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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.

  • Origin of Cultivated Rice

    • 1st Edition
    • H.-I. Oka
    • English
    This book aims to up-date our present understanding of the origin of cultivated rice and in doing so involves different disciplines of biology and the archaeological-histo... sciences. Various recent discoveries are reviewed and questions posed for further consideration by the reader.The book covers a wide range of studies on problems relative to the origin of cultivated rice, placing emphasis on ecological and genetical aspects. Comparisons are made between two cultivated rice species, independently evolved in Asia and Africa from respective wild progenitors. Phenomena are observed during mixed planting and hybrids discussed. Detailed information is presented about Asian common wild rice, thought to be the ancestor of common rice. The dynamics of domestication are considered with regard to hybridization, selection, formation of weedy types and the accumulation of genetic diversity. Also included are recent archaeological findings in relation to the beginnings of rice culture, leading to the hypothesis of diffused origins. Cultivars of common rice fall into one of two types called Indica and Japonica. The dynamics of differentiation are discussed, giving evidence and different hypotheses. Information on the genetic bases and functions of various reproductive barriers found between the cultivated and wild taxa is presented and discussed. The practical aspects of crop-evolutionary studies concerned with the breeding phylosophy and germplasm conservation are briefly commented on and arguments for rediversification of crop germplasm and conservation of the environment given.Senior scientists and post-graduate students interested in rice genetics, crop evolution, and related sciences will find this book invaluable.

  • The Importance of laboratory animal genetics Health, and the Environment in Biomedical Research

    • 1st Edition
    • Edward C. Jr. Melby
    • English
    The Importance of Laboratory Animal Genetics, Health, and the Environment in Biomedical Research documents the proceedings of the Fifth Charles River International Symposium on Laboratory Animals, in Heidelberg, Federal Republic of Germany, March 14-16, 1983. These papers examine how the health and genetic monitoring of laboratory animals, coupled with environmental influences, affect the investigations of oncologists, toxicologists, or pharmacologists. The book is organized into four parts. Part I focuses on the health monitoring of laboratory animals for biomedical research. It includes studies on the effects of health and health monitoring in toxicology studies, oncology studies, and pharmacologic studies. Part II deals with the genetic monitoring of laboratory animals. It examines the causes of genetic alternation in laboratory animals and ways to prevent them. Part III considers the environmental monitoring that is necessary for research on laboratory animals. Part IV on new research frontiers includes studies on the production of monoclonal antibodies for the experimental and therapeutic modulation of laboratory animals, and the quality control aspects of animal experimentation.

  • Soybean Physiology, Agronomy, and Utilization

    • 1st Edition
    • A.G. Norman
    • English
    Soybean Physiology, Agronomy, and Utilization attempts to cover and treat in logical sequence the factors that contribute to the potential and versatility of soybeans. The soybean is a major crop plant in the United States. Based on the utilization of the bean, or products therefrom, a substantial soybean industry has also developed. Its uses, agricultural and industrial, primarily depend on the high content of both protein (ca. 40%) and oil (ca. 20%) in the bean. The book begins by discussing soybean production in the United States and worldwide; the uses and economics of soybean products; and the soybean in physiological research. It explains the growth and development of soybeans. It discusses the physiological processes responsible for assimilating the plant body from the environment, namely photosynthesis, nitrogen fixation, and nitrate reduction. Subsequent chapters examine the impact of environmental variables—such as light, temperature, water, wind, and pests—on soybean plant characteristics as well as soybean breeding, production, processing, and utilization.

  • The Mycetozoans

    • 1st Edition
    • Lindsay Olive
    • English
    The Mycetozoans brings together, for the first time in a single volume, comprehensive information on the biology and classification of the mycetozoans and associated groups. The mycetozoans and their associates remain of prime interest to taxonomists and phylogenists because major new taxa continue to be discovered among them. This book informs the reader where to find mycetozoans, how to isolate and culture them, their life cycles and ultrastructure, and some of the experiments that may be performed with them. It presents studies on Protostelia (protostelids); Dictyostelia (dictyostelid cellular slime molds); Myxogastria (myxomycetes); Acrasea (acrasid cellular slime molds); Plasmodiophorina (plasmodiophorids); and Labyrinthulas (labyrinthulina and thraustochytrids). This text can serve as a reference tool in courses on mycetozoans, protozoology, mycology, and developmental biology of lower organisms, and as a concentrated source of information for research workers in all aspects of the biology and taxonomy of these organisms.

  • Metabolic Inhibitors V2

    A Comprehensive Treatise
    • 1st Edition
    • R Hochster
    • English
    Metabolic Inhibitors: A Comprehensive Treatise, Volume II charts the major advances that have been made in understanding metabolic inhibition and inhibitors. The book explores the inhibition of enzymes, such as catechol amines, acetylcholinesterase... and succinic dehydrogenases, as well as inhibitors of processes ranging from gas transport to photosynthesis, nitrogen fixation, nitrification, and oxidative phosphorylation. Organized into 23 chapters, this volume begins with a discussion on the biosynthesis of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and dinucleotide analogues. The reader is then introduced to the biochemical significance and mode of action of antibiotics; substances interfering with the biogenesis and metabolism of catechol amines; and inhibition of enzyme activities by thioarsenites. Some chapters focus on mercaptide-forming agents, biological alkylating agents, organophosphates, and carbamates, while others examine the metabolic inhibitory effects of quinones, fungicides, and surface active agents. The book also considers the effects of anesthetics, depressants, and tranquilizers on cerebral metabolism, and then concludes with a chapter on inhibition caused by radiation. This book is a valuable resource for biochemists, advanced students, medical research workers, and research workers in the fields of biological chemistry, microbiology, botany, and agriculture.

  • Management and Analysis of Biological Populations

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 8
    • B.-S. Goh
    • English
    Management and Analysis of Biological Populations demonstrates the usefulness of optimal control theory in the management of biological populations and the Liapunov function in simulating an ecosystem model under large perturbations of its initial state and continual disturbances on its dynamics. The first chapter of the book introduces the topic by presenting the different models in ecology and discussing the stability concepts, the ecological engineering, and various relevant functions in ecosystem modeling. The next chapter contains a brief survey of static optimization techniques and optimal control theory for systems, which are modeled by differential and difference equations. Another chapter covers methods that use Liapunov and Liapunov-like functions to establish that a given population model is stable relative to finite perturbations of its initial state and that it is non-vulnerable relative to large continual disturbances. The book also covers fisheries and logistic modeling, including a discussion of a few management problems. Moreover, this reference considers stability in an ecosystem model with complexities due to species richness, nonlinearities, time delays, and spatial heterogeneity. Finally, it explains how to manage pests and greenhouse crops. The book is an excellent reference source for students and professionals in ecology and environmental engineering. Research professionals and extended workers in agriculture and agronomy will also find this book invaluable.

  • Social Insects V2

    • 1st Edition
    • Henry Hermani
    • English
    Social Insects, Volume II is essentially a continuation and review of topics covered in Volume I. The main focus of this volume is on the systematic of eusocial hymenoptera and the closely associated realms of presocial insects and social non-insectan arthropods. Consisting of five major chapters, this volume starts with the chapter on the enemies and defense mechanisms of termites. Several mechanisms are discussed in this chapter, such as defense by the nest, workers, and soldiers. Chapter 3 focuses on presocial insects and a comparison of parental care without nests and based on nests. Chapter 4 discusses the sociality of Arachnida and emphasizes the patterns and evolution of sociality in Arachnida, particularly spiders. Two chapters discuss the social hymenoptera, including its defensive mechanisms and its systematics. This volume will be of great help to students and professionals in the field of entomology, biology, and zoology.

  • Deer Antlers

    Regeneration, Function and Evolution
    • 1st Edition
    • Richard J. Goss
    • English
    This is a book about one of nature's most remarkable accomplishments. When deer grow antlers they are actually regenerating anatomically complex appendages - something that no other mammal can do. The rate at which antler elongate makes them the fastest growing structures in the animal kingdom. Profoundly affected by male hormones, these secondary sex characters grow into massive tumors if the deer possessing them is castrated. These and other unique characteristics have made antlers the focus of extensive scientific research that addresses some provocative questions: From what tissues do antlers develop? By what morphogenetic mechanisms are they regenerated every year? What social functions prompted their initial evolution? How are they influenced by hormones, and by the seasonal daylength fluctuations that regulate their annual replacement cycles? These and many other questions are considered in this comprehensive account of antlerology.Students of development, evolution, and behavior will find much to appreciate in this volume, as will ecologists, wildlife biologists, and zookeepers. It is a rich source of information for endocrinologists and physiologists interested in the relationship of antlers to the reproductive cycle. The orthopedists will find the study of antlers a valuable model of skeletal growth and bone disease, and the purported medicinal properties of velvet antlers will be a subject of interest to the pharmacologist.Deer Antlers: Regeneration, Function, and Evolution is as scientifically accurate as it is readable. It does not answer all questions about these unique appendages, but it is certain to arouse curiosity about the many unsolved problems of how antlers grow, die, and are shed in the course of a single year.

  • Fire and Ecosystems

    • 1st Edition
    • T.T. Kozlowski
    • English
    Fire and Ecosystems focuses on a number of aspects of fire ecology. This book deals separately with both harmful and beneficial effects of fire on soils, soil organisms, animals, and plants. This reference material elucidates the effects of fire on grasslands and considers the role of fire in temperate forests and related ecosystems. Four chapters are presented on a regional basis to highlight variations in responses, especially plant succession, to fire. The use of fire in land management is also explored. This book will serve as an invaluable reference material to researchers, teachers, and land managers.

  • Ultrastructure of rust Fungi

    • 1st Edition
    • Michele Heath
    • English
    Ultrastructure of Rust Fungi provides a comprehensive review of rust ultrastructure and host-parasite relations. This book also critically analyzes the studies that have been done in this field. Organized into seven chapters, this book begins with the morphology and ontogeny of sori and spores. It then explains the infections of the susceptible host and the vegetative growth of the fungi in it. It also describes the possibility of incompatibility in plant-rust associations, as well as the parasites of rust fungi. The dynamics of growth and differentiation are emphasized in this book rather than just the mature stage of the rusts. Moreover, this book identifies some topics in which ultrastructural research is particularly lacking and which provide fertile areas for future research. This book will be a valuable reference source for fungal morphologists, taxonomists, and plant pathologists. It will also be helpful to others interested in the anatomy and associated biology of the rusts.

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