protocols. It presents a detailed workflow, beginning with genome sequence retrieval and then mutation analysis in genome edited events using sequencing tools. The book helps those in the field methodically plan, design and conduct experiments. This practical guide will dramatically help researchers in accelerating conventional plant breeding programs.
  • Fruit Crops

    Diagnosis and Management of Nutrient Constraints
    • 1st Edition
    • Anoop Kumar Srivastava + 1 more
    • English
    Fruit Crops: Diagnosis and Management of Nutrient Constraints is the first and only resource to holistically relate fruits as a nutritional source for human health to the state-of-the-art methodologies currently used to diagnose and manage nutritional constraints placed on those fruits. This book explores a variety of advanced management techniques, including open field hydroponic, fertigation/bio-fert... the use of nano-fertilizers, sensors-based nutrient management, climate- smart integrated soil fertility management, inoculation with microbial consortium, and endophytes backed up by ecophysiology of fruit crops. These intricate issues are effectively presented, including real-world applications and future insights.
  • Sugarcane Biorefinery, Technology and Perspectives

    • 1st Edition
    • Fernando Santos + 3 more
    • English
    Sugarcane Biorefinery, Technology and Perspectives provides the reader with a current view of the global scenario of sugarcane biorefinery, launching a new expectation on this important crop from a chemical, energy and sustainability point-of-view. The book explores the existing biorefinery platforms that can be used to convert sugarcane to new high value added products. It also addresses one of today's most controversial issues involving energy cane, in addition to the dilemma "sugar cane vs. food vs. the environment", adding even more value in a culture that is already a symbol of case study around the world. Focusing on the chemical composition of sugarcane, and the production and processes that optimize it for either agricultural or energy use, the book is designed to provide practical insights for current application and inspire the further exploration of options for balancing food and fuel demands.
  • Horticultural Plant Breeding

    • 1st Edition
    • Thomas J. Orton
    • English
    Horticultural Plant Breeding is a complete and comprehensive resource for the development of new cultivars or clones of horticultural crops. It covers the basic theories that underpin plant breeding and applies Mendelian, quantitative and population inheritance practices in smaller populations where the individual plant has high value. Specific traditional breeding methods are also covered, with an emphasis on how these methods are adapted for horticultural species. In addition, the integration of biotechnologies with traditional breeding methodologies is explored, with an emphasis on specific applications for fruits, vegetables and ornamental crop species. Presented in focused sections, Horticultural Plant Breeding addresses historical perspectives and context, and genetics as a critical foundation of plant breeding. It highlights treatments of the various components of breeding programs, such as breeding objectives, germplasm, population engineering, mating systems, enhanced selection methods, established breeding methods applicable to inbreeding and outcrossing situations, and post-breeding activities.
  • Sustainable Agriculture

    Advances in Plant Metabolome and Microbiome
    • 1st Edition
    • Javid Ahmad Parray + 1 more
    • English
    Sustainable Agriculture: Advances in Plant Metabolome and Microbiome focuses on the advancement of basic and applied research related to plant-microbe interaction and their implementation in progressive agricultural sustainability. The book also highlights the developing area of bioinformatics tools for the interpretation of metabolome, the integration of statistical and bioinformatics tools to manage huge generating data, metabolite profiling, and key signaling-driven substances, along with a section on the role of key biosynthetic pathways. Focused on selecting positive and effective interactive core-microbiome which will be adaptive and sustainable, this book will help researchers further improve the quality and productivity of crops through sustainable agriculture.
  • The Role of Ecosystem Services in Sustainable Food Systems

    • 1st Edition
    • Leonard Rusinamhodzi
    • English
    The Role of Ecosystem Services in Sustainable Food Systems reveals, in simple terms, the operational definition, concepts and applications of ecosystem services with a focus on sustainable food systems. The book presents case studies on both geographical and production system-wide considerations. Initial chapters discuss concepts, methodologies and the tools needed to understand ecosystem services in the broader food system. Middle and later chapters present different perspectives from case studies of ecosystem services derived from some of the key sustainable food production systems used by farmers, along with discussions on the challenges of deriving full benefits and how they can be overcome. Researchers, students, scientists, development practitioners and policymakers will welcome this reference as they continue their work related to sustainable food systems.
  • Plant Factory

    An Indoor Vertical Farming System for Efficient Quality Food Production
    • 2nd Edition
    • Toyoki Kozai + 2 more
    • English
    Plant Factory: An Indoor Vertical Farming System for Efficient Quality Food Production, Second Edition presents a comprehensive look at the implementation of plant factory (PF) practices to yield food crops for both improved food security and environmental sustainability. Edited and authored by leading experts in PF and controlled environment agriculture (CEA), the book is divided into five sections, including an Overview and the Concept of Closed Plant Production Systems (CPPS), the Basics of Physics and Physiology – Environments and Their Effects, System Design, Construction, Cultivation and Management and Plant Factories in Operation. In addition to new coverage on the rapid advancement of LED technology and its application in indoor vertical farming, other revisions to the new edition include updated information on the status of business R&D and selected commercial PFALs (plant factory with artificial lighting). Additional updates include those focused on micro and mini-PFALs for improving the quality of life in urban areas, the physics and physiology of light, the impact of PFAL on the medicinal components of plants, and the system design, construction, cultivation and management issues related to transplant production within closed systems, photoautotrophic micro-propagation and education, training and intensive business forums on PFs.
  • The Interaction of Food Industry and Environment

    • 1st Edition
    • Charis M. Galanakis
    • English
    The Interaction of Food Industry and Environment addresses all levels of interaction, paying particular attention to avenues for responsible operational excellence in food production and processing. Written at a scientific level, this book explores many topics relating to the food industry and environment, including environmental management systems, environmental performance evaluation, the correlation between food industry, sustainable diets and environment, environmental regulation on the profitability of sustainable water use in the food industry, lifecycle assessment, green supply chain network design and sustainability, the valorization of food processing waste via biorefineries, food-energy-environm... trilemma, wastewater treatment, and much more. Readers will also find valuable information on energy production from food processing waste, packaging and food sustainability, the concept of virtual water in the food industry, water reconditioning and reuse in the food industry, and control of odors in the food industry. This book is a welcomed resource for food scientists and technologists, environmentalists, food and environmental engineers and academics.
  • Intelligent Data Mining and Fusion Systems in Agriculture

    • 1st Edition
    • Xanthoula-Eirini Pantazi + 2 more
    • English
    Intelligent Data Mining and Fusion Systems in Agriculture presents methods of computational intelligence and data fusion that have applications in agriculture for the non-destructive testing of agricultural products and crop condition monitoring. Sections cover the combination of sensors with artificial intelligence architectures in precision agriculture, including algorithms, bio-inspired hierarchical neural maps, and novelty detection algorithms capable of detecting sudden changes in different conditions. This book offers advanced students and entry-level professionals in agricultural science and engineering, geography and geoinformation science an in-depth overview of the connection between decision-making in agricultural operations and the decision support features offered by advanced computational intelligence algorithms.
  • Advances in Agronomy

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 158
    • Donald L. Sparks
    • English
    Advances in Agronomy, Volume 158, continues to be recognized as a leading reference and first-rate source for the latest research in agronomy. Each volume contains an eclectic group of reviews by leading scientists throughout the world. As always, the subjects covered are rich, varied, and exemplary of the abundant subject matter addressed by this long-running serial.
  • Microbial Endophytes

    Prospects for Sustainable Agriculture
    • 1st Edition
    • Ajay Kumar + 1 more
    • English
    Microbial Endophytes: Prospects for Sustainable Agriculture discusses the practical and theoretical aspects regarding the use of endophytic microorganisms in agriculture, providing insights on the biotechnological applications associated with long-term crop production. Chapters deal with the various aspects of endophytic microorganisms, including isolation, enumeration, characterization procedures, diversity analysis, and their role as biofertilizer, biocontrol agent and microbial inoculants. Framed to discuss the present and future potential of microbial endophytes in biotic and abiotic stress management, bioremediation, bioactive compounds production, and in nanotechnology, this book provides a single-volume resource that will be valuable to academics and researchers interested in microbiology, agricultural sciences and biotechnology.
  • Applied Plant Biotechnology for Improving Resistance to Biotic Stress

    • 1st Edition
    • Palmiro Poltronieri + 1 more
    • English
    Applied Plant Biotechnology for Improvement of Resistance to Biotic Stress applies biotechnology insights that seek to improve plant genomes, thus helping them achieve higher resistance and optimal hormone signaling to increase crop yield. The book provides an analysis of the current state-of-the-art in plant biotechnology as applied to improving resistance to biotic stress. In recent years, significant progress has been made towards understanding the interplay between plants and their hosts, particularly the role of plant immunity in regulating, attenuating or neutralizing invading pathogens. As a result, there is a great need to integrate these insights with methods from biotechnology.
  • Urban Landscape Entomology

    • 1st Edition
    • David Held
    • English
    Urban Landscape Entomology provides readers with the background needed to adequately understand and manage many of the complexities of urban landscape pest management. For those who need training in landscape entomology, this work serves as a practical guidebook and resource. Its chapters include quality color images of pests, along with pest management tactics, such as tree injection procedures. This topical arrangement facilitates easy extraction of information relevant to a particular situation (e.g., management of borers) and uses practical terms without oversimplifying the subject matter. This work is an invaluable resource for practitioners of landscape entomology, including technicians and operations that service local landscape management needs, such as horticultural and turfgrass management. In addition, it is also a useful reference for advanced courses in landscape entomology.
  • Advances in Agronomy

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 157
    • Donald L. Sparks
    • English
    Advances in Agronomy, Volume 157, continues to be recognized as a leading reference and first-rate source for the latest research in agronomy. Each volume contains an eclectic group of reviews by leading scientists throughout the world. As always, the subjects covered are rich, varied, and exemplary of the abundant subject matter addressed by this long-running serial.
  • Postharvest Technology of Perishable Horticultural Commodities

    • 1st Edition
    • Elhadi M. Yahia
    • English
    Postharvest Technology of Perishable Horticultural Commodities describes all the postharvest techniques and technologies available to handle perishable horticultural food commodities. It includes basic concepts and important new advances in the subject. Adopting a thematic style, chapters are organized by type of treatment, with sections devoted to postharvest risk factors and their amelioration. Written by experts from around the world, the book provides core insights into identifying and utilizing appropriate postharvest options for maximum results.
  • Integrated Processing Technologies for Food and Agricultural By-Products

    • 1st Edition
    • Zhongli Pan + 2 more
    • English
    Feeding our globally expanding population is one of the most critical challenges of our time and improving food and agricultural production efficiencies is a key factor in solving this problem. Currently, one-third of food produced for humans is wasted, and for every pound of food produced, roughly an equal amount of nonfood by-product is also generated, creating a significant environmental impact. In Integrated Processing Technologies for Food and Agricultural By-Products experts from around the world present latest developments, recognizing that while some by-products have found use as animal feed or are combusted for energy, new technologies which integrate conversion of production and processing by-products into higher-value food or nonfood products, nutraceuticals, chemicals, and energy resources will be a critical part of the transition to a more sustainable food system. Organized by agricultural crop, and focusing on those crops with maximum economic impact, each chapter describes technologies for value-added processing of by-products which can be integrated into current food production systems. Integrated Processing Technologies for Food and Agricultural By-Products is a valuable resource for industry professionals, academics, and policy-makers alike.
  • Role of Plant Growth Promoting Microorganisms in Sustainable Agriculture and Nanotechnology

    • 1st Edition
    • Ajay Kumar + 2 more
    • English
    Role of Plant Growth Promoting Microorganisms in Sustainable Agriculture and Nanotechnology explores PGPMs (actinomycetes, bacteria, fungi and cyanobacteria) and their multidimensional roles in agriculture, including their increasing applications in sustainable agriculture. In addition to their traditional understanding and applications in agriculture, PGPMs are increasingly known as a source of nano-particles production that are gaining significant interest in their ability to provide more economically, environmentally friendly and safe technologies to crop growers. The book considers new concepts and current developments in plant growth, thus promoting microorganisms research and evaluating its implications for sustainable productivity. Users will find this to be an invaluable resource for researchers in applied microbial biotechnology, soil science, nano-technology of microbial strains, and industry personnel in these areas.
  • Agricultural Extension Reforms in South Asia

    Status, Challenges, and Policy Options
    • 1st Edition
    • Suresh Chandra Babu + 1 more
    • English
    Agricultural Extension Reforms in South Asia: Status, Challenges, and Policy Options is based on agricultural extension reforms across five South Asian countries, reflecting past experiences, case studies and experiments. Beginning with an overview of historical trends and recent developments, the book then delves into country-wise reform trajectories and presents several cases testing the effectiveness of different types (public and private) and forms (nutrition extension, livestock extension) of extension systems. Further, the book provides a comprehensive overview of challenges and constraints faced in formulating and implementing reforms, tying the results into a concrete set of lessons and highlighting areas that require further research. In addition, the book discusses how a major aspect of agricultural development is the productivity increase from the knowledge base of farmers, and how translating research results into a knowledge base for farmers requires designing and implementing well-functioning extension programs.
  • Handbook of Farm, Dairy and Food Machinery Engineering

    • 3rd Edition
    • Myer Kutz
    • English
    Handbook of Agricultural and Farm Machinery, Third Edition, is the essential reference for understanding the food industry, from farm machinery, to dairy processing, food storage facilities and the machinery that processes and packages foods. Effective and efficient food delivery systems are built around processes that maximize efforts while minimizing cost and time. This comprehensive reference is for engineers who design and build machinery and processing equipment, shipping containers, and packaging and storage equipment. It includes coverage of microwave vacuum applications in grain processing, cacao processing, fruit and vegetable processing, ohmic heating of meat, facility design, closures for glass containers, double seaming, and more. The book's chapters include an excellent overview of food engineering, but also regulation and safety information, machinery design for the various stages of food production, from tillage, to processing and packaging. Each chapter includes the state-of-the art in technology for each subject and numerous illustrations, tables and references to guide the reader through key concepts.
  • Effect of High Temperature on Crop Productivity and Metabolism of Macro Molecules

    • 1st Edition
    • Amitav Bhattacharya
    • English
    Effect of High Temperature on Crop Productivity and Metabolism of Macro Molecules presents a comprehensive overview on the direct effect of temperatures defined as "high", a definition which increasingly includes a great number of geographic regions. As temperature impacts the number of base growth days, it is necessary to adapt plant selection, strategize planting times, and understand the expected impact of adaptive steps to ensure maximum plant health and crop yield. Global warming, climate change and change in environmental conditions have become common phrases in nearly every scientific seminar, symposium and meeting, thus these changes in climatic patterns constrain normal growth and reproduction cycles. This book reviews the effect of high temperature on agricultural crop production and the effect of high temperature stress on the metabolic aspects of macro molecules, including carbohydrates, proteins, fats, secondary metabolites, and plant growth hormones.
  • The Solar Corridor Crop System

    Implementation and Impacts
    • 1st Edition
    • C. LeRoy Deichman + 1 more
    • English
    The Solar Corridor Crop System: Implementation and Impacts presents a case-study format on the planning and implementation of alternative cropping systems designed to maximize incident sunlight and bio-support of all crops in a rotation system. The book describes the basic component of the system, an increased access point of incident sunlight between each row or pairs of rows that enables a more uniform vertical distribution of incident sunlight to chloroplasts within the entire corn leaf canopy. While the production environment and environment specific genetics determine the performance potential of this principle, by maximizing the principles that light is basic to crop yield, a solar corridor ultimately contributes to increased grain yield. Written by experts who were integral in the development of solar corridor systems, and providing real-world examples of the methods, challenges and future prospects, this book will be valuable for those seeking to increase yield-per-acre through both primary and cover-crops.
  • Light and Video Microscopy

    • 3rd Edition
    • Randy O. Wayne
    • English
    Light and Video Microscopy, Third Edition provides a step-by-step journey through philosophy, psychology and the geometrical and physical optics involved in interpreting images formed by light microscopes. The book addresses the intricacies necessary to set up light microscopes that allow one to visualize transparent specimens and, in the process, quantitatively determine various physico-chemical properties of specimens. This updated edition includes the most recent developments in microscopy, ensuring that it continues to be the most comprehensive, easy-to-use, and informative guide on light microscopy. With its presentation of geometrical optics, it assists the reader in understanding image formation and light movement within the microscope.
  • Sustainable Food Supply Chains

    Planning, Design, and Control through Interdisciplinary Methodologies
    • 1st Edition
    • Riccardo Accorsi + 1 more
    • English
    Sustainable Food Supply Chains: Planning, Design, and Control through Interdisciplinary Methodologies provides integrated and practicable solutions that aid planners and entrepreneurs in the design and optimization of food production-distribut... systems and operations and drives change toward sustainable food ecosystems. With synthesized coverage of the academic literature, this book integrates the quantitative models and tools that address each step of food supply chain operations to provide readers with easy access to support-decision quantitative and practicable methods. Broken into three parts, the book begins with an introduction and problem statement.  The second part presents quantitative models and tools as an integrated framework for the food supply chain system and operations design. The book concludes with the presentation of case studies and applications focused on specific food chains. Sustainable Food Supply Chains: Planning, Design, and Control through Interdisciplinary Methodologies will be an indispensable resource for food scientists, practitioners and graduate students studying food systems and other related disciplines.
  • Advances in Agronomy

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 156
    • English
    Advances in Agronomy, Volume 156, continues to be recognized as a leading reference and first-rate source for the latest research in agronomy. Each volume contains an eclectic group of reviews by leading scientists throughout the world. As always, the subjects covered are rich, varied, and exemplary of the abundant subject matter addressed by this long-running serial.
  • Advances in Phytonanotechnology

    From Synthesis to Application
    • 1st Edition
    • Mansour Ghorbanpour + 1 more
    • English
    Advances in Phytonanotechnology: From Synthesis to Application guides readers through various applications of nanomaterials on plants by presenting the latest research related to nanotechnology and nanomaterials on plant systems. The book focuses on the effects of these applications on plant morphology, physiology, biochemistry, ecology and genetics. Sections cover the impact on plant yield, techniques, a review of positive and negative impacts, and an overview of current policies regarding the use of nanotechnology on plants. Additionally, the book offers insights into the appropriate application of nanoscience to plants and crops for improved outcome and an exploration of their bioavailability and toxicity in the environment.
  • Sweet Potato

    Chemistry, Processing and Nutrition
    • 1st Edition
    • Taihua Mu + 1 more
    • English
    Sweet Potato: Chemistry, Processing, and Nutrition presents foundational information, including identification, analysis, and use of chemical components from sweet potato in a variety of food and nonfood uses. Sweet potatoes can be easily propagated, are rich source of carbohydrates and functional components, and are highly productive, which makes them most suitable for production of staple and functional foods. With the increasing population and the challenges of providing healthy food to the world, there is an increasing consumer demand for new and better sweet potato products, particularly for those in developing countries. Providing a brief description of the specific sweet potato components, their role during processing and strategies for quality optimization, this book also explores novel methods of sweet potato starch, protein, and pectin modification providing students, researchers, and technologists working in the area of food science and others with the most recent information and state-of-the-art technology for developing new and beneficial uses of sweet potato.
  • Climate Change and Agricultural Ecosystems

    Current Challenges and Adaptation
    • 1st Edition
    • Krishna Kumar Choudhary + 1 more
    • English
    Climate Change and Agricultural Ecosystems explains the causative factors of climate change related to agriculture, soil and plants, and discusses the relevant resulting mitigation process. Agricultural ecosystems include factors from the surrounding areas where agriculture experiences direct or indirect interaction with the plants, animals, and microbes present. Changes in climatic conditions influence all the factors of agricultural ecosystems, which can potentially adversely affect their productivity. This book summarizes the different aspects of vulnerability, adaptation, and amelioration of climate change in respect to plants, crops, soil, and microbes for the sustainability of the agricultural sector and, ultimately, food security for the future. It also focuses on the utilization of information technology for the sustainability of the agricultural sector along with the capacity and adaptability of agricultural societies under climate change. Climate Change and Agricultural Ecosystems incorporates both theoretical and practical aspects, and serves as base line information for future research. This book is a valuable resource for those working in environmental sciences, soil sciences, agricultural microbiology, plant pathology, and agronomy.
  • Advances in Agronomy

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 155
    • Donald L. Sparks
    • English
    Advances in Agronomy, Volume 155, the newest release in this valuable serial, continues to be recognized as a leading reference and first-rate source for the latest research in agronomy. Each volume contains an eclectic group of reviews by leading scientists throughout the world. As always, the subjects covered are rich, varied and exemplary of the abundant subject matter addressed by this long-running serial.
  • Cadmium Tolerance in Plants

    Agronomic, Molecular, Signaling, and Omic Approaches
    • 1st Edition
    • Mirza Hasanuzzaman + 1 more
    • English
    Cadmium Toxicity and Tolerance in Plants: Agronomic, Genetic, Molecular and Omic Approaches presents research and latest developments on mechanisms of cadmium tolerance covering both lab and field conditions. This book contains important insights and options for minimizing Cd accumulation in plants and mitigating Cd toxicity. Topics covered include using various omics approaches to understanding plant responses to Cd, novel technologies for developing Cd tolerance and integrated breeding approaches to mitigate Cd stress in crops. Cadmium Toxicity and Tolerance in Plants: Agronomic, Genetic, Molecular and Omic Approaches is a valuable resource for both researchers and students working on cadmium pollution and plant responses as well as related fields of environmental contamination and toxicology.
  • Soilless Culture: Theory and Practice

    Theory and Practice
    • 2nd Edition
    • Michael Raviv + 2 more
    • English
    Soilless Culture: Theory and Practice, Second Edition, is the first authoritative reference book on both the theoretical and practical aspects of growing plants without the use of soil. It is the go-to source for those involved in this practice, focusing on hydroponics and advancements in technologies and methodologies. The book builds on the thorough presentation of both physical and chemical properties of various soilless growing media, also addressing how these properties affect plant performance in basic horticultural operations, such as irrigation and fertilization. In addition, the book describes the latest technical advancements and methodologies, including run-to-waste, re-circulation and closed systems.
  • Plant Signaling Molecules

    Role and Regulation under Stressful Environments
    • 1st Edition
    • M. Iqbal R. Khan + 3 more
    • English
    Plant Signaling Molecule: Role and Regulation under Stressful Environments explores tolerance mechanisms mediated by signaling molecules in plants for achieving sustainability under changing environmental conditions. Including a wide range of potential molecules, from primary to secondary metabolites, the book presents the status and future prospects of the role and regulation of signaling molecules at physiological, biochemical, molecular and structural level under abiotic stress tolerance. This book is designed to enhance the mechanistic understanding of signaling molecules and will be an important resource for plant biologists in developing stress tolerant crops to achieve sustainability under changing environmental conditions.
  • Advances in Agronomy

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 154
    • Donald L. Sparks
    • English
    Advances in Agronomy, Volume 154 continues the legacy of this leading series and first-rate source for the latest research in agronomy. Each volume contains an eclectic group of reviews by leading scientists throughout the world. As always, the subjects covered are rich, varied and exemplary of the abundant subject matter addressed by this long-running serial. Chapters in this updated volume include Experiments, Uptake Mechanisms and Functioning of Si foliar fertilization – A Review Focusing on Maize, Rice and Wheat, Pre-drought Priming: A Key Drought Tolerance Engine in Support of Grain Development in Wheat, Bio-Waste Management in Sub-Tropical Soils of India, and more.