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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.

    • Medicinal Plant Biotechnology for Ameliorated Secondary Metabolite Production

      • 1st Edition
      • May 1, 2026
      • Saikat Gantait + 3 more
      • English
      • Paperback
        9 7 8 0 4 4 3 4 3 9 4 4 5
      • eBook
        9 7 8 0 4 4 3 4 3 9 4 5 2
      Medicinal Plant Biotechnology for Ameliorated Secondary Metabolite Production offers important insights into the latest approaches for enhancing and optimizing the beneficial aspects of these important plants. It encompasses micropropagation, cell-culture methodologies, genetic transformation, genome editing, analysis of secondary metabolites with chromatograph, and the preservation of plant genetic resources. Biological technologies encompass a broad range of techniques that can be used in different fields of environmental science, agriculture and the development of medicines. The potential benefits include enhanced plant protection, genetic engineering, tissue culture, bioprocessing, and genome editing for enhancing secondary metabolites. In addition to their use in treating conditions, medicinal plants contribute to biodiversity, conservation, and economic development. They are valued for their secondary metabolites and bioactive compounds. This book in the *Medicinal and Industrial Plants and Products* series presents the latest information across a broad spectrum of plant biotechnology, advancing understanding of approaches to ensure plant health improvement.
    • Spider Systematics and Taxonomy

      • 1st Edition
      • April 1, 2026
      • Dimitar Dimitrov + 1 more
      • English
      • Paperback
        9 7 8 0 4 4 3 2 3 6 2 4 2
      • eBook
        9 7 8 0 4 4 3 2 3 6 2 3 5
      In the last decade or so, a large number of new spider species have been discovered and described, and many genera and families have been revised. Yet, a single comprehensive resource has been lacking to update spider taxonomy. Spider Systematics and Taxonomy aims to present these major developments in the field, as well as to show how technological advancements have driven these changes. Spider groups covered in most detail are those which have recently seen the most significant discoveries and changes. Later chapters highlight the impact of recent technological developments on our knowledge of spider taxonomy, with topics including phylogenomics, artificial intelligence, and novel imaging technologies. Finally, an outlook on future priorities for spider taxonomy research as well as expected developments will be explored.Spider Systematics and Taxonomy is a valuable reference with illustrations and vivid photographs included throughout to showcase spider diversity and relationships. This will serve as a key resource for arachnology researchers, graduate and postgraduate students wishing to come up to date on the latest advances in the field. Researchers in adjacent fields and those working in taxonomy generally will also benefit from this work.
    • Kefir

      • 1st Edition
      • April 1, 2026
      • Carlos Adam Conte Junior + 1 more
      • English
      • Paperback
        9 7 8 0 4 4 3 2 2 0 4 3 2
      • eBook
        9 7 8 0 4 4 3 2 2 0 4 2 5
      Kefir: Properties, Functionality, and Health Benefits covers the more practical side of kefir production, technology, and product development. It focuses on the scientifically demonstrated benefits of this beverage, especially antimicrobial and antioxidant effects, intestinal microbiota modulation, immune response modulation, and anticancer properties. Bioactive compounds responsible for these effects are also explored to provide a theoretical basis for developing new food and pharmaceutical formulations. In addition, the book covers kefir’s potential role in neurodegenerative disease prevention. Finally, the readers will find strategies for product diversification, quality control, and biotechnological applications.Kefir is a fermented milk beverage that is growing in popularity among both researchers and consumers for its proven and potential health benefits. Companies interested in developing new fermented beverage products will find this work of interest.
    • Non-Native Species

      • 1st Edition
      • April 1, 2026
      • Andrei Alyokhin
      • English
      • Paperback
        9 7 8 0 4 4 3 2 8 8 4 6 3
      • eBook
        9 7 8 0 4 4 3 2 8 8 4 7 0
      Presently, virtually no areas on Earth remain sheltered from the arrival and establishment of non-native plants, insects, and animals, in large part due to human activities. Failure to address this issue may have dire consequences, including disruption of vital ecological processes, loss of agricultural, forestry, and fishery resources, and even serious disease epidemics within human populations. At the same time, most non-native species are not invasive, and attempts to eradicate them may themselves result in environmental, economic, and even social damage. Non-Native Species: Understanding the Impacts on Ecosystems and Societies provides a comprehensive introduction to the issues surrounding invasion biology, which is a prominent, but sometimes controversial, area of applied biology. It will cover the mechanisms of natural and human-mediated biological invasions, their consequences from ecological, economic, political, and ethical perspectives, and discuss management options available for prevention and/or mitigation of the negative impacts of invasive species.Written by an entomologist who studies invasive insects and plants and has spent over 20 years teaching a course on biological invasions, Non-Native Species: Understanding the Impacts on Ecosystems and Societies offers anecdotes, insights, and case studies from the author’s own work and research. This book is an ideal reference for early career researchers with an interest in invasion ecology, or an ideal course companion for students at the undergraduate and graduate levels enrolled in courses on invasive species, non-native species, or biological invasions, particularly those who plan to major, minor, or concentrate in entomology.
    • Vegan Food Products

      • 1st Edition
      • April 1, 2026
      • Tuba Esatbeyoglu + 1 more
      • English
      • Paperback
        9 7 8 0 4 4 3 3 3 5 5 0 1
      • eBook
        9 7 8 0 4 4 3 3 3 5 5 1 8
      Vegan Food Products: Sources, Production Methods, Challenges and Improvement Strategies serves as an authoritative resource that brings together the latest scientific insights on vegan foods. Spanning eleven chapters, the book provides an in-depth look at vegan alternatives to traditional animal-based products, including meat, fish, eggs, and dairy. It thoroughly examines a wide array of vegan protein sources, such as plant-based proteins, macro- and microalgae, as well as single-cell proteins. The text covers advanced production technologies—includi... extrusion, dry-fractionation, 3D printing, and in vitro methods—showcasing how innovation shapes the field of vegan food development.The book also delves into health-related topics, featuring a dedicated chapter on fortification studies that address nutritional concerns. It also explores consumer perception, market trends, and the sensory and nutritional quality of vegan products, painting a comprehensive picture of the vegan food landscape. Edited by recognized global experts, this volume offers a balanced review of current research, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges facing vegan ingredients and foods today.
    • Advances in Sheep Welfare

      • 2nd Edition
      • April 1, 2026
      • Drewe Ferguson + 3 more
      • English
      • Paperback
        9 7 8 0 4 4 3 1 4 0 4 8 8
      • eBook
        9 7 8 0 4 4 3 1 4 0 4 9 5
      Advances in Sheep Welfare, Second Edition provides a detailed reference on advancements in sheep welfare. The book contains the most current knowledge on breeding practices, animal affective states, management strategies, farming and production practices, and the role of society and consumers in shaping the welfare debate. In addition to updating all chapters from the previous edition, completely new chapters are included on behavioral assessments of sheep welfare, the impact of climate change, and drivers of change for sheep producers. Stakeholders across the wool, dairy, and sheep meat supply chains will also benefit from this resource.The book brings together a team of international experts to create the definitive resource on sheep welfare. It will serve as a key reference for researchers, instructors, and students at the post-graduate level who are interested in animal agriculture, especially those who study sheep and issues of animal welfare.
    • Resource Evaluation and Deep Processing of Edible Insects

      • 1st Edition
      • April 1, 2026
      • Jun Wang + 2 more
      • English
      • Paperback
        9 7 8 0 4 4 3 3 3 9 2 5 7
      • eBook
        9 7 8 0 4 4 3 3 3 9 2 6 4
      Resource Evaluation and Deep Processing of Edible Insects presents the latest progress in the processing, analysis, and application of edible insect resources, mainly focusing on the resource evaluation and deep processing methods to retrieve valuable products from the constituents of the by-products of edible insects. The book combines discursive chapters that bring the latest in resource evaluation, with discussions on novel extraction techniques, biological approaches, microbial transformations, green chemistry and microfluidic technologies. It also covers analytical and biological systems, step-by-step and readily reproducible biological and chemical protocols for analyzing edible insect resources.Edible insect resources as raw materials for the food industry for sustainability are also outlined in this book. These techniques support the latest progress in cross-disciplinary research that integrates the different scales of biotechnological and biological complexity. Edited by a team of experts in the field, this book is an excellent resource for researchers with a background in biotechnology, biological and chemical engineering, agriculture, and food chemistry, and covers a broad range of topics in agriculture sustainability and food production.
    • Innovations in the Blue Economy

      • 1st Edition
      • April 1, 2026
      • José Carlos Magalhães Pires
      • English
      • Paperback
        9 7 8 0 4 4 3 3 3 4 9 2 4
      • eBook
        9 7 8 0 4 4 3 3 3 4 9 3 1
      Innovations in the Blue Economy: Sustainable Practices in Marine Macro- and Microalgae Cultivation offers a comprehensive examination of the technologies, advancements, and research driving sustainable seaweed and microalgae cultivation. The book serves as a key resource for understanding the strategies, challenges, and best practices in this rapidly expanding field. By combining insights from biology, ecology, engineering, and policy, it equips readers with the interdisciplinary knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of algal aquaculture. Whether you are a student, researcher, or industry professional, this book delivers the foundational and advanced concepts crucial for sustainable marine biomass production.Beyond its thorough exploration of cultivation methods, the book stands out for its case studies on large-scale initiatives, analysis of regulatory frameworks, and discussion of real-world obstacles facing industry growth. It presents innovative solutions to current challenges, identifies ongoing research needs, and emphasizes the environmental and economic impacts of integrating algae into the Blue Economy. Its international authorship ensures a global perspective, making the content accessible and relevant across regions and sectors.
    • Coral Reefs

      • 1st Edition
      • April 1, 2026
      • Robert Steneck
      • English
      • Paperback
        9 7 8 0 4 4 3 3 0 1 6 4 3
      • eBook
        9 7 8 0 4 4 3 3 0 1 6 5 0
      Coral Reefs: Their Complexity, Fragility and Future offers an introduction to tropical coral reef ecosystems. It explores the combined geological, physical, chemical, and biological factors that make coral reefs among the most diverse and productive systems in the world. To unpack these complex systems, this book outlines the major players that create coral reefs, reconsiders how environmental and human forces shape reefs in the Anthropocene and identifies best practices for sustainable tourism and management of reef systems. Written by a leading expert of tropical reef systems, this book covers the biology, taxonomy, and ecological interactions of dominant reef organisms. Chapters systematically discuss the diversity of corals and the reef communities that they support, the key geological and biological factors driving their development, and critical processes of primary productivity, competition, predation, and herbivory. The book ends with a look to the future of coral reefs considering global change in the Anthropocene. Coral Reefs: Their Complexity, Fragility and Future combines fundamental concepts with novel research advances to explore the forces that shape coral reefs and predict the future of these ecosystems in the coming century. In discussing both the successes and failures of modern conservation efforts, this book offers a roadmap to guide stakeholders and industry leaders in developing policies surrounding the sustainable visitation and conservation of coral reef ecosystems. It is an indispensable resource for the next generation of marine scientists, conservationists, and policymakers concerned with the future of these critical ecosystems.
    • Multiple Abiotic Stresses in Plants

      • 1st Edition
      • April 1, 2026
      • Koushik Chakraborty + 4 more
      • English
      • Paperback
        9 7 8 0 4 4 3 2 7 4 2 4 4
      • eBook
        9 7 8 0 4 4 3 2 7 4 2 5 1
      Driven by the realities of global climate change, compound stress events—such as drought, salinity, extreme temperatures, and flooding—now frequently affect crops within a single season, posing significant risks to global food security and agricultural sustainability. Multiple Abiotic Stresses in Plants examines how plants coordinate distinct physiological, biochemical, and molecular pathways to adapt under complex stress conditions, contrasting these mechanisms with those triggered by individual stress factors.Chapters cover key processes including redox regulation, hormonal signaling, transcriptional control, ion transport, and metabolic adjustments. The volume also highlights advances in breeding and biotechnology—from marker-assisted selection and genome editing to nanotechnology and multi-omics approaches—alongside practical strategies for improved stress management, such as optimized nutrient use, microbial interventions, and climate-adaptive agronomy.Comprehensi... in scope and multidisciplinary in approach, this reference book serves as a valuable resource for researchers, students, plant scientists, and agricultural professionals by offering the strategic insight needed to anticipate, rather than react to, the evolving challenges of plant-environment interactions.