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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.

    • Berries and Nutrition

      A Holistic Approach to Health
      • 1st Edition
      • Hafiz Suleria + 3 more
      • English
      Berries and Nutrition: A Holistic Approach to Health provides comprehensive coverage on the myriad benefits of berries as they relate to health and disease. From detecting bioavailability and exploring phytochemical properties, to a comparative analysis of nutritional profiles across different berry varieties, readers will come away with a better understanding of the nuanced metabolic profiles of certain berry fruits and their health benefits. While addressing current challenges related to sustainable utilization, mass production, and the transfer from field to industry sectors, Berries and Nutrition: A Holistic Approach to Health highlights the phytochemical structure and metabolic enhancing properties of berries to maintain bone health, fight inflammation, improve cognitive function and brain health, enhance exercise performance and recovery, fight cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and more. Authors also examine the micronutrients in some berries for their Vitamin C and Folic Acid makeup and discuss the influence of a microclimate on the mineral and metabolic profile of certain berries for optimal nutrition.
    • Underutilized Tuber Crops of the Himalayan Region

      Nutraceutical Potential, Processing, and Applications
      • 1st Edition
      • Arun Kumar Gupta + 1 more
      • English
      Underutilized Tuber Crops of the Himalayan Region: Nutraceutical Potential, Processing, and Applications explores significant, yet underutilized, edible tubers known for their bioactive and pharmacological properties, as well as their preservation potential. The book presents detailed information on historical uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, distribution, processing, toxicity, conservation, and future prospects of these tubers, along with their market relevance. It also covers various processing and preservation techniques to maximize their utility as ingredients or additives in food products.By integrating neglected and underutilized tubers into the current agricultural portfolio, alongside environmentally sustainable farming practices, the book provides valuable insights for food scientists and agricultural professionals working to ensure a secure, nutritious food supply while addressing the challenges of environmental change.
    • Processing, Nutrition and Value Addition Principles of Neglected and Underutilized African Foods

      • 1st Edition
      • Tilahun Seyoum Workneh + 2 more
      • English
      Africa’s agroclimatic conditions are conducive to a diverse array of indigenous foods, from vegetables, fruits, and spices to fungi, insects, and roots. However, scientific documentation of traditional preservation, processing and value addition of these species and their potential to heal and nourish, is not well known to the global population. Processing, Nutrition and Value Addition Principles of Underutilized African Foods introduces traditional methods of processing and preserving indigenous foods from Africa while reporting on the commercial potential, and nutritional constituents that contribute to a more healthful society and a sustainable planet. Written by a collaboration of authors from different parts of Africa and around the world, Processing, Nutrition and Value Addition Principles of Underutilized African Foods explores the neglected and underutilized agricultural and botanical diversity of Africa. Authors show how certain species such as African nightshades, sourplum, monkey oranges, ancient grains, edible insects and more, can have health, nutrition and functional benefits while contributing to a sustainable global food system and potentially helping combat food insecurity. The taxonomy of each neglected species will be discussed along with distribution, planting area, yield and loss, and waste. The book also provides a comprehensive view of the societal attitudes towards these foods and delves into the reasons behind their neglect and underutilization, despite their inherent health benefits.
    • 3D Printing of Food Products for Sustainability

      Innovation, Design and Applications
      • 1st Edition
      • Chaudhery Mustansar Hussain + 1 more
      • English
      3D Printing of Food Products for Sustainability: Innovation, Design and Applications provides a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in 3D printing technology as applied to food production, with a focus on sustainability. Divided in 5 parts, the book blends theoretical insights with practical guidelines and real-world case studies to equip readers with a deep understanding of sustainable additive manufacturing processes in the food industry. It addresses the urgent need for innovative approaches to food manufacturing that prioritize environmental stewardship, resource efficiency, and sustainability. The book also offers a detailed exploration of the intersections between 3D printing technology and sustainable food production, making it an indispensable guide for those committed to shaping the future of food sustainability.
    • Agricultural Water Management in Africa

      Lessons Learned and Future Directions
      • 1st Edition
      • Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi + 2 more
      • English
      Agricultural Water Management in Africa presents a comprehensive look at the current state of irrigation development and agricultural water management (AWM) practices across Africa and the Global South. Going beyond just assessment, the book offers actionable guidelines, forward-looking scenarios, and strategic investment plans to help prioritize and implement irrigation and AWM initiatives in the face of climate change.At the heart of Africa’s push for agricultural transformation is the African Union’s (AU) Framework for Irrigation Development and Agricultural Water Management. This framework lays out four key development pathways to drive impactful change in water management across the continent: (i) enhanced water control and watershed management in rain-fed agriculture; (ii) farmer-led irrigation development that empowers local growers; (iii) modernization and expansion of irrigation schemes; (iv) utilization of unconventional water sources for sustainable irrigation.The book maps out the progress and potential of these pathways on a continental scale, showcasing how the AU-IDAWM framework can shape Africa’s water-secure agricultural future. To enrich this perspective, it also draws on case studies from Asia and Latin America, creating space for meaningful South–South knowledge exchange. It thoughtfully examines cross-cutting themes such as the water–energy–food nexus and the circular economy, placing AWM in the broader context of sustainability and climate resilience.Whether you are a policymaker, researcher, practitioner, or development partner, this volume delivers critical insights into how smarter water management can drive agricultural growth, food security, and environmental stewardship in Africa and beyond.
    • Seaweed in Health and Disease Prevention

      • 2nd Edition
      • Joël Fleurence + 1 more
      • English
      Seaweed in Health and Disease Prevention, Second Edition updates knowledge on the therapeutic and functional activities related to algae and their compounds. The book includes a new chapter on the use of seaweed and seaweed products in the current war against viral-based exposures, a result of the massive research effort stemming from the global Covid Pandemic, along with the improvement of the nutritional value of algae via enzymatic or fermentation treatments. These treatments are at the origin of the production of oligosaccharides, presenting interesting biological activities for the human microbiota.Chapter updates on seaweed’s biochemical characteristics such as proteins, lipids, and polysaccharides are also addressed.
    • Nanomaterials–Microbial Interactions for Soil Health, Plant Growth, and Performance

      • 1st Edition
      • Azamal Husen
      • English
      Nanomaterials–Microb... Interactions for Soil Health, Plant Growth, and Performance investigates how engineered nanomaterials interface with soil ecosystems to influence plant health and agricultural sustainability. By leveraging the distinctive surface chemistry, size, and reactivity of these materials, the book analyzes how they modulate soil chemistry, microbial activity, and plant physiology, with implications for growth, resilience, and productivity.Interdi... perspectives from soil science, microbiology, plant biology, and nanoengineering are integrated to evaluate mechanisms of action, exposure routes, and environmental fate. The volume weighs opportunities for enhanced yield and nutrient-use efficiency against risks to soil health, biodiversity, and food safety, while also discussing regulatory frameworks and scalable strategies for real-word farming systems and food value chains.Aimed at researchers, practitioners, and decision-makers across academia, government, and industry, Nanomaterials–Microb... Interactions for Soil Health, Plant Growth, and Performance serves as an authoritative platform for future-oriented thinking that bridges discovery and deployment aligned with global environmental stewardship goals across diverse agroecosystems.
    • Paraprobiotics, Postbiotics and Psychobiotics in Foods

      From Concept to Validated Application
      • 1st Edition
      • Annamalai Manickavasagan + 1 more
      • English
      Commonly used and associated with gut health and nutrition, the rapidly growing field of 'biotics' a collective term for probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, parapostbiotcs and more, is constantly being challenged for its validity of health applications and its adaptation into the food industry for therapeutic benefits in functional products. Paraprobiotics, Postbiotics and Psychobiotics in Foods: From Concept to Validated Application is a gateway for readers to focus on the broad insights of the biotic arena to establish foundational understanding. Divided into three sections, one for each of the major topics, Paraprobiotics, Postbiotics and Psychobiotics in Foods: From Concept to Validated Application treats each individually but consistently, and gives readers an introduction to emerging concepts and how ‘biotics’ are being used in the development of health promoting and therapeutic functional food products. Each section begins with an introductory chapter that defines mechanisms of action, sources and health benefits, and is followed by the associated potential application of these components in food products. Sections conclude with detailed information on the regulatory, technical and quality control aspects associated with such food products. This book gives readers a better understanding and acceptance of ‘biotics’ used for functional foods.
    • Digital Technologies for Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems

      • 1st Edition
      • Tarek Ben Hassen + 1 more
      • English
      Digital Technologies for Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems offers a comprehensive review of digital technology's role in supporting sustainable agriculture and food systems. The book explores how digital technologies like precision agriculture, robots, artificial intelligence, and blockchain may boost agricultural output and efficiency while lowering environmental impact. It also investigates how these technologies might assist farmers in connecting with markets, increasing supply chain traceability, and boosting food safety and quality. Serving as a comprehensive guide, this book educates and helps farmers, policymakers, researchers, industry professionals, and other value chain actors in leveraging digital innovations. It also address the pressing challenges faced by the agri-food sector, such as food insecurity, environmental degradation, natural resources depletion, and climate change.
    • Bovine Colostrum as a Nutraceutical

      Developments in Processes and Products for Therapeutic and Dietary Applications
      • 1st Edition
      • Rahul Mehra + 3 more
      • English
      Bovine colostrum is being touted by medical professionals, nutritionists, and food product developers worldwide for its ability to optimize health and help manage disease. Scientists are becoming increasingly intrigued by its nutrient-dense, immune-boosting properties. Bovine Colostrum as a Nutraceutical: Developments in Processes and Products for Therapeutic and Dietary Applications takes a closer look at every facet of a cow’s first milk—from composition to consumption—and discusses how its nutritional and hyper-immune properties are frequently used in food-pharma worldwide. Comprised of 18 chapters, Bovine Colostrum as a Nutraceutical: Developments in Processes and Products for Therapeutic and Dietary Applications elucidates the chemistry, physiological effects and response of nutritional bioactive elements such as peptides while exploring the impact of different environmental, natural, and processing factors that can affect colostrum's composition. Authors discuss emerging colostrum processing methods, as well as the recent technologies, and instrumentation used for isolating and identifying bioactive components for food product development. Readers will also learn colostrum's role in gut, immune and skin health, and how it can enhance muscle growth for improved athletic performance. Safety, efficacy, and regulatory considerations of bovine colostrum and its derivatives are also discussed.