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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.

  • Phytoplankton

    Plankton and Productivity in The Oceans
    • 2nd Edition
    • John E. G. Raymont
    • English
    Plankton and Productivity in the Oceans, Second Edition, Volume 1: Phytoplankton presents the different varieties of phytoplankton and nanoplankton forms; the types and temporal changes in phytoplankton communities; and the primary production of planktonic algae in the seas. Chapters discuss the physical and chemical characteristics of the marine environment in relation to plankton production; planktonic community temporal and spatial variations; and the taxonomy, horizontal and vertical distribution, and communities of zooplankton. The book will be of prime us to marine biologists.
  • An Introduction to Rumen Studies

    • 1st Edition
    • J. W. Czerkawski
    • English
    The rumen is an object of study for many types of biological scientist, from anatomists to microbiologists, and more recently even mathematicians. The developments and use of various experimental techniques have enabled much progress to be made in rumen studies. Several chapters of this book concentrate on these techniques and concepts that stem from their application. Biochemical and microbial interrelationships are dealt with fully, with an emphasis on the integrated nature of the rumen's contents. The book concludes by considering the most fruitful approaches that might lead to a more complete understanding of this complex and efficient organ. Each chapter is a complete unit that can be read and understood without reference to other chapters. A general reading list at the end of each chapter, together with more detailed references, will help to launch the student into any specific area of rumen studies.
  • The Soil-Root Interface

    • 1st Edition
    • J. L. Harley
    • English
    The Soil-Root Interface contains the proceedings of an international symposium held in Oxford, England, on March 28 to 31, 1978. The first five chapters of this book contain the majority of papers presented at the meeting, as well as the descriptions of displayed posters and films. Abstracts of other contributions offered by participants but not read at the meeting form the final chapter. The first five parts cover topics on nutrient demand and supply at the soil root interface; physics and chemistry of the interfacial region; biological activities at the interface; the interface in relation to environmental stress and disease; and the interface in relation to soil function and growth.
  • Applied Mutation Breeding for Vegetatively Propagated Crops

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 12
    • C. Broertjes + 1 more
    • English
    When the first edition of this book appeared in 1978, it was warmly received. Most readers and reviewers especially valued the extensive coverage of the literature in the chapters dealing with the different crops. ``... a valuable and timely addition to plant breeders and of outstanding value to breeders of ornamental plants. The book's special strength resides in the extensive review of literature ...'' (International Journal for Breeding Research). This is also reflected by the many times that the work has been referred to in other publications.This new edition provides plant breeders as well as scientists with an up-to-date overview of methods and results of the application of mutation breeding in order to genetically improve vegetatively propagated crops. General principles and background information about mutation breeding in general, methods of treatment, material to be treated and results are discussed in the introductory chapters, followed by a description of the specific situation in each of the vegetatively propagated crops ever used in a mutation breeding project.This volume brings together all the important and relevant literature in the field. It provides a complete account of mutation breeding of vegetatively produced crops, presenting conclusions about the value of the method, its possibilities, limitations and shortcomings and the possible difficulties of further application in various crops. The initial chapters deal with the interactions between mutagenic treatment and plant material, such as aspects of mutagenic treatment, post-irradiation behaviour of shoot apices and adventitious bud techniques. All available literature is then discussed crop by crop and critically evaluated. Almost 1700 references are covered and whenever possible suggestions for more efficient application of mutation breeding methods are given.
  • Genetics in Aquaculture

    Proceedings of the Fourth International Symposium on Genetics in Aquaculture
    • 1st Edition
    • Graham A.E. Gall + 1 more
    • English
    This volume, the proceedings of the Fourth International Symposium on Genetics in Aquaculture, builds on the foundations laid down at the first symposium, held in Galway, Ireland in 1982 (Aquaculture, Volume 33), as well as those laid down at the second, held in Davis, California, USA in 1985 (Genetics in Aquaculture II), and the third, held in Trondheim, Norway in 1988 (Genetics in Aquaculture III). It addresses specific problems and developments in this field, demonstrating the tremendous breadth of research activity as well as the complexity of issues in aquaculture genetics. This book will be of great value to aquaculturists, fisheries scientists and marine biologists.(The above-mentioned proceedings of the first three conferences are still available).
  • Recent Advances in Animal Nutrition

    • 1st Edition
    • W. Haresign
    • D.J.A. Cole + 2 more
    • English
    Recent Advances in Animal Nutrition-1981 is a collection of papers that discusses the effects of dietary fat on milk composition, relating it to the biochemistry of fat synthesis in the mammary gland. The influence of concentrates on milk composition as well as the pattern and level of concentrate feeding on milk output are also covered. The book describes the need for better utilization of grass and grass products in dairy production, the mineral and trace element requirements of pigs; the importance of anion-cation balance in poultry diets and its effects on performance levels; and the selenium and cobalt requirements of ruminants. The problems of medicinal residues in animal products and the toxicological effects of aflatoxin residues in animal products are also considered. People involved in agriculture, dairy production and animal nutrition will find the book useful.
  • Principles of Fermentation Technology

    • 2nd Edition
    • Peter F. Stanbury + 2 more
    • English
    This second edition has been thoroughly updated to include recent advances and developments in the field of fermentation technology, focusing on industrial applications. The book now covers new aspects such as recombinant DNA techniques in the improvement of industrial micro-organisms, as well as including comprehensive information on fermentation media, sterilization procedures, inocula, and fermenter design. Chapters on effluent treatment and fermentation economics are also incorporated. The text is supported by plenty of clear, informative diagrams.This book is of great interest to final year and post-graduate students of applied biology, biotechnology, microbiology, biochemical and chemical engineering.
  • Antarctic Fish Biology

    Evolution in a Unique Environment
    • 1st Edition
    • Joseph T. Eastman
    • English
    This important volume provides an original synthesis and novel overview of Antarctic fish biology, detailing the evolution of these fish in some of the most unusual and extreme environments in the world. Focusing on one group of fish, the notothenoioids, which contain the majority of the current organismal diversity, this book describes a fauna that has evolved in isolation and experienced incredible adaptive radiation by acquiring numerous physiological specializations. Darwin's finches and African cichlids may be joined by Antarctic fishes as exemplars of adaptive radiation.The books' coverage is detailed and comprehensive, and the author clearly recognizes the fact that these fish are a component of a most interesting and biologically unique ecosystem and environment. Topics in Antarctic Fish Biology include past and present environments, fossil records, taxonomic composition of fauna, systematic relationships, diversification, and physiological adaptations.
  • Insect Molecular Genetics

    An Introduction to Principles and Applications
    • 1st Edition
    • Marjorie A. Hoy
    • English
    Developed as an introduction to new molecular genetic techniques, Insect Molecular Genetics also provides literature, terminology, and additional sources of information to students, researchers, and professional entomologists.Althou... most molecular genetics studies have employed Drosophila, this book applies the same techniques to other insects, including pest insects of economic importance.As a text, as a reference, as a primer, and as a review of a vast and growing literature, Insect Molecular Genetics is a valuable addition to the libraries of entomologists, geneticists, and molecular biologists.
  • Keeping and Breeding Aquarium Fishes

    • 1st Edition
    • C. W. Emmens
    • English
    Keeping and Breeding Aquarium Fishes deals with the aquarium as a going concern, on the factors which enter into the maintenance of this state, and on fish breeding. Cold-water and goldfish enthusiasts may complain that the tropicals seem to get an overweight share of the text. This is because they need it. This book is not concerned with fancy varieties or show standards, except so far as they need special conditions for maintenance or breeding. The book opens with a chapter on the elements of a balanced aquarium, covering tanks, plants, and aquarium snails. This is followed by separate chapters on anatomy and physiology of fishes, fish foods and feeding, the principles of aquarium keeping, the process of setting up a tank, lighting and heating; and the aeration, filtration, and circulation of the water. Subsequent chapters deal with and aquarium rooms with breeding batteries; the breeding of livebearers, egg scatterers, anabantids, and cichlids; types of fish disease, and keeping saltwater fishes.