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.

Books Journals

Beyond Halal

1st Edition
January 1, 2026
Amal A. Elgharbawy + 4 more
English

In a world where dietary choices, sustainability and supply chain transparency are becoming increasingly intertwined, Beyond Halal: Exploring Dietary Preferences, Novel Ingredients and Techniques sheds light on the ethical and dietary considerations and challenges that arise in the context of Halal food practices. Written by leading experts of Halal food studies in their respective fields, Beyond Halal: Exploring Dietary Preferences, Novel Ingredients and Techniques not only addresses aspects of sourcing, production, distribution, and certification, but also examines the applications of nanomaterials in ethical and sustainable food production, and explores the use of sustainable aquaculture practices to meet dietary preferences of Halal consumers. The book takes a deep dive into the intersection of molecular gastronomy and health in the context of ethical food production, discusses plant-based innovation in Halal cuisine and examines consumer behavior and preferences in relation to Halal practices. It also discusses the application of blockchain technology in enhancing transparency and integrity in the halal supply chain, while focusing on the impact of consumer choices and ethical considerations.

Coral Reefs

1st Edition
January 1, 2026
Robert Steneck
English

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.

Paraprobiotics, Postbiotics and Psychobiotics in Foods

1st Edition
January 1, 2026
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.

Processing, Nutrition and Value Addition Principles of Neglected and Underutilized African Foods

1st Edition
January 1, 2026
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.

Digital Technologies for Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems

1st Edition
January 1, 2026
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.

Underutilized Tuber Crops of the Himalayan Region

1st Edition
January 1, 2026
Arun Kumar Gupta + 1 more
English

Underutilized Tuber Crops of the Himalayan Region: Nutraceutical Potential, Processing, and Applications explores highly significant edible tubers that have bioactive and pharmacological attributes apart from preservation aspects. The book includes information about historical applications, phytochemistry, pharmacology, distribution, processing, toxicity, conservation, and future prospects of certain tubers, as well as any market significance they may have. It also covers various processing and preservation techniques in order to maximize the benefits of these commodities as ingredients or additives in food. By introducing neglected and underutilized tubers into our existing tubers portfolio, alongside other measures of environmentally-frie... farming, the book also contributes to the knowledge that food scientists and agriculturalists need in their efforts to secure a sufficient supply of highly nutritional food while mitigating the consequences of environmental change.

Bovine Colostrum as a Nutraceutical

1st Edition
January 1, 2026
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.

Adaptogen Science and Wellbeing

1st Edition
January 1, 2026
Sreeraj Gopi + 3 more
English

Adaptogen Science and Wellbeing: Use in Functional Foods, Dietary Supplements and Nutraceuticals explores the rich phytochemical constituents of adaptogens and their specific mechanisms of action. This book delves into the numerous phytosterols, vitamins, lignans, alkaloids, and flavonoids present in natural product adaptogens. By understanding these components, readers can appreciate their health benefits, how they enhance nutraceuticals, and how they improve functional food formulations. The book aims to provide a comprehensive overview of these natural substances and their potential applications in promoting overall well-being.The book identifies over 30 species of plants, roots, and fungi, such as sea buckthorn, holy basil, American ginseng, licorice root, maca, cordyceps, ashwagandha, and more. It explains the mechanisms of action and bioavailability of each adaptogen, discussing their immune function and anti-inflammatory benefits, cell energy metabolism for improved vitality, and neurotransmitter regulation for mental well-being. The book concludes with regulatory guidelines, protocols, and challenges for utilizing these natural products in functional foods and nutraceuticals.

Aflatoxin Management in Crops

1st Edition
January 1, 2026
Sajad Majeed Zargar + 3 more
English

Aflatoxin Management in Crops: Challenges and Opportunities provides a comprehensive look at current insights into aflatoxin contamination in agricultural crops and its effect on human health on global level. With insights from around the globe, it presents the latest advances in the understanding of the contamination and management strategies for aflatoxins in cereals, millets, oilseed, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. Aflatoxin contamination in crops is a global threat that compromises the safety of food, feed, and also influence the agricultural economy and crop-dependent small scale industries. Crops can be contaminated during the process of harvesting, storing, and transporting by the fungi and leads to the productions of several mycotoxins. Aflatoxin can be extremely harmful if consumed, being linked to cancer-, immune-, and nutritionally related diseases. Aflatoxin Management in Crops: Challenges and Opportunities includes the biology of fungi and the chemistry behind the toxicity level of different aflatoxin strains as well as advances in detection techniques and management strategies. It concludes by exploring the different effects of aflatoxin on human health and regulatory laws to control its contamination.

3D Printing of Food Products for Sustainability

1st Edition
January 1, 2026
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.

Related subjects

Agricultural science

Animal science

Aquatic science

Entomology

Food science and technology

Forest science

Mathematical biosciences

Plant science

Soil science

Veterinary science

Life Sciences

Physical Sciences & Engineering

Social Sciences & Humanities

Health