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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.

  • Peacock Bass

    Diversity, Ecology and Conservation
    • 1st Edition
    • Kirk O. Winemiller + 2 more
    • English
    Peacock Bass: Diversity, Ecology, and Conservation is a unique scientific reference that describes not only the diversity and natural history of the various peacock bass species (fish in the genus Cichla) but also their geographic distributions, evolutionary relationships, ecology, and economic importance. Peacock bass are the most popular sport fish pursued by recreational anglers in tropical freshwaters, and they support important fisheries in rivers and lakes in their native South America as well as other regions of the world where they have been introduced. The book is written in clear prose that allows any reader to appreciate key features of the morphology, population genetics, and reproductive biology of these colorful tropical freshwater fish. Each chapter begins with a vignette introducing an aspect of peacock bass taxonomy, ecology, or conservation based on a personal account from one of the authors. Also included are color photographs of peacock bass, their habitats, other tropical fishes, and the diverse wildlife encountered in rivers and forests of the Neotropics. Photographic guides and detailed descriptions of coloration patterns are provided for species identification, along with distribution maps and essential information related to fisheries management and the economic importance of peacock bass. Biologists interested in zoogeography and the ecological role peacock bass play as major predators in biodiverse rivers and lakes will find summaries of the latest information. Peacock bass have grown in popularity among aquarists, and the book provides basic information about captive care and environmental conditions in their natural habitats. This book is essential reading for biologists, fisheries managers, anglers, naturalists, and aquarists interested in these remarkable fish and the diverse tropical rivers they inhabit.
  • Wild Germplasm for Genetic Improvement in Crop Plants

    • 1st Edition
    • Muhammad Tehseen Azhar + 1 more
    • English
    Wild Germplasm for Genetic Improvement in Crop Plants addresses the need for an integrated reference on a wide variety of crop plants, facilitating comparison and contrast, as well as providing relevant relationships for future research and development. The book presents the genetic and natural history value of wild relatives, covers what wild relatives exist, explores the existing knowledge regarding specific relatives and the research surrounding them and identifies knowledge gaps. As understanding the role of crop wild relatives in plant breeding expands the genetic pool for abiotic and biotic stress resistance, this is an ideal reference on this important topic.
  • Molecular Mechanisms of Neural Development and Insights into Disease

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 142
    • English
    Neural Development and Disease, Volume 142 in the Current Topics in Developmental Biology series highlights new advances in the field, with this new volume presenting interesting chapters by one or more members of an international board of authors. Sections in this new release cover The role of primary cilia in neural development and disease, Mechanisms of axon guidance receptor regulation and signaling, Synaptic recognition molecules in development and disease, The regulation of cortical neurogenesis, Axon guidance in the developing spinal cord, The role of astrocytes in synapse formation and maturation, Development of motor circuits, Molecular mechanisms that mediate dendrite morphogenesis, and more.
  • Sea Cucumbers

    Aquaculture, Biology and Ecology
    • 1st Edition
    • Mohamed Mohsen + 1 more
    • English
    Sea Cucumbers: Aquaculture, Biology and Ecology presents the latest scientific research on sea cucumbers and their ecological and nutritional benefits. This practical reference helps professionals and students understand basic biology and farming methods by presenting the basic knowledge needed to not only promote aquaculture and fisheries management in different environments, but to also improve the management of sea cucumber health and successful aquaculture operations. Information in this book includes a variety of sea cucumber species, population status, aquaculture development, and the explored benefits of sea cucumbers in unique regions, including Egypt, Turkey, Iran and Arabian countries of the Persian Gulf.
  • Phytomedicine

    A Treasure of Pharmacologically Active Products from Plants
    • 1st Edition
    • Rouf Ahmad Bhat + 2 more
    • English
    Phytomedicine: A Treasure of Pharmacologically Active Products from Plants aims to present updated knowledge of plant-based medicines in terms of their research and development, production, and utilization, from the viewpoint of sustainability and by using the latest technologies. The book explores different phytometabolites on a mass scale, coupled with the efficacy, performance and applicability on target organisms to treat curable and fatal diseases. Readers will find a coherent package of phytotherapeutic information regarding inclusive assortment of research based, scientific amplitude of metabolites from the plant world encompassing various action plans. Information is presented sequentially regarding phytochemistry, biological activity and the serviceable aspects of bioactive compounds. The book also addresses various advancements and achievements of novel drugs from plants using molecular and enzymatic activities, and various technological tools in an ecofriendly fashion.
  • Plant Tissue Culture

    Techniques and Experiments
    • 4th Edition
    • Sunghun Park
    • English
    Plant Tissue Culture: Techniques and Experiments, Fourth Edition, builds on the classroom tested, audience proven manual that has guided users through successful plant culturing for almost 30 years. The book's experiments demonstrate major concepts and can be conducted with a variety of plant materials readily available throughout the year. This fully updated edition describes the principles of the newest technologies, including CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing and RNAi technology with plant cell and tissue cultures and their applications. Bridging the gap between theory and practice, this book contains detailed methodology supported by comprehensive illustrations, giving users a diverse learning experience for both university students and plant scientists.
  • Advances in Agronomy

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 166
    • Donald L. Sparks
    • English
    Advances in Agronomy, Volume 166, the latest release in this leading reference on agronomy, contains a variety of updates and highlights new advances in the field. Each chapter is written by an international board of authors.
  • Agricultural Waste Diversity and Sustainability Issues

    Sub-Saharan Africa as a Case Study
    • 1st Edition
    • Peter Onu + 1 more
    • English
    Agricultural Waste Diversity and Sustainability Issues: Sub Saharan Africa as Case Study presents solutions for overcoming limitations, guiding developmental processes, and improving knowledge transfer in agricultural waste management and development. The book gives considerable attention to treatment and conversion, with best management practices involving the reduction and elimination of waste volume in its various forms, sectors and streams. Sections cover waste management in the agriculture and food sector, including methodological approaches in waste preparation and processes, the most important energy generation techniques and strategies, and best practices, management, sustainability, associated technologies, accountability, communications, and involvement surrounding diverse stakeholders. Agricultural Waste Diversity and Sustainability Issues: Sub Saharan Africa as Case Study illustrates the use of mathematical models to minimize operational cost in agro-waste management processes and discusses the application of eco-efficiency. Ultimately, the book focuses on the prospect of agro-wastes management and risk associated in the sub-Saharan African region, including Nigeria, Uganda, and South Africa as case studies.
  • Plant Breeding and Cultivar Development

    • 1st Edition
    • D. P. Singh + 2 more
    • English
    Plant Breeding and Cultivar Development features an optimal balance between classical and modern tools and techniques related to plant breeding. Written for a global audience and based on the extensive international experience of the authors, the book features pertinent examples from major and minor world crops. Advanced data analytics (machine learning), phenomics and artificial intelligence are explored in the book's 28 chapters that cover classical and modern plant breeding. By presenting these advancements in specific detail, private and public sector breeding programs will learn about new, effective and efficient implementation. The insights are clear enough that non-plant breeding majoring students will find it useful to learn about the subject, while advanced level students and researchers and practitioners will find practical examples that help them implement their work.
  • Plant Biochemistry

    • 5th Edition
    • Hans-Walter Heldt + 1 more
    • English
    Plant Biochemistry, Fifth Edition, enables students to gain basic knowledge of the entire field, from photosynthesis to genetic engineering and its many commercial applications. Topics include cell structure and function of isoprenoids, phenylpropanoids and other secondary metabolites, and plant growth regulation and development. The text covers recent research findings and identifies areas of future research. This book is suitable for graduate students and advanced undergraduates in plant physiology, plant pathology, plant cell biology, and other plant sciences, researchers in industries actively involved in agribusiness, other biotechnology enterprises, and researchers in agronomy, agriculture, plant development and related areas.