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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.

    • Fundamentals of Plant-Parasitic Nematode Diagnostics, Systematics, and Classification

      • 1st Edition
      • Victor Phani + 1 more
      • English
      Fundamentals of Plant-Parasitic Nematode Diagnostics, Systematics and Classification offers a comprehensive and authoritative resource for researchers, students, and professionals engaged in nematode biosystematics. The microscopic size, morphological plasticity, and broad ecological diversity have long complicated the efforts to accurately identify nematode species and reconstruct their evolutionary relationships. Unlike many other animal groups, the full extent of nematode species richness remains largely unknown, and aside from rare fossilized specimens preserved in amber, paleontological evidence is minimal.This book confronts these challenges by integrating recent advances in molecular systematics with traditional taxonomic frameworks to build a unified reference dataset. It critically surveys the historical classification models and establishes a solid foundation for advancing research on nematode evolution and phylogeny. Rather than concentrating on isolated taxa, it presents a broad conceptual toolkit—encompassing diagnostic techniques, hierarchical organizations, and evolutionary analyses—that directly supports the management of character data and robust taxonomic publications. With its interdisciplinary scope and emphasis on both theoretical and practical diagnostics, this book is poised to become an essential reference for those working in agriculture, plant protection, and nematology.
    • Behavior of Insect Natural Enemies

      Ecology and Applications in Biological Control
      • 1st Edition
      • Omkar + 1 more
      • English
      Behavior of Insect Natural Enemies: Ecology and Applications in Biological Control provides a comprehensive guide to the mating, oviposition, predation, parasitism, competition, and foraging behavior of insect and mite natural enemies. With contributions from leading experts, the book is an essential resource for anyone with an interest in the fascinating world of insect behavior. Researchers in academia and industry can build upon the knowledge in this resource to investigate and develop novel biocontrol methods. Students, particularly graduate and postgraduate students, as well as lecturers in the fields of entomology, parasitology, zoology, and plant protection will also benefit from its fascinating information.Natural enemies of insects, consisting of predators, parasitoids, and pathogens, have attracted the attention of scientists and industry experts across the globe. Their unusual behaviors, from parasitism to cannibalism, exemplify a variety of biological behaviors and processes occurring within a balanced, yet complex ecosystem. They are ecofriendly and safe alternatives to pesticides yet still act as effective checks to pest populations.
    • Biochar

      Science, Applications, and Future Prospects for Sustainable Solutions
      • 1st Edition
      • Sivaperumal Sivaramakrishnan + 1 more
      • English
      Biochar: Science, Applications, and Future Prospects for Sustainable Solutions provides a thorough understanding of biochar, a carbon-rich material produced from biomass pyrolysis. This book explores biochar's scientific principles, diverse applications, and its role in sustainability. It addresses its use in agriculture, environmental management, and renewable energy, and delves into emerging technologies and future prospects. With a strong focus on practical implementation, the book covers methods of biochar synthesis, its physical and chemical properties, and factors influencing nutrient retention. Detailed case studies demonstrate the effectiveness of biochar in agriculture, waste management, urban settings, and community projects, showcasing its environmental benefits and economic viability.The book is divided into sections that cover the science behind biochar, its role in carbon sequestration, diverse applications, practical guidelines for implementation, techno-economic assessments, and regulatory considerations. It also explores emerging applications and challenges in biochar research, including innovations in odor control, pest management, and potential advancements in technology and medical applications. This book is an essential resource for research scholars and scientists in environmental science, ecology, agriculture, biotechnology, and industrial engineering.
    • Synergistic Plant Metabolomics and Plant Growth-Promoting Microorganisms in Addressing Abiotic Stress

      • 1st Edition
      • Naeem Khan + 1 more
      • English
      Synergistic Plant Metabolomics and Plant Growth-Promoting Microorganisms in Addressing Abiotic Stress unveils the latest advancements in understanding how plants respond to environmental pressures. By unraveling the complexities of metabolic pathways affected by abiotic stresses and highlighting the pivotal role of PGPMs in enhancing plant resilience, this book provides a comprehensive exploration of these intricate relationships. Recent advancements in plant sciences, metabolomics, and microbiology have deepened our understanding of the interconnected functions of metabolites and growth-promoting microorganisms in plant resilience and the role of microorganism in altering plant metabolome under environmental stresses. The book consolidates this emerging knowledge into an accessible volume, offering a holistic view of how plant metabolomics and microbial interactions contribute to plant adaptation under abiotic stresses. Aimed at researchers and practitioners, the book translates scientific findings into both research inspiration and practical applications for professionals and advanced students in plant science, agriculture, biotechnology, and related fields, addressing tangible strategies for improving plant and crop resilience and productivity.
    • Trichoderma Biological Control Agent

      Phylogeny to Formulation
      • 1st Edition
      • Sudisha Jogaiah + 2 more
      • English
      Trichoderma Biological Control Agent discusses the biology and physiology of Trichoderma, beginning with its discovery in nature and continuing through its application in industrial organic agriculture production. It highlights the features of Trichoderma, enabling the reader to identify strains with the best parameters for a given scenario and guide their preparation for commercialization as protective agents against fungal phytopathogens and biostimulators, in particular, for plant crops.Trichoderma spp. are filamentous rhizosphere fungi known for their ability to colonize plant roots and promote resistance. They are a dominant component of numerous soil ecosystem mycobiomes, and knowledge of their features, such as secondary metabolite production and interactions with plants and other microbes, is crucial for identifying effective applications in agriculture.The coverage of both direct and indirect biocontrol capabilities against a vast array of soil phytopathogens makes this book a valuable resource for researchers and academics seeking to improve their effective application in sustainable plant health and agriculture.
    • Decoding Plant-Environment-Microbiome Interactions in Stress-Resilient Agriculture

      • 1st Edition
      • Asfa Rizvi + 4 more
      • English
      Decoding Plant-Environment-Mi... Interactions in Stress-Resilient Agriculture provides foundational as well as future-facing insights into the emerging field of phytomicrobiome. Highlighting its unique advantages in addressing stressed soils and optimizing crop production, this book specifically delves into the potential of phytomicrobiomes as natural bioresources to be optimized for improved interactions. Presenting data and insights from globally recognized scientists and academicians with extensive research experience in microbiome-plant interactions, this book provides readers with the latest information and enables further advancements.Researc... has shown that the phytomicrobiome, comprising root-associated microbiota, plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), endophytes, phosphate-solubilizi... microorganisms (PSMs), arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, and actinomycetal populations, can enhance stress tolerance and ameliorate contaminated soils, enabling sustainable crop production under adverse conditions. However, the precise mechanisms through which the phytomicrobiome enhances stress resilience remain largely unexplored.
    • 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.
    • Plant Receptors in Cellular Signaling

      Key Regulators of Development and Stress Adaptation
      • 1st Edition
      • Aryadeep Roychoudhury
      • English
      Plant Receptors in Cellular Signaling provides a comprehensive account of how plants perceive and respond to internal and external cues through receptor-mediated pathways. The volume integrates structural, functional, and mechanistic perspectives to examine the diverse spectrum of plant receptors—including phytohormone receptors, growth regulator receptors, receptor-like kinases, and multiprotein complexes—that orchestrate growth, development, and survival under changing conditions.The book explains receptor functions in auxin, gibberellin, cytokinin, abscisic acid, ethylene, jasmonate, salicylic acid, brassinosteroid, strigolactone, and karrikin signaling, while also addressing membranebound and cytoplasmic kinases, glutamate-like receptors, and other critical signaling components. By linking structural biology with functional outcomes, it shows how protein conformation and ligand recognition determine specificity and regulatory control.Emphasizing the interplay and crosstalk among receptor-mediated pathways, the text demonstrates how plants translate complex signals into precise cellular responses that regulate gene expression, coordinate development, and enable adaptation to biotic and abiotic stresses.Rich in mechanistic detail and conceptual breadth, Plant Receptors in Cellular Signaling is an essential reference for researchers and academics in plant biology, molecular signaling, stress physiology, and related fields seeking to understand how plants transform signals into adaptive strategies.
    • Plant Proteins

      Farm to Table
      • 1st Edition
      • Dilek Uzunalioglu + 2 more
      • English
      Plant Proteins: Farm to Table addresses all aspects of plant proteins, including plant science, chemistry, processing, formulations, nutrition, and trends. This important reference also covers cereal and pulse plant-based and soy proteins and presents protein extraction and processing techniques, as well as ingredient principles and their application in formulating plant-based products, from ingredient interactions to processing to measurement science, including sensory. The book addresses not only the different types of plant proteins and their nutritional aspects but also plant protein processing and ingredients and formulating plant proteins to develop plant-based foods.It will be a welcomed addition to the libraries of food technologists, research scientists, product developers, process engineers, students and educators.
    • Phytochemicals and Gut Health

      Evidence and Opportunities for Gastrointestinal Management
      • 1st Edition
      • Sachchida Nand Rai + 2 more
      • English
      Phytochemicals and Gut Health: Evidence and Opportunities for Gastrointestinal Management delves into the pivotal role of plant-derived compounds in supporting and enhancing gastrointestinal health. By examining how bioactive phytochemicals impact the gut-brain axis, the book provides a comprehensive overview of their sources, production, and mechanisms of action. Readers are introduced to clinical applications where these compounds offer promising avenues for improving GI disorders. The book's authors emphasize how targeted use of phytochemicals may overcome limitations and side effects commonly associated with standard medical treatments, presenting a forward-thinking perspective on nutritional interventions for gastrointestinal well-being.In addition, the book explores the broader health benefits of phytochemicals, including their positive effects on cardiovascular and neurological systems. It discusses various classes such as phenolic metabolites, alkaloids, terpenoids, and glucosinolates, and examines their synergistic effects. Additionally, the text highlights the gut-nutraceutical axis, detailing how plant-based compounds can modulate the microbiota to address a range of GI disorders.