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Elsevier

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.

  • Tropical Forests

    Some African and Asian Case Studies of Composition and Structure
    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 22
    • J. Borota
    • English
    This publication deals with the composition and structure of both natural and artificially established tropical forests. After a general introduction, the role of tropical forests in the production of timber is discussed. Attention is then given to the structure of natural tropical forests, especially in Congo, Gabon, Ghana and Laos. The structure of artificially established forests is dealt with in another chapter. At the end, information is given on the thinning of such forest stands in Tanzania.

  • Comparison of Forest Water and Energy Exchange Models

    • 1st Edition
    • S Halldin
    • English
    Comparison of Forest Water and Energy Exchange Models includes results of comparisons and tests on micrometeorological and hydrological models against independent field data gathered from an International Union of Forestry Research Organizations workshop. The comparisons are made using the SWECON computer by means of the ECODATA program package and the SIMP simulation package. This book is divided into four sections, covering data and computer facilities; atmospheric exchange and radiation models; soil water and interception models; and comparison of models. The first part includes discussion on the climatic data and databases; evapotranspiration measurements; instrumentation; data gathering and processing; the storage, retrieval and analysis of continuously recorded ecosystems data; and the SIMP-interactive mini-computer package for simulating dynamic and static models. The second part presents the MICROWEATHER simulation model that is applied to a forest; the energy exchange model of a pine forest canopy; the simulation of the quality and quantity of short-wave radiation within and above canopies; and the physical model to simulate energy exchange of plant canopies. The third part offers the model HEJMDAL, which simulates water state and flow in the soil-plant-atmospher... system; the water regime of forests and meadow model; the annual energy and water flow in a layered soil model; and the model ETFOREST for the calculation of the actual evapotranspiration. The last section presents a comparison of radiation models, energy exchange models, and interception models.

  • Plant Tissue Culture

    Applications and Limitations
    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 19
    • S.S. Bhojwani
    • English
    During the past decade, Plant Tissue Culture (PTC) has attracted considerable attention because of its vital role in plant biotechnology. PTC offers novel approaches to plant production, propagation, and preservation. Some in vitro techniques are being applied on a commercial scale while many others hold great potential. Consequently, the literature in this area has grown rapidly.This book deals with recent developments in plant tissue culture, and presents a critical assessment of the proven and potential applications of the various in vitro techniques, it also highlights current problems limiting the application of tissue culture, and projects the future lines of research in this field.

  • Interactions Between Non-Pathogenic Soil Microorganisms And Plants

    • 1st Edition
    • Y.R. Dommergues
    • English
    Interactions between Non-Pathogenic Soil Microorganisms and Plants provides a comprehensive discussion of the non-pathogenic microorganisms associated with roots. It describes how a myriad of soil microorganisms affect plant growth, and how climatic and edaphic conditions contribute to the magnitude of microbial activity. The book is divided into 11 chapters that cover the plant-microorganism system; growth, structure, and physiology of roots; and nutrient uptake. It also explains the root exudates and exudation; energy flow in the plant; and rhizosphere. Legume symbiosis and root nodule symbioses in non-leguminous nitrogen fixing plants are also discussed. Moreover, the book explains the mycorrhizae and the impact of climatic and edaphic conditions on soil management and plant growth. The information that the book presents serves as a useful focal point for further studies on the interactions between plants and soil microorganisms. Thus, it provides an impetus for the development of agricultural practices that could improve food production, while mitigating anthropogenic pollution of agrosytems and waste of energy resources. Students, lecturers, and research workers in plant physiology and anatomy, microbiology, soil science, general ecology, and agronomy will find this book an invaluable reference for their learning and practice.

  • Tree Ecology and Preservation

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 2
    • A. Bernatzky
    • English
    Containing more than 225 illustrations, this is probably the first book to cover both scientific research on trees and tree surgery. It is an authoritative work, written by a man who has had a lifetime's experience of working with trees, and as such, the book will undoubtedly appeal to a wide-ranging readership.

  • Advances in Radiation Biology V14

    Relative Radiation Sensitivities of Human Organ Systems. Part II
    • 1st Edition
    • John Lett
    • English
    Advances in Radiation Biology, Volume 14: Relative Radiation Sensitivities of Human Organ Systems, Part II focuses on radiation sensitivities of particular human organ systems. The sensitivities are then assessed based on the severity and the rapidity in which the effects of radiation manifest. The opening chapter surveys the clinical and experimental data on approaches toward the prevention of bladder complications in clinical radiotherapy. A discussion on HeLa cells, which are of special importance in human cervical cancer therapy, is then presented. In presenting this topic, this book emphasizes radiation sensitivity and radiobiology of tumors of the cervix of the female genital tract. Chapter 3 briefly covers imaging techniques for hypothalamic-pituita... dysfunction diagnosis and introduces hormonal therapy for remarkable improvements in both physical and mental status of patients. The subsequent chapters discuss basic radiobiology of the thyroid in experimental animal and the late effects of therapeutic and low-level radiation in humans. The radiation damages in bone and cartilage and the changes occurring in the various types of vessels during radiation therapy are also discussed. Chapter 7 presents the basic biology of spermatogenesis, as it applies to the understanding of radiation effects. This chapter also explains the studies of rodents, as it applies to subhuman primates and to man. Moreover, it considers as well the mechanisms of radiation damage to the testis, as elucidated by experimental studies of rodents and subhuman primates. Finally, it presents the limited data available on man and discusses these data in terms of the biology of the system known from experimental studies. The concluding chapter describes the features of radiation-induced hepatic injury, ranging from asymptomatic biochemical or a radiographic abnormality to fulminant, fatal hepatic failure. Radiation biologists will greatly benefit from this book, especially those who are involved in dose fractionation in radiation therapy.

  • Humus, its Structure and Role in Agriculture and Environment

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 25
    • J. Kubát
    • English
    This volume presents the proceedings of the 10th internationalsymposi... Humus et Planta held in Prague in August 19-23,1991. The main topics of this book are devoted to the recentadvances in fundamental, as well as applied research of humicsubstances, the most abundant of the naturally occuringmacromolecul... of nature, the understanding of their natureand how they react and interact in their natural environments.Texts are included on the structure, physical and chemicalproperties of humic substances; the relationships among humus,soil properties and fertility; the biotransformations oforganic substances in the soil; the relationships betweenhumic substances and plants and the interactions of humus andxenobiotic substances. This book presents recent knowledge ofthe complicated and challenging humic substances. It will beof interest not only to scientist, but also to Universityteachers and students of agricultural and environmentalscience...

  • Yield Formation in the Main Field Crops

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 13
    • V. Cerný + 2 more
    • English
    This book gives a detailed overview of production processes and yield formation in field crops and permanent grasslands. Yield formation is discussed by the authors as a dynamic process, involving many factors at each stage. Knowledge of the optimum levels of individual yield components makes it possible to control this dynamic process. It is intended that this approach will help to point out gaps in the understanding of the production processes and indicate the direction for further research on this subject.The authors report on various aspects which are involved in yield formation, such as uptake of nutrients, root growth, water use, photosynthesis, transport, distribution and accumulation of photosynthates, etc. A separate chapter discusses the production process as seen from a genetic standpoint. It includes an analysis of phenotype and genotype with respect to production potential, also the heredity, variability of yield potential and new cultivation methods are mentioned. The main part of the book deals with the theory and practice of yield formation in cereals, maize, legumes, sugarbeet, potatoes, clovers and perennial grass stands.

  • Subjective Equilibrium Theory of the Farm Household

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 3
    • C. Nakajima
    • English
    It is obvious that most of the agricultural production in the world is under the control of farm households (or family farms). This book aims to translate the characteristics of the farm household as an economic entity, into an economic theory. The book was originally written in Japanese, but various modifications have been made and new information added to the English version. The author defines the farm household as an economic entity which is a complex of the farm firm, the labourer's household and the consumer's household, and whose behavioural principle is utility maximization. The main purpose of the book is to construct a theoretical model of the decision-making behaviour of the farm household. For this purpose the method of subjective equilibrium analysis, which was used by J.R. Hicks for the consumer's household and the firm in Value and Capital, has been applied to the farm household. The major motif of the book may therefore be called ``Hicksian motif''. In analyzing the subjective equilibrium of the farm household, this book extends the Marshallian concepts of consumer's surplus and producer's surplus, by developing the three new concepts of labourer's surplus, self-employed producer's surplus and consumer's surplus. The analyses using the five concepts of economic surplus are the minor motif of the present book, which the author calls ``Marshallian motif''.Another important characteristic of this book lies in the presentation of newly developed theories of land rent. The author has tried to integrate the theory of leasehold tenancy (i.e. fixed rent tenancy) and that of share tenancy with subjective equilibrium theory of the farm household. In his foreword, John W. Longworth of the International Association of Agricultural Economists says ``From time-to-time an academic treatise appears which is truly different. This is one such book. It presents a self-contained normative theory of the farm household which is much more than just an elegant development of Hicksian and Marshallian ideas. Professor Nakajima introduces new concepts and develops a simple model of the farm household. He then extends this model in various ways to examine the subjective equilibrium of farm households under a wide range of economic circumstances. The exposition is clear and logic with each step in the argument explained in detail using both rigorous mathematical notation and easy to follow diagrams... With this book Nakajima is making his Life's Work available to non-Japanese Agricultural Economists. The international profession of Agricultural Economics will be richer for it.''

  • Agricultural Policy Formation in the European Community

    The Birth of Milk Quotas and CAP Reform
    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 4
    • M. Petit + 5 more
    • English
    Understanding why agricultural policies of developed countries are what they are is critical on several accounts for the developed countries as a group and for individual countries. It is important because the inter-dependencies among national agricultural policies are so numerous, as illustrated by the ongoing agricultural trade confrontation between the United States and the European Community; confrontation that is vividly expressed in the current subsidy war between the two trading blocs. The stakes for developing countries are also very high because the domestic agricultural policies of these two giants have a considerable influence on the international markets of major agricultural commodities.Studying why policies are what they are is an important research issue: legitimate in its own right on scientific grounds and relevant for any institution dealing with agricultural policies. Thus, it is only fitting that an international research institute dealing with food policy should analyze developed country policies and actions. This book is a further development of a research report by Michel Petit, ``Determinants of Agricultural Policies in the United States and the European Community'', published by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), and is written by a team of eminent European scholars from a variety of organisations called together by Michel Petit and working under his leadership. Concentrating on the policy process in the European Community, this research provides useful insights on the influence of domestic, economic and political factors in shaping the positions of member countries in Community negotiations and on the process leading to a Community policy decision.

  • Vehicle Traction Mechanics

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 3
    • R.N. Yong + 2 more
    • English
    The fundamental problem in the study of vehicle mobility is the development of traction between the vehicle and the supporting terrain. The mechanics of energy transfer will essentially control the final performance of the surficial machine. Determining and predicting the capability of a particular piece of machinery to traverse successfully a specific piece of terrain is very complex, particularly as the characteristics and properties of different types of terrain cover vary considerably, as do the many types of vehicle and their running gear.The material that forms the basis of this book has been gathered over many years of study both in the laboratory and in the field. It studies vehicle traction mechanics from the viewpoint of the interaction between the vehicle and the ground surface. The types of machines covered include earth-moving, forestry, agricultural, and construction machines. In addition, the mechanisms involved in the development of traction and the working of the terrain through cultivation, construction and surface disturbances are examined. The book also addresses the problems of off-road mobility and terrain trafficability, especially from the terrain-support and terrain interaction points of view. It is the authors' aim that the book will provide the reader with the ability to both analyze and predict the traction capability of his proposed machinery, and also to anticipate the kinds of reactions that will occur in the ground and at the ground surface.

  • Soil Microbial Associations

    Control of Structures and Functions
    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 17
    • V. Vancura + 1 more
    • English
    This volume is the first publication of its kind to provide a fully comprehensive and detailed approach to the survey of microbial associations in soil: their structure and function in relation to soil fertility and environment protection. The problems covered by this title are presented on various levels of the ecological system; from subcellular phenomena occurring in the microbial cell (genetic and enzyme regulation), to processes taking place in the flow of mass and energy in the agroecosystem. The aim of this monograph is to contribute to the understanding of the laws of formation and function of microbial associations in natural and agricultural soils, and to build a scientific basis for the control of soil biological processes. Using a contemporary approach to some fields of soil microbiology, the book highlights the possibility of utilizing certain microorganisms and microbial processes to increase soil fertility and protect the environment. These critically evaluated and selected results were obtained at the Institute of Microbiology and the Institute of Experimental Phytotechnics of the Czechoslovak Academy of Sciences, in cooperation with the Institute of Microbiology of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR.

  • Plant Modification For More Efficient Water Use

    • 1st Edition
    • John Stone
    • English
    Plant Modification for More Efficient Water Use is a compilation of the proceedings of the Symposium on Plant Modification for More Efficient Water Use. These proceedings aim to make significant progress in identifying the physiological and morphological characteristics of plants by providing considerable control of evapotranspiration and by exploring their possible manipulation. This book is divided into four parts focusing on genetic engineering, physiological and environmental factors, and modeling. The first part includes articles about breeding, genetic engineering, use of variety isogenes, genetic modification, and phenotype and drought tolerance in relation to efficient use of water. The second part presents articles about plant responses to water deficit, water-use efficiency, water stress, and drought resistance. It also provides articles on plant-water balance, carbon dioxide requirement, soil physical and chemical barriers, and soil temperature and air temperature. The third part describes models of plant growth for yield prediction; light models for estimating the shortwave radiation regime of plant canopies; and soil-plant-atmospher... model. In addition, this part includes a parametric analysis of the anatomy and physiology of the stomata. The last part offers a challenge on plant modification for more efficient water use.

  • Before Water Management Measures

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 15A
    • English
    The ultimate motivation for the study which is the subject of this book was the need to draw conclusions on the impact of man's activity on natural ecosystems. The results characterize the situation of the south-Moravian floodplain forest in the period of fading uncontrolled floods before the extensive technical measures successively changed the moisture regime by eliminating inundation and lowering the level of underground water. This publication is unique in Czechoslovakia as it records the ecological situation in the floodplain forest prior to the major and irreversible changes. The study also documents the exceptional role played by the Central-European floodplain forest in maintaining the gene pool and structure of the one thousand or so species in flora and fauna of an agricultural region.

  • Kuwaiti Plants

    Distribution, Traditional Medicine, Pytochemistry, Pharmacology and Economic Value
    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 2
    • B.S. Middleditch
    • A.M. Amer
    • English
    The people of Kuwait have in the past depended almost entirely on the sea trade giving its boat builders and sailors a good reputation. Plants in Kuwait were valued only as forage and fodder and for subsistence-level farming.Although oil was discovered in 1938, production of oil did not commence until after the second world war. Coupled with recent unrest in the region, extensive damage has been caused to many of Kuwait's plants and a good review of information on them became necessary. The book contains information on all of the dicothyledonous plants (except the Compositae) known to grow in Kuwait. Many of the species of plants are reviewed in their traditional uses in Kuwait and elsewhere. Extensive searches of scientific literature were carried out on phytochemistry, pharmacology, contemporary economic value of the plants. Brief notes are also provided on the utility of related species. The distribution of the 118 species covered is illustrated on maps of Kuwait and the Middle East.

  • Isozymes in Plant Genetics and Breeding

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 1B
    • English
    Developments in Plant Genetics and Breeding, 1: Isozymes in Plant Genetics and Breeding, Part B focuses on the advancements in the processes, methodologies, principles, and approaches involved in the study of isozymes, including its role in plant genetics and breeding. The selection first offers information on maize, hexaploid wheat, and barley. Topics include polymorphism, linkage relations, esterases, evolutionary and crop improvement studies, special applications to genetics and breeding, alcohol dehydrogenase, amylase, catalase, and catechol oxidase. The text then examines Secale and triticale, oats, rice, and tomato. The publication takes a look at potato, peppers, and tobacco. Topics include biochemical characterization of isozymes, isozymes in cell and tissue cultures, glutamate dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase and xanthine dehydrogenase, potato as a source of enzymes, and data for esterases in basic gels. The manuscript also tackles conifers, eucalyptus, fruit trees, cucurbits, and cole crops. The selection is a valuable reference for researchers interested in the role of isozymes in plant genetics and breeding.

  • Plant Roots and Their Environment

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 24
    • B.L. McMichael + 1 more
    • English
    Scientists, within a wide field, ranging from applied forestry and agriculture to physiology, ecology and the environmental sciences, are today more than ever involved in root and mycorrhizal research. New problem-oriented research fields have arisen such as the effects of fertilizers and pesticides, forest management and regeneration etc. At a time when root research is expanding into different areas, it is much more difficult for the root scientist to penetrate all the new information appearing in literature.The contributors of this volume are leading scientists from different fields of root research. The ISRR-symposium in Uppsala clearly demonstrated that there are new techniques in progress, in particular with regards to video recording of plant root systems and digital image processing. The main objectives of the symposium were (i) to provide a forum for communication between scientists from different disciplines working with root research problems, (ii) to contribute to an expansion of root studies into new areas, (iii) to use current estimates of root turnover for charting the upper and lower limit of below-ground production, and (iv) to spread knowledge of new findings and techniques of the importance of root research.This book is aimed at serving as a vehicle for improving the coherence of root research, for harmonizing methods and establishing overall objectives and gaps in the knowledge of rhizosphere dynamics.

  • Agriculture in Dry Lands

    Principles and Practice
    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 26
    • I. Arnon
    • English
    Throughout history, man has, by over-use, consistently reduced the productive capacity of dry lands. This degradation of one-third of the land area of the globe is, unfortunately, increasing. In recent years, world interest has turned to the problems of pollution of the environment and the impending food shortage as world population grows explosively. Thus the attention of international and other agricultural bodies has turned to the need for preserving and developing more effectively the agricultural potential of these areas.This book provides a comprehensive review of present knowledge of the agriculture of dry lands, with special emphasis on measures for conserving their natural resources. Management practices are described which aim at optimizing productivity of rainfed and irrigated agriculture without adverse effects on sustainability. Land use in the dry regions, and its evolution throughout history is described and analysed, and the lessons to be learnt from destructive technologies are stressed. In particular, current proposals for an alternative agriculture are discussed and their justification is questioned. This is a generalist work, which specialists can also find interesting, not only in their own discipline but as a concise way of acquainting themselves with the state-of-the-art in associated fields. Increasing specialisation with each discipline using its own vocabulary leads inevitably to communication problems, and the need for multi-disciplinary teams makes inter-discipline communication indispensible.

  • Ecology of Root Pathogens

    • 1st Edition
    • S.V. Krupa
    • English
    Ecology of Root Pathogens discusses the significance of fungi infecting the roots, and emphasizes the significant diseases of roots and their symptoms. This book also names the genera and species of fungi that cause diseases of roots, and classifies and characterizes the root and pathogen interaction in soil. The book describes the behavior of plant pathogenic bacteria, such as Agrobacterium, Corynebacterium, Xanthomonas, Pseudomonas, Erwinia, and Streptomyces. It also explores how plants and plant-produced stimuli affect the associated population of plant parasitic nematodes and how these plant parasitic nematodes affect higher plants in certain ways. In addition, this book discusses the morphology, classification, nomenclature, multiplication and translocation of viruses infecting the plants. It also describes the symptoms of the virus infection in roots. The book includes a discussion on the fundamentals of biological control, which include the pathosystem concept, the behavior of the soil microflora in the soil, the reservoirs for infection, the processes of pathogen decline, and the integrated effects on the decline of the pathogen. This discussion on biological control also presents the natural and artificially induced biological control. This book will be of great value to soil microbiologists and plant pathologists.

  • Processes and Control of Plant Senescence

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 8
    • Y.Y. Leshem + 2 more
    • English
    This monograph provides basic and empiric information underlying processes believed to be involved in the doubtless multifunctional plant senescence syndrome. While essentially assuming a `basic science' approach the authors, drawing on data obtained from many of the main laboratories and research centres involved in senescence research the world over, and also on findings of the research groups they are associated with, have described how principles of basic science have been applied to practical problems, and have outlined the partial means presently available to man for achieving plant senescence control. Moreover, information is provided on current problems in the forefront of senescence research. This approach will hopefully engender further enquiry and lead at least to partial solutions to some of the as yet unsolved problems.The book will be an asset to the book shelves of students on advanced courses in agriculture, biology and biochemistry as well as scientists and research workers, university and agricultural research station libraries and horticulturalists.

  • Soil disinfestation

    • 1st Edition
    • D Mulder
    • English
    Soil Disinfestation considers the effectiveness and necessity of soil disinfestation, while exposing the dangers of various treatments and the ways to overcome them. The book serves as a collection of heterogeneous articles written by a number of research workers in the field of soil science and microbial ecology. The book is divided into five sections and comprised of 15 chapters that cover the general aspects of standard, physical, chemical, and biological soil disinfestation and the fate of pesticides in the soil. The book discusses the causes and consequences of soil contamination and detection methods. The factors that influence the efficacy of each treatment and the practical application of commonly used pesticides, such as fumigants and fungicides, are also explained in this reference. Some of the contributors also give a critical retrospect about the subjects with speculation about the trends in soil disinfestation. Microbiologists and research workers in soil science, as well as students and novices in microbiology, pedology, and microbial ecology, will find this book invaluable for their practice and learning.

  • Nitrogen Management and Ground Water Protection

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 21
    • Ronald F Follett
    • English
    Supplying crops with adequate nitrogen is vital to ensuring food supplies. Once nitrogen is added to the soil, it is subject to chemical transformations of the nitrogen-cycle including transformation to nitrate. Excessive amounts of accumulated nitrate may then leach out of the soil and could potentially enter and contaminate drinking water supplies. The purpose of this book is to examine the subject of nitrogen management and ground water protection.The issue of maintaining ground water quality is addressed primarily from an agronomic point of view. Topics covered include: health and economic aspects of nitrate in drinking water; nitrate sources; ground water nitrate in the USA and other developed countries; transport, leaching and accounting for nitrogen; soil, nitrogen, crop and water management; and nitrate in aquifer systems. The book contains a keyword index and is organized into thirteen chapters, each with appropriate references, tables and figures. Chapter authors are among the leading experts on the subject of nitrate and ground water quality.Readers to whom the book is directed include soil scientists and agronomists, agricultural engineers (irrigation and drainage), environmental scientists, agricultural policy makers, and hydrologists.

  • Housing of Animals

    Construction and Equipment of Animal Houses
    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 6
    • A. Maton + 2 more
    • English
    Animal husbandry plays an increasingly important role throughout the world in the fulfillment of the primary need of mankind: food. The growing demand for food leads to an intensification of the production of livestock and because of the varying climatic conditions in many parts of the world, livestock has to be housed in suitable accommodation during certain times of the year.This book brings together a descriptive as well as a scientific study of all aspects of the housing of all animals; construction of and building materials to be used for the houses and facilities; work organisation and labour requirements in different types of animal houses; the influence of the animal housing types on animal behaviour, animal health and the environment and the cost of building the accommodation.This English-language edition is a new text of the last edition of the book, which was written in Dutch, in 1983. A great deal of recent information of international dimension concerning animal husbandry, construction and equipment of animal houses has been included in this edition. The book has also been updated with the latest scientific and technological findings on this subject published in 1983 and 1984.Agricultural engineers, veterinary surgeons, architects, students, progressive farmers and anyone interested in the housing of animals should find much to interest them in this book.

  • Methods in Plant Biochemistry Volume 1

    • 1st Edition
    • P. M. Dey
    • English
    Methods in Plant Biochemistry, Volume 1: Plant Phenolics reviews current knowledge about techniques used in the analysis of the biochemistry of plant polyphenols and their importance in the agricultural and food industries. It looks at the application of these techniques in the fractionation of cellular constituents, isolation of enzymes, electrophoretic separation of nucleic acids and proteins, and chromatographic identification of the intermediates and products of cellular metabolism. Organized into 15 chapters, this book opens with an overview of the general procedures and measurement of total phenolics, from detecting phenolic substances in crude plant extracts to determining which classes they belong to and the quantitative estimation of total phenol. The reader is introduced to the chemistry, structural variation, function, and distribution of each class of plant phenolics and, in a few cases where this is practicable, detailed listings of known derivatives are given. Most chapters focus on chromatographic separations and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), along with thin layer and paper Rf values with HPLC retention times and NMR spectroscopy. The book also outlines the procedures for the extraction, isolation, separation, and characterization of different classes of phenolic compounds, ranging from phenols and phenolic acids to phenylpropanoids, lignins, stilbenes and phenanthrenes, flavones and flavonols, chalcones and aurones, flavanoids, anthocyanins, biflavanoids, tannins, isoflavanoids, quinones, xanthones, and lichen substances. The book is a valuable resource for students, biochemists, and researchers in the plant sciences.

  • Tree Crop Physiology

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 18
    • A.S. Raghavendra + 1 more
    • English
    This book is the result of a recommendation from the plenary session of ``TREE-PHYSINDIA-82'... an international symposium held at the Rubber Research Institute of India, Kottayam, that a publication be brought out presenting information on the methodology adopted for various physiological studies in tree crops. Containing reviews on general physiology as well as detailed information on certain selected tree crops, the choice of topics emphasizes many aspects of tree physiology. The contributed articles in Part A provide an insight into different approaches to studying the physiology of tree crops, with an emphasis on methodology. Part B provides case-histories of physiological investigations on selected economically important tropical tree crops. The volume will provide a valuable source of information and stimulus to scientists involved in the work of tree physiology.

  • Application of Mutation Breeding Methods in the Improvement of vegetatively propagated crops V2

    • 1st Edition
    • C. Broertjes
    • English
    Application of Mutation Breeding Methods in the Improvement of Vegetatively Propagated Crops: An Interpretive Literature Review summarizes advances in the use of artificially induced mutations to improve cultivated plants, particularly those that are vegetatively propagated. It brings together all available and accessible references that examine the advantages, drawbacks, and possibilities of the mutation breeding method, as well as the challenges that prevent it from being applied to various crops. Comprised of eight chapters, this volume begins with an overview of various aspects of mutagenic treatment using chemical and physical mutagens. It then discusses the structure and functioning of shoot apices and their behavior after irradiation; adventitious bud techniques and other in vivo or in vitro methods of asexual propagation; and breeding of root and tuber crops, such as cassava and potato, ornamental crops such as foliage plants and cut flowers, fruit crops, and other crops. Plant breeders who want to better understand how to apply mutation breeding to their crops will find this book extremely helpful.

  • Controlled Atmosphere and Fumigation in Grain Storages

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 5
    • B.E. Ripp
    • English
    The symposium was organised by Co-operative Bulk Handling Limited and the Australian Grain Institute Incorporated in collaboration with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation and Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations. The meeting attracted 270 participants from 28 countries, and as it was devoted to the practical aspects of the subject, it included a field trip to sites in various stages of the sealing exercise in order to provide coverage of the broad aspects of grain handling, storage, transport and quality control. These proceedings contain the 49 papers presented, together with a description of the field visits, plus records and discussions.

  • Shrub-Steppe

    Balance and Change in a Semi-Arid Terrestrial Ecosystem
    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 20
    • Alec Rickard + 3 more
    • English
    Owing to man-made intervention, the shrub-steppe now represents a rapidly disappearing landscape in the arid regions of North America. This book represents a systems-level study of ecological variables affecting water balance, and responses to perturbation. The study focused on a very large, protected, landscape unit, comprising a natural ``watershed'' area located in the semi-arid western United States. Long-term and concurrent data sets were established with a view towards establishing system-level responses to manipulative interventions, and natural perturbations like wildfire. These data sets were established for micrometeorology, climatology, mineral cycling in soils, nutrient and mineral pathways in springs and streams, vegetational dynamics, and population changes on the site. In synthesizing nearly twenty years of data, the more interesting ecosystem level responses concerned vegetational recovery and water balance. For instance, the synthesis uniquely demonstrates the interaction of biotic and non-biotic factors and their integrated effect on regional water balance. However, special attention was also paid to species diversity and the genetic resource pool represented at this site.This book will be of primary interest as a reference resource to land managers and wildlife specialists, and as a research study for scientists interested in systems-level ecology. Conservation-minded citizens who take more than a cursory interest in ecology will also find it interesting.

  • Biotic Interactions and Soil-Borne Diseases

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 23
    • A.B.R. Beemster + 5 more
    • English
    This volume contains a collection of all the papers presented at the founding conference of the European Foundation for Plant Pathology, held from 26th February to 2nd March 1990 at Wageningen, The Netherlands. It focusses on the theme of "Biotic Interactions and Soil-Borne Diseases", on which there are contributions from leading European scientists in the field of soil-borne diseases. Ways of exploiting biotic processes and phenomena which result in plant production harmless to the environment are explored.

  • Forest Amelioration

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 14
    • O. Riedl + 1 more
    • English
    This book is primarily addressed to workers engaged in water management and forest husbandry. It provides an overview of the problems and describes biological and engineering measures designed to improve drainage conditions in small catchment areas, protect forest land against erosion, control torrential flows, regulate the water economy of forest soils, and improve the microclimatic conditions.The thirteen chapters not only provide the reader with all the essential theoretical information, but are also supplemented by practical examples indicating solutions to typical situations. In addition, numerous diagrams and photographs are included to illustrate both theoretical considerations and the practical solutions, and several tables are added to facilitate actual computations.

  • After Water Management Measures

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 15B
    • English
    Technical water management measures in the inundation region of southern Moravia significantly affected conditions of terrestrial and water ecosystems. Changes in ecological conditions and reaction of biota in the ecosystems of floodplain forests and meadows and regulated watercourses and retention reservoirs were studied within the UNESCO "Man and the Biosphere" programme for several years by a multi-disciplinary team of scientific workers. A broad extent of knowledge from many scientific disciplines enables a deeper insight into complexity of ecological relations after an intervention into landscape to ecologists, water managers, foresters, agronomists and biologists of different specializations.

  • Alternative Methods of Agriculture V10

    • 1st Edition
    • R Boeringa
    • English
    Alternative Methods of Agriculture is an English translation of a number of parts of "The Dutch Report on Alternative Agriculture.” This book explores not only the relationship between agriculture and the environment, but also the relationship between human beings and society. The book focuses on the role of nature and man in agriculture and environment; the justification of the terms natural and biological; comparisons between alternative agriculture and conventional agriculture; soil fertility; quality of products of alternative agriculture; coping mechanism of alternative agriculture to pests, weeds, diseases and energy problems; economics of alternative systems; and the effect of alternative agriculture on the integration of nature, agriculture and man. The book presents the ideologies that serve as the basis for alternative agriculture, such as A.N.O.G agriculture, biodynamic agriculture, Howard-Balfour agriculture, Lemaire-Boucher agriculture, macrobiotic agriculture, mazdaznan agriculture, organic-biological agriculture, and veganic agriculture. It also explores cultivation methods, including tillage, soil disinfection, fertilizing, composting, soil cover, crop rotation, and multiple cropping.

  • Isozymes in Plant Genetics and Breeding

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 1A
    • English
    Developments in Plant Genetics and Breeding, 1A: Isozymes in Plant Genetics and Breeding, Part A focuses on the advancements in the processes, methodologies, and approaches involved in the study of isozymes, including its role in plant genetics and breeding. The selection first elaborates on the historical perspectives of plant isozymes, plant genetics, and isozyme systems to study gene regulation during development. Discussions focus on the use of isozyme and similar comparisons to study differential gene regulation, gene preservation, dissemination of cultivars, propagation of cultivars and breeding lines, and studies on the effect of viral infection and hormones on isozyme expression. The text then examines allozymes in gene dosage studies, gene mapping, and plastid isozymes. The manuscript takes a look at the genetics of mitochondrial isozymes, evolution of plant isozymes, and detection of somatic variation. Topics include evolution of isozymes in plants, generation of isozymes, glutamate dehydrogenase, glutamate-oxaloaceta... transaminase, and malate dehydrogenase. The text also ponders on enzyme activity staining, isozymic variation and plant breeders' rights, genetic purity of commercial seed lots, and use of isozymes in plant disease research. The selection is a valuable reference for researchers interested in the role of isozymes in plant genetics and breeding.

  • The Biology And Control of Weeds in Sugarcane

    • 1st Edition
    • S Peng
    • English
    The Biology and Control of Weeds in Sugarcane provides a comprehensive discussion of the problems of weed control in sugarcane against the background of world-wide cultivation, with emphasis on Taiwan's intensive pattern of crop farming. The book is divided into 12 chapters which present the following concepts of weed control in sugarcane: botanical description of sugarcane; the cultivation of sugarcane in relation to weed control; weeds associated with sugarcane and their biological characteristics; losses in crop production caused by weeds; chemical control of weeds; crop tolerance and weed responses to chemicals; evaluation of new herbicides; research and practices of chemical weed control; and application techniques and equipment utilized in weed control. The book is an authoritative reference for agriculture students, lecturers, and scientists. The advances presented in the book are also an invaluable contribution to the expanding ""Weed Science"" and will serve as an excellent background and perspective for further weed studies.

  • Target Receptors in the Control of Insect Pests: Part I

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 44
    • English
    The latest volume in this series contains articles on insect growth disruptors. The papers in this special issue give rise to key themes for the future.

  • Grain Handling and Storage

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 5
    • G. Boumans
    • English
    Here, for the first time, is a single source of ordered, coherent information about the handling and storage of grain, grain derivatives and substitutes. The author has had a lifetime's experience in this field and the book is the culmination of six years spent compiling the valuable technical information gained from his extensive know-how. The book surveys various techniques and practical engineering options for the study, design, construction, safety, operation and maintenance of grain handling and storage facilities. An extensive bibliography permits direct access to the primary literature and the text is supplemented throughout by numerous illustrations, line drawings and photographs.With its complete and comprehensive coverage and systematic layout, the book provides a wealth of information on the basic technology and the latest developments in this field. It will be welcomed by a wide readership, including general managers, plant and engineers, manufacturers, insurance companies and all technicians and professionals involved in the daily operation, maintenance and safety of such facilities.

  • Plant Production and Management under Drought Conditions

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 12
    • J.F. Stone + 1 more
    • English
    For some years, workers have been investigating the possibilities of integrating knowledge from soil and atmospheric sciences, crop physiology, and genetics in order to model crop response to water stress and breed plants for drought resistance.This book turns the theory into practice. Information, gathered from recent symposia and research journals, have been built upon by the authors. Up-to-date practices are cited, new practices devised, and approaches for scientific applications specified. The authors have devised numerous examples and applications for their approaches. Attention has been given to making these approaches credible in the light of economic and energy limitations. Because application of such practice over a wide area requires wide-areal sensing and measurement, recent advances in remote sensing for these purposes are outlined with methodology for practical application.The book will be of interest to a wide readership including crop managers and producers, soil scientists, agricultural micrometeorologists, plant breeders, water managers and stress physiologists.

  • Wetland Modelling

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 12
    • W.J. Mitsch + 2 more
    • English
    The study of wetlands is a relatively new field and the modelling of these systems is still in its formative stages. Nevertheless, the editors felt compelled to assemble this volume as a first statement of the state of the art of modelling approaches for the quantitative study of wetlands. A global approach has been adopted in this book, not only by including a wide geographic distribution of wetlands, but also by including papers on both freshwater and saltwater wetlands. Wetlands are defined as systems intermediate between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, and include ecosystems under a wide range of hydrologic and ecologic conditions. The wetland types discussed in this book reflect that heterogeneity, ranging from intermittently flooded wet meadows to permanently flooded shallow reservoirs and lakes. Also included are modelling examples from coastal salt marshes, shallow estuaries, mesotrophic bogs, reedswamps, forested swamps, and regional wetlands. In summary, the book presents ecological modelling as a tool for management of these sensitive ecosystems, and for studying their structure and function. Each chapter has extensive references related to the modelling approach and wetland type discussed. It will be useful for wetland scientists and managers, and could also serve as a supplemental text on courses in wetland ecology.

  • The Origin and Domestication of Cultivated Plants

    • 1st Edition
    • C. Barigozzi
    • English
    This book consists of the proceedings of a symposium organized by the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei, Rome. The proceedings are unusual in that it is a rare event to see archaeologists and geneticists coming together to discuss the connection between historical facts and biological phenomena. The aim of the symposium was to discuss the origin of some important cultivated plants (wheat, maize, barley, oat, legumes and fruit trees) not only in relation to genetical mechanisms but also as a complex of historical facts recognizable through archaeological research.This international Meeting based on interdisciplinary concepts, met with a prompt and positive reaction from all those specialists invited to attend. The book itself is an unparalleled contribution to the interdisciplinary knowledge on the origin of crop plants and agriculture.

  • 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.

  • Analysis of Turbulent Boundary Layers

    • 1st Edition
    • Tuncer Cebeci
    • English
    Analysis of Turbulent Boundary Layers focuses on turbulent flows meeting the requirements for the boundary-layer or thin-shear-layer approximations. Its approach is devising relatively fundamental, and often subtle, empirical engineering correlations, which are then introduced into various forms of describing equations for final solution. After introducing the topic on turbulence, the book examines the conservation equations for compressible turbulent flows, boundary-layer equations, and general behavior of turbulent boundary layers. The latter chapters describe the CS method for calculating two-dimensional and axisymmetric laminar and turbulent boundary layers. This book will be useful to readers who have advanced knowledge in fluid mechanics, especially to engineers who study the important problems of design.

  • Experimental Morphogenesis and Integration of Plants

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 18
    • J. Sebanek + 5 more
    • English
    In 1983, the book ``Experimental Plant Morphology'' was written in Czech by the above named authors. Widespread interest in the publication outside Czechoslovakia encouraged the authors to prepare this new English edition, ``Experimental Morphogenesis and Integration of Plants''. It is more than a mere translation of the original: the contents have been extended and further aspects of structural integrity and regulation in plants have been included, especially on the molecular, cellular and tissue level. The overall concept of the book is new and has been supplemented with the latest information on the subject.It aims to inform the scientific public, of current studies on morphogenesis and structural integration in plants. In addition, this book will show the possible way of regulating morphogenesis and structural integrity in plants with regard to the practical needs of agriculture, horticulture and silviculture.

  • Agricultural Engineering Soil Mechanics

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 10
    • E. McKyes
    • English
    This book provides an introduction to classical soil mechanics and foundation engineering, and applies these principles to agricultural engineering situations. Theoretical design formulae are given, plus tables and graphs dealing with bearing capacity factors, wall pressure factors, soil cutting numbers and soil mechanical properties. Many example problems of design and analysis are solved in the text, and there are unsolved problems given for each chapter.The text begins with descriptions of soil origins and classification systems, including agricultural classification schemes, and then introduces classical concepts of soil strength and strength measurement techniques in the laboratory and in the field. Soil mechanics is applied to the design of shallow foundations, and the design formulae as well as tables of bearing capacity factors for design use are provided. New research and design findings in the specialized area of tall and heavy farm silos are also given, in addition to deep pile foundation design for heavy structures on very soft soils. Water flow in soils is treated, together with stability of ditch bank slopes and small earth dams, design of retaining walls and pressure pressures in bins and silos, soil erosion and protection methods, soil cutting and tillage design methods, soil compaction analysis, the use of geotextiles and problems of soil freezing.The book is directed primarily at professional university students in Agricultural Engineering, but will also be of interest to scientists working in other engineering branches, landscape architecture, soil physics and the like.

  • Trickle Irrigation for Crop Production

    Design, Operation and Management
    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 9
    • F.S. Nakayama + 1 more
    • English
    An entirely new agricultural technology, trickle or drip irrigation, began its development in the early 1960's. Initial progress was sporadic even though the advantages in water management with trickle systems were recognized. Operators were reluctant to use the system because of its high initial cost and questions regarding its reliability. Once the main problems were isolated and solutions developed to make the system reliable, rapid acceptance by the growers resulted. Today, trickle irrigation is being used on crops that were earlier considered to be uneconomical. This multi-purpose handbook brings together current knowledge from various engineering and scientific disciplines (crop, hydraulic, irrigation and soil sciences) needed for understanding the trickle irrigation system for crop production. The two dozen contributors are experts on the various subjects, which range from the basic to the more practical aspects of trickle irrigation. Major topics include design, operation and management - with individual chapters covering historical development, emitter construction and clogging, system design, water and salt distribution, automation, water treatment, irrigation scheduling, maintenance, fertilization and salinity.The book greatly expands the scope of research papers, reviews, extension bulletins, and updates earlier text with new information on trickle systems. A multi-disciplinary approach has been taken on a multi-faceted subject. The material contained in the book is the most comprehensive yet developed on the topic. Illustrative sample problems and solutions provide field operators and extension personnel with information needed to install and maintain trickle systems. As it is up-to-date, it is useful as a teaching and reference source for students, manufacturers and irrigation system operators as well as irrigation and crop specialists, and consultants.

  • Trace Elements in Plants

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 6
    • M.Ya. Shkolnik
    • English
    Trace element science has undergone some dramatic changes in recent years and considerable discoveries have been made in the wide field of botany. This monograph reviews and summarizes the advances made in trace element research in botanical geography, taxonomy, phytocenology, geochemical ecology, morphology, anatomy, embryology and genetics.After a discussion of some general aspects of trace elements, the author makes a detailed critical analysis of their physiological role - a role that is not only of theoretical importance but one that can also provide a basis for the development of a rational system of plant nutrition. Various aspects of the problems dealt with, therefore, bear on practical issues in agriculture.

  • Taigu Genic Male-Sterile Wheat

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 9
    • Deng Deng Jingyang
    • English
    This book deals with the theoretical background and breeding methods of the single dominant male sterile gene, a spontaneous mutant discovered for the first time in wheat.The book is divided into three sections: the discovery of Taigu genic male-sterile wheat and its determination, such as genetic analysis, cytological observation, location of the gene, etc.; theory and method of the new way of breeding, such as recurrent selection, creating and developing the gene-pool; mechanism of male-sterility, for example morphological anatomy, cytochemistry and bio-chemical analysis.The book will prove valuable to plant breeders, agronomists, bio-technicians, botonists, geneticists and cytologists.

  • Controlled Atmosphere Storage of Grains

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 1
    • J. Shejbal
    • English
    Controlled Atmosphere Storage of Grains emerged from the International Symposium on Controlled Atmosphere Storage of Grains held at Castelgandolfo, near Rome, Italy, from May 12-15, 1980. The event was organized by ASSORENI (Association of ENI Companies for Scientific Research) and co-sponsored by FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations), ICC (International Association for Cereal Chemistry) and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The event was the first international symposium ever held on the subject and the entire breadth of the field of grain storage in controlled atmospheres was included in the six sessions, from naturally produced oxygen-poor atmospheres in underground pits to sophisticated automatic inert gas industrial storage facilities. The present volume is organized into seven parts corresponding to the six Sessions of original papers and the Round Table Discussion Session. Parts I-VI contain papers presented during the sessions on natural air-tight storage, entomology of controlled atmosphere storage, microbiology of controlled atmosphere storage, artificial controlled atmosphere storage, preservation of quality in controlled atmospheres, and facilities for artificial controlled atmosphere storage and economic aspects. The Round Table Discussion in Part VII presents the wrap-up reports for the six Sessions followed by a general discussion.

  • Cycling of Mineral Nutrients in Agricultural Ecosystems

    • 1st Edition
    • M Frissel
    • English
    Cycling of Mineral Nutrients in Agricultural Ecosystems contains the papers presented in the first international environmental symposium of the Royal Netherlands Land Development Society held at Amsterdam on 1976. The symposium is cosponsored by the International Association for Ecology and Elsevier Scientific Publishing Company. This compilation reflects the exchange of information and ideas by specialists and participants of the symposium. The book is comprised of nine chapters, which cover the following concepts of nutrient cycling in agricultural ecosystems: principles and control of nutrient cycling; description and classification of agro-ecosystems; nutrient cycling data from different countries; and general discussion on nutrient balances, changes in soil pools, manipulations, and future researches. This book also offers potential background and perspectives for further studies on nutrient cycling in agro-ecosystems, presenting a view on what directions future research should take. This volume will be an invaluable reference source for environmental science students and professionals. Research workers in agriculture and other environmental disciplines will also find this book useful.

  • Chromosome Engineering in Plants

    Genetics, Breeding, Evolution
    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 2B
    • P.K. Gupta + 1 more
    • English
    This two-volume work surveys the entire range of general aspects of chromosome research in plants. The first volume covers cytogenetics of cereals and millets with more than one chapter being devoted to the same crop to give a detailed treatment to an up-to-date status of chromosome research. This second volume deals with cytogenetics of plant materials including legumes, vegetable and oil crops, sugar crops, forage crops: fibre crops, medicinal crops and ornamentals. The book will be useful both as a reference work and a teaching aid to satisfy a wide range of workers. Every chapter has been written by an expert who has been involved in chromosome research on a particular plant material for many years so that the treatment is authoritative and up-to-date in most cases.

  • Inulin and Inulin-containing Crops

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 3
    • A. Fuchs
    • English
    The topics dealt with in this book cover a broad range of disciplines, such as agronomy and processing; analysis; chemistry and non-food applications; biochemistry; microbiology and molecular biology; and food and medical applications. Although emphasis is put on inulin and inulin-containing crops, the scope of the book is much wider, encompassing other fructans and fructan-containing plants, and even microorganisms producing and/or degrading fructans. It also deals with the possibiltiy of inulin-containing crops as alternatives in agricultural practice.This volume is recommended to those working in such diverse fields as agronomy and process technology, food science, analytical and organic chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology and molecular biology, and medical sciences, as well as to industries involved in the research and development of carbohydrate-based novel chemicals.

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