Agricultural science Books

Book SynopsisThis edited open access book presents the comprehensive outcome of The European DataBio Project, which examined new data-driven methods to shape a bioeconomy. These methods are used to develop new and sustainable ways to use forest, farm and fishery resources. As a European initiative, the goal is to use these new findings to support decision-makers and producers – meaning farmers, land and forest owners and fishermen.With their 27 pilot projects from 17 countries, the authors examine important sectors and highlight examples where modern data-driven methods were used to increase sustainability. How can farmers, foresters or fishermen use these insights in their daily lives? The authors answer this and other questions for our readers. The first four parts of this book give an overview of the big data technologies relevant for optimal raw material gathering. The next three parts put these technologies into perspective, by showing useable applications from farming, forestry and fishery. The final part of this book gives a summary and a view on the future.With its broad outlook and variety of topics, this book is an enrichment for students and scientists in bioeconomy, biodiversity and renewable resources.Table of ContentsTerms, Acronyms and Abbreviations Foreword (PO or Director Data at European Commission- DG CONNECT) Introduction to the book and the project & acknowledgements (Editors, Thanasis) Part I – Technological Foundation: Big Data Technologies for BioIndustries Chapter 1: State of the art of technology and market potential (Caj Södergård/VTT et al) Chapter 2: Standards (Ingo Simonis/OGC et al) Chapter 3 : Sensor Data (Savvas Rogotis/NP et al) Chapter 4: Geospatial Data (Eva Klien /Fraunhofer et al) Chapter 5: Crowdsourced Data (Karel Charvat/Lespro) Chapter 6 : Genomics Data (Ephrem Habyarimana /CREA et al) Chapter 7: Integrating data sources with Linked Data (Christian Zinke-Wehlmann/Infai et al) Chapter 8: Linked Data usages in DataBio (Christian Zinke-Wehlmann/Infai et al) Chapter 9: Data Pipelines: Modelling and Evaluation of models (Kais Chaabouni)/Softeam et al Chapter 10: Data Analytics and Machine Learning (Pekka Siltanen/VTT et al) Chapter 11: Real Time Data Processing (Fabiana Fournier/IBM, et al) Chapter 12: Privacy Preserving Analytics, Processing and Data Management (Baldur Kubo/Cybernetica) Chapter 13: Data Visualisation (Eva Klien/Fraunhofer et al) Part II – Applications in Agriculture Chapter 14: What is Smart Agriculture (Ephrem Habyarimana/CREA, Christian Zinke-Wehlmann/Infai) Chapter 15: NP’s Smart farming pilots (Savvas Rogotis/NP). Chapter 16: Big Data assets applied to the calculation of Irrigation needs in large scale Irrigation Communities (Iluminada Sevilla/Tragsa et al) Chapter 17: Genomics Biomass pilots (Ephrem Habyarimana/CREA et al) Chapter 18: Yield estimation in Sorghum and Cultivated Potato (Ephrem Habyarimana/CREA, Nicole Bartelds/NB Advies) Chapter 19: Yield variability mapping (Karel Charvat, Lespro et al) Chapter 20: Farm Weather Insurance Assessment (Antonella Catucci/e-Geos). Chapter 21: Copernicus Data and CAP Subsidies Control (Olimpia Copăcenaru /Terrasigna et al) Chapter 22: Future vision, Summary and Outlook Part III – Applications in Forestry Chapter 23: State of the art of technology and market potential (Jukka Miettinen/VTT) Chapter 24: Finnish Forest Data based Metsään.fi-services (Virpi Stenman/Metsäkeskus) Chapter 25: Forest variable estimation and change monitoring by Big Data remote sensing ( Jukka Miettinen/VTT et al) Chapter 26: Monitoring Forest Health: Big Data applied to diseases and plagues control (María Jose Checa et al/Tragsa) Chapter 27: Forest damage monitoring for the bark beetle (Petr Lukeš/ FMI) Chapter 28: Future Vision, Summary of Big Data in Forestry (Jukka Miettinen/VTT et al) Part IV – Applications in Fishery Chapter 29: State of the art of technology and market potential (Karl-Johan Reite /SINTEF et al) Chapter 30: Tuna Fisheries (Iñaki Quincoces/AZTI et al) Chapter 31: Small pelagic fisheries (K.G.A/SINTEF et al) Chapter 32: Future Vision, Summary and Outlook (Josean Fernandes/AZTI et al) Part V – Summary and Outlook Chapter 33: Summary of Potential of Big Data Technology Chapter 34: Outreach, Perspective, Exploitation Chapter 35: How can I apply Big Data?

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Book SynopsisThis textbook addresses the core issues facing economists concerning price determination in commodity markets, especially food and agricultural commodities. This book hones in on the conceptual basis of the various relationships, with special emphasis on market interrelationships, both horizontally and vertically. This book covers key concepts such as consumer demand theory; quality, heterogeneous goods, and cross section demand; derived demand, marketing margins, and relationship between output and raw material prices; retail-to-farm demand linkages, imperfect competition, and short-run price determination; dynamic consumer demand; and dynamic models of the firm.What makes this textbook of particular use to students is its focus on bridging the gap between theory and empirical analysis. Going from theory to empirics requires that we have data—time series or cross section—that match the theoretical constructs. Often the data match is not perfect, either by definition or how the data are computed. In addition to problems of matching data with theoretical constructs, students and researchers need to know how to specify, estimate, and interpret results within the context of imperfect and often incomplete data. This textbook uses several data sets to illustrate how one might address problems in real-world settings. Furthermore, with exercises at the end of each chapter, students are able to test themselves on their ability to bring theory to life.Table of Contents1. Introduction.- 2. Consumer Demand: Theory.- 3. Consumer Demand: Separability and Commodity Aggregation.- 4. Consumer Demand: Empirical Analysis I.- 5. Consumer Demand: Empirical Analysis II.- 6. Quality, Heterogeneous Goods, and Cross Section Demand.- 7. Derived Demand, Marketing Margins, and Relationship between Output and Raw Material Prices.- 8. Retail-to-Farm Demand Linkages, Imperfect Competition, and Short-Run Price Determination.- 9. Dynamic Consumer Demand.- 10. Dynamic Models of the Firm.

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Book SynopsisThis open access book is the result of an expert panel convened by the Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability and Nature Sustainability. The panel tackled the seventeen UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030 head-on, with respect to the global systems that produce and distribute food. The panel’s rigorous synthesis and analysis of existing research leads compellingly to multiple actionable recommendations that, if adopted, would simultaneously lead to healthy and nutritious diets, equitable and inclusive value chains, resilience to shocks and stressors, and climate and environmental sustainability.Table of Contents1:- Panel Members.- 2:- Socio-technical Innovation Bundles for Agri-food Systems Transformation.- 3;- The State of Agri-food Systems and Agri-food Value Chains in 2020.- 4:- Key External Drivers of Change to 2070.- 5;- Envisioning Four Design Objectives for 2045–70.- 6;- Getting from Here to There.- 7:- A Profuse Pipeline of Promising Options.- 8:- Socio-technical Innovation Bundles Tailored to Distinct Agri-Food Systems.- 9:- Impact Pathways.- 10:- Towards Co-creation of AFS Innovations by AVC Actors.- 11:- Technical Appendix.- References.

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Book SynopsisThis open access book describes recent innovations in food systems based on root, tuber and banana crops in developing countries. These innovations respond to many of the challenges facing these vital crops, linked to their vegetative seed and bulky and perishable produce. The innovations create value, food, jobs and new sources of income while improving the wellbeing and quality of life of their users. Women are often key players in the production, processing and marketing of roots, tubers and bananas, so successful innovation needs to consider gender. These crops and their value chains have long been neglected by research and development, hence this book contributes to filling in the gap. The book features many outcomes of the CGIAR Research Program in Roots, Tubers and Banana (RTB), which operated from 2012-21, encompassing many tropical countries, academic and industry partners, multiple crops, and major initiatives. It describes the successful innovation model developed by RTB that brings together diverse partners and organizations, to create value for the end users and to generate positive economic and social outcomes. RTB has accelerated the scaling of innovations to reach many end users cost effectively. Though most of the book’s examples and insights are from Africa, they can be applied worldwide. The book will be useful for decision makers designing policies to scale up agricultural solutions, for researchers and extension specialists seeking practical ideas, and for scholars of innovation.Table of Contents​Section A: Overview, Institutional Change and ScalingChapter 1 - OverviewGraham Thiele, Michael Friedmann, Vivian Polar and Hugo CamposChapter 2 - Innovation models to deliver value at scale: the RTB Program Helen Hambly, Michael Friedmann, Claudio Proietti, Vivian Polar, Sarah Fernandes, Graham ThieleChapter 3 - Scaling Readiness: learnings from applying a novel approach to support scaling of food system innovationsMarc Schut, Cees Leeuwis, Murat Sartas, Luis Alejandro Taborda Andrade, Jacob van Etten, Anna Muller, Thierry Tran, Arnaud Chapuis and Graham ThieleSection B: Processing, Marketing and DistributionChapter 4 - Cost-effective cassava processing: Case study of small-scale flash dryer reengineeringThierry Tran, Adebayo Abass, Luis Alejandro Taborda Andrade, Arnaud Chapuis, Marcelo Precoppe, Laurent Adinsi, Alexandre Bouniol, Makuachukwu Ojide, Suraju Adeyemi Adegbite, Simon Singi Lukombo, Murat Sartas, Béla Teeken, Apollin Fotso Kuate, Robert Ndjouenkeu, Martín Moreno, John Belalcázar, Luis Augusto Becerra López-Lavalle, Dominique DufourChapter 5 - Orange-Fleshed Sweetpotato Puree, a Breakthrough Product for the Bakery Sector in Africa Mukani Moyo, Van-Den Truong, Josip Simunovic, Jean Pankuku, George Ooko Abong, Francis Kweku Amagloh, Richard Fuchs, Antonio Magnaghi, Srinivasulu Rajendran, Fredrick Grant and Tawanda MuzhingiChapter 6 - Turning waste to wealth: Harnessing the potential of cassava peels for nutritious animal feedIheanacho Okike, Seerp Wigboldus, Anandan Samireddipalle, Diego Naziri, Akin O. K. Adesehinwa, Victor Attah Adejoh, Tunde Amole, Sunil Bordoloi, Peter KulakowChapter 7 - Transferring cassava processing technology from Brazil to AfricaAlfredo Augusto Cunha Alves, Luciana Alves de Oliveira, and Joselito da Silva MottaChapter 8 - Improving Safety of Cassava ProductsLinley Chiwona-Karltun, Leon Brimer, Jose JacksonSection C: Enhancing productivityChapter 9 - Innovative digital technologies to monitor and control pest and disease threats in root, tuber, and banana (RTB) cropping systems: Progress and prospects Jan Kreuze, Julius Adewopo, Michael Selvaraj, Leroy Mwanzia, Lava Kumar, Wilmer J. Cuellar, James P. Legg, David Hughes, Guy Blomme Chapter 10 - Scaling banana bacterial wilt management through single diseased stem removal in the Great Lakes RegionEnoch Kikulwe, Marsy Asindu, Walter Ocimati, William Tinzaara, Francois Iradukunda, Susan Ajambo, Guy BlommeChapter 11 - Toolbox for Working with Root, Tuber and Banana Seed SystemsJorge L. Andrade-Piedra, Karen A. Garrett, Erik Delaquis, Conny J.M. Almekinders, Margaret A. McEwan, Fleur B.M. Kilwinger, Sarah Mayanja, Lucy Mulugo, Israel Navarrete, Aman Bonaventure Omondi, Srinivasulu Rajendran, P. Lava KumarChapter 12. Securing sweetpotato planting material for farmers in dryland Africa: Gender-responsive communication approaches to scale Triple SMargaret A. McEwan, T.A. van Mourik, M.C. Hundayehu, F. Asfaw, S. Namanda, I. Suleman, Sarah Mayanja, S. Imoro, P.M. Etwire Chapter 13 - Revolutionizing early generation seed potato in East AfricaElmar Schulte-Geldermann, Rogers Kakuhenzire, Kalpana Sharma, Monica ParkerChapter 14: Transforming Yam Seed Systems in West AfricaNorbert Maroya, Morufat Balogun, Beatrice Aighewi, Djana B. Mignouna, P. Lava Kumar, and Robert Asiedu Chapter 15 - Commercially sustainable cassava seed systems in AfricaJames P. Legg, E Diebiru-Ojo, D. Eagle., M. Friedmann, E. Kanju, R. Kapinga, P.L. Kumar, S. Lateef, S. Magige, K. Mtunda, G. Thiele, J. Yabeja and H. NitturkarChapter 16 - Building demand-led and gender-responsive breeding programsVivian Polar, Béla Teeken, Janet Mwende, Pricilla Marimo, Hale A Tufan, Jacqueline A Ashby, Steve Cole, Sarah Mayanja, Julius J Okello, Peter Kulakow, Graham ThieleSection D: Improving livelihoodsChapter 17 - Scaling Readiness of Biofortified Root, Tuber, and Banana Crops for Africa Jan Low, Anna-Marie Ball, Paul Ilona, Beatrice Ekesa, Simon Heck, Wolfgang Pfeiffer

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Book SynopsisThis book offers a comprehensive analysis of the application level for various agricultural biotechnologies across Sub-Saharan Africa. The authors examine the capacity available as well as the enabling environment, including policy and investments, for facilitating agricultural biotechnology development and use in the region. For each Sub-Saharan country, the status of biotechnology application is assessed in four major sectors; Crops, Livestock, Forestry and Aquaculture. Examples such as the number and requisite skill levels of trained personnel, biosafety frameworks and public awareness are surfaced in these chapters. This work also discusses the impact of push-pull factors on research, training and food security and identifies opportunities for investment in biotechnology and local agribusiness.Development partners, policy makers, agricultural consultants as well as scientists and private sector investors with an interest in biotechnology initiatives in Sub-Saharan Africa will find this collection an important account to identify key gaps in capacity and policy, as well as priority areas going forward. The volume highlights ways to develop technology and increase agricultural production capacity through international cooperation and inclusive economic growth, making it a valuable practice guide in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, in particular SDG 2 Zero Hunger and SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth. Clear case studies round off the reading experience.Table of ContentsPreliminaryBook Editors: J.E.O. Rege and Keith Sones ed.rege@emerge-africa.org, keith@sones.info Chapter 1: Introduction (J.E.O. Rege & Keith Sones) ed.rege@emerge-africa.org The definition and spectrum of ag biotech; the African experience to date; the objectives of the book and how it is organized Chapter 2: The state of Applications of Agricultural Biotechnology in Sub-Saharan Africa (Dan Kiambi, Joel W. Ochieng’ and J.E.O. Rege) dionysious.kiambi@pacuniversity.ac.ke Extent of applications of ag biotech (from low- to high-tech) by sectors (crops, livestock, fisheries, and forestry); differences in applications (within and across sectors) by countries and sub-regions of Africa Chapter 3: The state of Capacities for Agricultural Biotechnology in Sub-Saharan Africa (J.E.O. Rege, Joel W. Ochieng’ and Dan Kiambi) ed.rege@emerge-africa.org Including access to complementary technologies (e.g. ICT); others? Chapter 4: The state of Enabling Environment for Agricultural Biotechnology in Sub-Saharan Africa (J.E.O Rege, Dan Kiambi, and Joel W. Ochieng’) ed.rege@emerge-africa.org Policy, legislation, investments, links to capacity, IP, etc. Chapter 5: Impacts of Biotechnology on Sub-Saharan African Agriculture (J.E.O. Rege and Keith Sones) ed.rege@emerge-africa.org Qualitative and quantitative outcomes and impacts of ag biotech applications in Africa by sectors (crops, livestock, fisheries, and forestry); Economic (e.g. cost-benefit of these technologies) and social dimensions (e.g. social acceptance?); Are smallholders winning or losing? Win-win possibilities for future Chapter 6: Gaps and Opportunities for Agricultural Biotechnology in Sub-Saharan Africa (J.E.O. Rege and Keith Sones) ed.rege@emerge-africa.org Based on lessons to date, what will it take for Africa to achieve a trajectory of sustained transformative change through use of technologies? · Mobilizing increased public and private sector investments – incl. IP issues (ref to enabling environment) · Institutional arrangements for research (e.g. shared facilities across sectors and countries?) · South-South and South-North collaborations · Incubation models · Cross-border movement of technologies (e.g. quality seed and breeding stock) · Outsource or not? E.g. sequencing/genotyping in China? North America?? Pros and Cons!

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Book SynopsisThis open access book covers a century of research on wheat genetics and evolution, starting with the discovery in 1918 of the accurate number of chromosomes in wheat. We re-evaluate classical studies that are pillars of the current knowledge considering recent genomic data in the wheat group comprising 31 species from the genera Amblyopyrum, Aegilops, Triticum, and other more distant relatives. For these species, we describe morphology, ecogeographical distribution, phylogeny as well as cytogenetic and genomic features. For crops, we also address evolution under human selection, namely pre-domestication cultivation and domestication. We re-examine the genetic and archeological evidence of where, when, and how domestication occurred. We discuss unique aspects of genome evolution and maintenance under polyploidization, in natural and synthetic allopolyploids of the wheat group. Finally, we propose some thoughts on the future prospects of wheat improvement. As such, it can be of great interest to wheat researchers and breeders as well as to plant scientists and students interested in plant genetics, evolution, domestication, and polyploidy.Table of Contents

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Book SynopsisChapter 1 - Introductive Chapter.- Chapter 2.- Do Geographical Indications certify origin and quality?.- Chapter 3 .- PDO and organic: consumers' willingness to pay for combined labels .- Chapter 4.- Innovating the link to origin: is there a difference between PDOs and PGIs?.- Chapter 5.- The traditional specialty guaranteed or the protected geographical indication as quality schemes for the protection of Jamón Serrano (Serrano ham).- Chapter 6.- Geographical Indications in South America: It's not all about the label. Cultural Factors and Networked Governance.- Chapter 7.- Analysis of origin labelling schemes in the Southern Mediterranean countries; the case of Deglet Nour of Tolga in Algeria.- Chapter 8 .- Silent registered EU GIs: what is at stake?.- Chapter 9.- Domain Name Protection for Geographical Indications:  a European gamechanger.- Chapter 10.- Study on the Protection System and economic impact of GIs in China.- Chapter 11.- Geographical Indication Regulations and Practices in Türkiye.- Chapter 12.- Promotion and protection of products of origin in Chile. The role of the state.- Chapter 13.- Two decades of dedication: The story of registering Karoo Lamb as a GI in South Africa.- Chapter 14.- Better interinstitutional coordination for the efficient operation of the delegated entities of the PDOs in Colombia.- Chapter 15.- Empirical Investigation of Fraud and Unfair Competition Practices in France and Vietnam: Actors, Types and Drivers.- Chapter 16.- A Model of Geographical Indication's Product Specification for ASEAN Countries.- Chapter 17.- Contribution of the PDO and PGI of Extremadura (Spain) to the protection of biodiversity and the development of the green and circular economy.- Chapter 18.- "Madd de Casamance": the collective construction of a GI on a picked product to develop a sustainable industry.- Chapter 19.- Geographical indication and its transforming role in the Amazon: the case of Pará state (Brazil) .- Chapter 20.- The patrimony blind spot of Geographical Indication in state-centered governance: Mikawa region agri-food products in Japan.- Chapter 2.- The First Controversy over GI Registration in Japan: A Case of Hatcho Miso.- Chapter 22.- Comparison between Geographical Indication indigenous rice in India and Thailand: Regulations and practices.- Chapter 23.- The potential of Geographical Indications (GI) to enhance Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) in Japan, with GI Mishima potato as a case study.- Chapter 24.- The teachings of the Bouhezza cheese GI in Algeria through the perception of the actors on the economic, social, environmental and cultural effects.- Chapter 25.- Sustainability strategy for GIs; a bottom-up and participatory approach for GI sustainability.- Chapter 26.- Terroir and geographical indications: a relationship to reinvent in the face of climate change.- Chapter 27.- The issue of geographical indications in the face of climate change in France.- Chapter 28.- Geographical indication foods as part of healthy diets; Their contributions to explore further.- Chapter 29.- Everyday food practices: GI products, sustainable consumption and health.

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Book SynopsisFocusing on organic farming, this book presents peer-reviewed contributions from leading international academics and researchers in the field of organic agriculture, plant ecosystems, sustainable horticulture and related areas of biodiversity science. It includes case studies and reviews on organic agriculture, horticulture and pest management, use of microorganisms, composting, crop rotation, organic milk and meat production, as well as ecological issues. This unique book addresses a wide array of topics from all continents, making it a valuable reference resource for students, researchers and agriculturists who are concerned with biodiversity, agroecology and sustainable development of agricultural resources.Table of ContentsGlobal Trends in Organic Agriculture.- Organic Strawberry Production in Tennessee, USA and Areas of Comparable Climate in China.- Role of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) as Bio-fertilizers in Stabilizing Agricultural Ecosystems.- Safety, Nutrition and Health Aspects of Organic Food.- Plant-Parasitic Nematode Problems in Organic Agriculture.- Breeding for Organic and Sustainable Production.- Organic Agriculture: A Viable Option for Food Security and Livelihood Sustainability in Nepal.- The potential of silvopastoral systems for milk and meat organic production in the tropics.- Role of Legumes for and as Horticultural Crops in Sustainable Agriculture.- Principles of Vermitechnology in Sustainable Organic Farming with Special Reference to Bangladesh.- Composting, Crop Rotation, and Cover Crop Practices in Organic Vegetable Production.- Effective Micro-organisms (EM) as Sustainable Components in Organic Farming: Principles, Applications and Validity.- Season Extension in Organic Systems.- Consumer Perception of Organic Food and Product Marketing.- Sustainable Urban Agriculture: A Growing Solution to Urban Food Deserts.

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Book SynopsisThis book targets the issue of water scarcity in Egypt as a typical example of the world water crisis. Today, the available water resource is facing its limit because of rapid increase in water demand as a result of population growth and changes in peoples’ life-style. The basic idea to solve the problem of water scarcity is that the irrigation sector, the biggest user of water, should increase water use efficiency. However, the real problem is how this can be achieved in view of the crucial need for water in this sector. This book addresses this challenge through case studies from the Nile delta in Egypt. The water problem in the Nile delta, the major source for water in Egypt, is discussed in this book from all its various aspects. This book covers the situation before and after the advent of the Aswan High Dam, so that the reader understands the entire development. Another special feature are the extensive and scientific descriptions of contemporary topics in water and agriculture, especially from the viewpoint of water saving and sustainability. These descriptions are based on field experiments and surveys in a six-year international research project. Topics of this book are local, but their implications are global.Table of ContentsCountry Profile.- Hydrology of the Nile and Ancient Agriculture.- Control of the Nile’s Flow: The Introduction of Perennial Irrigation for Modern Agriculture.- Egyptian Irrigation after the Aswan High Dam.- Soil and Agriculture after the Aswan High Dam.- Irrigation Methods and Water Requirements in the Nile delta.- Water and salt movement in soils of the Nile Delta.- Water Management in the Nile Delta.- Agricultural Production –Cultivation Techniques and Farming.- Irrigation Water Management and Livelihood System of Farm Households: A Case Study of Improved and Unimproved Irrigation System Areas in the Northern Delta.- Challenges in Exploiting Resources-General Conclusion.

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Book SynopsisCrop production in greenhouses is a growing industry, especially in mild climates, and is very important for the population as a source of income and clean, fresh food. Greenhouses create optimal climate conditions for crop growth and protect crops from outside pests. At the same time greenhouse production increases water use efficiency and makes integrated production and protection (IPP) possible. This book provides technical instructions for practice (what to do and what not to do) and gives answers to the question: How to produce more clean crops and better quality with less water, less land and less pesticide. Suitable greenhouse constructions and their design, adapted to local climates in subtropical, tropical and arid regions and infrastructure conditions are presented. The necessary climate control measures - light transmittance, ventilation, cooling, heating, and CO2 enrichment - and physical measures for pest control, as well as methods for using solar energy to desalinate salty water are described. The results of theoretical research are transferred into methods for practical use, so that readers are equipped to solve their problems in practice as well as to get stimulation for further research and development.Table of ContentsIntroduction.- Climate conditions and classification.- Crop growth requirement and climate control.- General design criteria for greenhouses.- Greenhouse constructions.- Light transmittance of greenhouses.- Cladding material.- Greenhouse components, mounting, installation and maintenance.- Ventilation.- Insect screening.- Cooling.- Heating.- Crop water requirement and water use efficiency.- Rain water collection and storage. Desalination of salty water and closed system greenhouse.- CO2 enrichment.- References.- Annexes.

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Book SynopsisThis book describes the mechanisms of nutrient taken up by plants at the biochemical and molecular level. This is a new concept developed over the past 30 years, primarily due to use of modern technology developed in biotechnological research, instrumentation, modern computation facilities, bioinformatics, the large volumes of information generated by use of various ‘omics’ and of course the dedicated hard work of a large number of researchers.Recent research indicates that nutrient uptake, its transport and redistribution in plants are under genetic control. There are groups of genes for each nutrient that encode transporter proteins whose functions are to acquire the specific nutrient from the soil and transport it across the plasma membrane of the root hair cells for use in plant metabolism. Deficiency or sufficiency of a plant nutrient induces different groups of genes to produce m-RNA transcripts for translation of transporter proteins. A large number of metabolic enzymes are up or down regulated in response to deficiency of plant nutrients. Morphological and metabolic adaptations in order to better acquire nutrients and use them frugally when nutrients are scarce in the growth medium can be observed in plants. Heavy metals, which are toxic to plants, induce different sets of defence mechanisms.In 20 chapters, the book describes plants’ uptake mechanisms for all the major, secondary and micronutrients, beneficial elements and heavy metals. References to research work quoted in the text are updated up to 2014 and included at the end of each chapter. Biotechnological approaches to improving nutrient use efficiency are discussed wherever such information is available. The structure and functions of transporter proteins involved in the uptake of nutrients are discussed. Additional information on some of the specific topics is provided in text boxes or as separate sections within the chapters. Lastly, the terminology used has been explained as far as possible in the text, mostly within parentheses. Trade Review“I found this book to be useful in getting information about members of major transporter families not only for model plants such as Arabidopsis thaliana but also for other plant species. I also found it useful that the volume provides information about the concentration of different minerals in the soil and in plant tissues including grains … as well as provides tables with information about the sensitivity of various crops to mineral deficiencies.” (Olena Vatamaniuk, The Quarterly Review of Biology, Vol. 92 (3), September, 2017)Table of Contents1. Introduction and Uptake of Water and Nutrient Ions.- 2. Nitrogen (N) uptake.- 3. Phosphate (Pi) Uptake.- 4. Potassium (K) uptake.- 5. Calcium (Ca) uptake.- 6. Magnesium (Mg) Uptake.- 7. Sulphur (S) Uptake.- 8. Definition of Heavy metals, Essential and Beneficial Plant Nutrients.- 9. Uptake of Heavy Metals.- 10. Iron (Fe) uptake.- 11. Zinc (Zn) uptake.- 12. Manganese (Mn) uptake.- 13. Copper (Cu) uptake.- 14. Boron (B) Uptake.- 15. Molybdenum (Mo) uptake.- 16. Nickel (Ni) uptake.- 17. Chloride (Cl-) uptake.- 18. Sodium (Na) uptake.- 19. Silicon (Si) Uptake.- 20. Cobalt (Co), selenium (Se), Vanadium (V), Cadmium (Cd), Lead (Pb) and Titanium (Ti)

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Book SynopsisThis book is a compilation of the most challenging and significant chapters on the diagnosis and management of important bacterial, fungal, viral, viroid, phytoplasma, non parasitic diseases and various physiological disorders, in various crops. The chapters have been contributed by eminent plant pathologists, having wide experience of teaching and research on various crops with different types of diseases, which cause great economic losses. The book would be very useful for students, teachers and researchers of plant pathology.This book highlights recent advances made in the development of new types of resistance in host plants and alternative strategies for managing plant diseases to improve food quality and reduce the negative public health impact associated with plant diseases. Having entered into 21st century advancements in the Diagnosis of Plant Pathogens and Plant Disease Management need to be closely examined and adequately applied, so that newer challenges facing plant pathology could be adequately addressed in attaining food security for the growing population.Substantial advancements have been made in terms of expanding knowledge base of the biology of plant-microbial interactions, disease management strategies and application and practice of Plant Pathology. Application of molecular biology in Plant Pathology has greatly improved our ability to detect plant pathogens and in increasing our understanding, their ecology and epidemiology. Similarly, new technologies and resources have been evolved for the development of sustainable crop protection systems by different control strategies against various pests and pathogens that are important components of the integrated pest management programme. Natural products and chemical compounds discovered as a result of basic research and molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis have led to the development of “biorational” pesticides. Biological control has been found to be the most significant approach to plant health management during the twentieth century and promises using modern biotechnology, to be even more significant in the twenty-first century.Table of Contents1. Commercialization of Microbial Biopesticides for the Management of Pests and Diseases.- 2. Management of Plant Diseases in Organic Agriculture.- 3. Morphological and Molecular Diagnosis of Fusarium sps. Causing Wilt Diseases of Crop Plants.- 4. Damping-off Disease of Seedlings in Solanaceous Vegetables: Current Status and Disease Management.- 5. Downy Mildew of Cucurbits and Their Management.- 6. Current Status of the Diseases of Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik).- 7. Botrytis Grey Mould of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.).- 8. Fungal Diseases of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) and their Integrated Management (IDM).- 9. Sheath Blight Disease of Paddy and their Management.- 10. Diagnosis and Management of Bacterial Plant Diseases.- 11. Recent Developments in Bacterial Blight of Pomegranate and its Management.- 12. Plant Viral Disease Management through Botanicals.- 13. Yellow Vein Mosaic Disease – A New Threat to Mesta (Hibiscus Sp.) Cultivation.- 14. Biology, Epidemiology, and Management of Soybean Mosaic Virus in Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill).- 15. Boerhaavia diffusa, Derived Antiviral : A Novel, Ecofriendly Approach for the Management of Viral Infections.- 16. Nematode Diseases of Crops.- 17. Recent Advances in Diagnosis and Management of Diseases of Vegetable Crops.- 18. Novel Detection Techniques for Plant Pathogens and Their Application in Disease Management.- 19. New Molecular Techniques for Detection and Diagnosis of Plant Pathogens.- 20. Plant Nutrition in Management of Plant Diseases with Special Reference to Wheat.- 21. Nutritional Disorders of Citrus and Their Management.

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Book SynopsisSystems approaches for agricultural development are needed to determine rational strategies for the role of agriculture in national development. Mathematical models and computer simulation provide objective tools for applying science to determine and evaluate options for resource management at field, farm and regional scales. However, these tools would not be fully utilizable without incorporating social and economic dimensions into their application. The second international symposium, Systems Approaches for Agricultural Development (SAAD), held in Los Baños, 6-8 December 1995, fostered this link between the biophysical sciences and the social sciences in the selection of keynote papers and oral presentations, a selection of which are included in these books. The contents further reflect how systems approaches have definitely moved beyond the research mode into the application mode. The large number and high quality of interdisciplinary research projects reported from different parts of the globe, to determine land use options that will meet multiple goals and yet sustain natural resource bases, is a key indicator of this `coming of age'. At the farm level, where trade-off decisions between processes and products (commodities) feature strongly, much progress is also evident in the development of systems-based tools for decision making. At the field level optimization of resource use and minimizing environmental effects has become of major concern for which systems approaches are indispensable. The books, of which Volume I deals with regional and farm studies level and Volume II with field level studies, will be of particular interest to all agricultural scientists and planners, as well as students interested in multidisciplinary and holistic approaches to agricultural development.Table of ContentsPreface. The Challenge of Integrating Systems Approach in Plant Breeding: Opportunities, Accomplishments, and Limitations; P.K. Aggarwal, et al. Using Systems Approaches for Targeting Site Specific Management on Field Level; J. Bouma, et al. New High-Yielding, Weed Competitive Rice Plant Types Drawing from O. sativa and O. glaberrima Genepools; M. Dingkuhn, et al. Improving Rice Tolerance to Barnyardgrass through Early Crop Vigour: Simulations with INTERCOM; J.L. Lindquist, M.J. Kropff. Recent Advances in Breeding for Drought Tolerance in Maize; G.O. Edmeades, et al. Potential Yield of Irrigated Rice in African Arid Environments; M. Dingkuhn, A. Sow. Assessing the Potential Yield of Tropical Crops: Role of Field Experimentation and Simulation; R.C. Muchow, M.J. Kropff. Evaluation of the CROPGRO-Soybean Model over a Wide Range of Experiments; K.J. Boote, et al. Adaptation of the CROPGRO Model to Simulate the Growth of Field-Grown Tomato; J.M.S. Scholberg, et al. A Modified Version of CERES to Predict the Impact of Soil Water Excess on Maize Crop Growth and Development; J.I. Kizaso, J.T. Ritchie. Mitigating Climate Change Effects on Rice Yield; S. Mohandass, T.B. Ranganathan. Competition for Light in Windbreak-Millet Systems in the Sahel; M. Mayus, et al. Crop Models and Precision Agriculture; M.Y.L. Boone, et al. A Conceptual Model for Sodium Uptake and Distribution in Irrigated Rice; F. Asch, et al. Using Decision Support Systems to Optimize Barley Management on Spatial Variable Soil; H.W.G. Booltink, J. Verhagen. Application of SOYGRO in Argentina; S. Meira, E. Guevara. Modeling the Effect of Nitrogen on Rice Growth and Development; T. Hasegawa, T. Horie. Optimization of Nitrogen Fertilizer Application to Irrigated Rice; R.N. Dash, et al. Simulating Rice Leaf Area Development and Dry Matter Production in Relation to Plant N and Weather; M. Ohnishi, et al. Influence of Split Application of Nitrogen on Foliar N Content, Photosynthesis, Dry Matter Production and Yield in Short and Medium Duration Rice Cultivars; C. Vijayalakshmi, M. Nagarajan. Systems Approaches to Improve Nitrogen Management in Rice; B. Mishra. Use of Simulation Models to Optimize Fungicide Use for Managing Tropical Rice Blast Disease; S.B. Calvero, P.S. Teng. Yield Gap Analysis of Rainfed Lowland Systems to Guide Rice Crop and Pest Management; H.O. Pinnschmidt, et al. Quantification of the Effects of Bacterial Blight Disease on Rice Crop Growth and Grain Yield; P.R. Reddy. Better Biological Control by a Combination of Experimentation and Modelling; J.C. Van Lenteren, H.W.J. Van Roermund. Quantitative Evaluation of Growth and Yield of Rice Plants Infested with Rice Planthoppers; T. Watanabe, et al. Addressing Sustainability of Rice&endash;Wheat Systems: Analysis of Long-Term Experimentation and Simulation; J. Timsina, et al. Systems Approach in the Design of Soil and Water Conservation Measures; L. Stroosnijder, P. Kiepe. Farming Systems for Sustainable Agriculture and Environmental Quality; R.S. Kanwar, et al. Harnessing Crop Research Data to Develop Expert Systems; K. Muralidharan, E.A. Siddiq. Comparison of Predictions and Observations to Assess Model Performance: A Method of Empirical Validation; P.L. Mitchell, J.E. Sheehy. Acronyms. Subject Index.

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Book SynopsisThe book is written for policy experts, life scientists, government and business leaders, biotechnology writers and social activists. Few decision-makers realize the unprecedented degree to which transgenic technology is now possible for forests on a commercial scale. Only a handful of the 550 living conifer species is used for commodity value and even fewer species are being developed for transgenic plantations. Transgenic field trials started within the last decade but no transgenic pine plantations exist in 2005. But emergence of transgenic forest trees is still so recent that dialogue about the pros and cons is confined to the scientific community. And dialogue must move out into the public domain. The goal of this volume is to provide content for public deliberations about the genetic composition of future forests. Its Section I is composed of provocative and opposing views on the question of transgenic conifer plantations. Sections II and III follow with research advances on relevant conifer genomics and ecology research, respectively. Section IV forecasts rates of technology adoption for different case studies. Finally, Section V compares the status of regulatory oversight of transgenic forest trees between Canada and the United States. Table of ContentsIntroduction; C.G. Williams. Section I: Pros and Cons for Transgenic Conifer Plantations. 1. Foresters and DNA; J. Ausubel et al. 2. Questioning Commercial Use of Transgenic Conifers; C.G. Williams. 3. It’s Just A Crop: Public Perception and Transgenic Trees; S. Anderson. Section II: Genomics Methods, Resources and Alternative Applications. 4. Genomics Resources for Conifers; J. Dean. 5. A New Direction for Conifer Genomics; K. Ritland et al. 6. Using Genomics to Study Evolutionary Origins of Seeds; E. Brenner, D. Stevenson. 7. Metabolic Profiling for Transgenic Forest Trees; H. Häggmann, R. Julkunen-Tiitto. Section III: Viewing Transgenic Conifer Plantations on A Landscape Scale. 8. Dispersal of Transgenic Conifer Pollen; G. Katul et al. 9. Gene Flow in Conifers; J. Mitton, C.G. Williams. 10. Pines as Invasive Aliens: Outlook for Transgenic Conifers in the Southern Hemisphere; D. Richardson, R. Petit. Section IV: Economics of Transgenic Technology Adoption. 11. Economic Prospects and Policy Framework for Forest Biotechnology for the Southern United States and South America; F. Cubbage et al. 12. Transgenic Forest Trees and Private Forests; M. Megalos. Section V: Government Regulations and Biosafety. 13. Canada’s Regulatory Approach; A.-C. Bonfils. 14. Biosafety of Transgenic Forests in the United States; R. Irwin, P. Jones.

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Book SynopsisAs the global climate changes, plant disease epidemiology faces important questions: Will climate change render plant diseases more harmful to man-made ecosystems, or less? Can sustainable systems be developed in time to spare and enhance shrinking resources? How will changes in host plant diversity affect genetic disease resistance? This book provides an overview of current research in plant disease epidemiology from researchers at the cutting edge of this important discipline.Table of ContentsForeword; S. Savary and B.M. Cooke. 1. Patterns and Management of Crop Multiple Pathosystems; S. Savary et al. 2. Botanical Epidemiology: Some Key Advances and its Continuing Role in Disease Management; L.V. Madden. 3. Disease Assessment Concepts and the Advancements Made in Improving the Accuracy and Precision of Plant Disease Data; F.W. Nutter Jr. et al. 4. Relation between Soil Health, Wave-like Fluctuations in Microbial Populations, and Soil-borne Plant Disease Management; A.H.C. van Bruggen et al. 5. The Practical Considerations of Scale in Plant Pathology; W.W. Turechek. 6. Trends in Theoretical Plant Epidemiology; H. Scherm et al. 7. Establishing Priorities for Plant Science Research and Developing World Food Security; R.W. Herdt. 8. Ecological Genomics and Epidemiology; K.A. Garrett et al. 9. Framework Development in Plant Disease Risk Assessment and its Application; X.B. Yang.

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Book SynopsisGlobal yields of legumes have been relatively stagnant for the last five decades, despite the adoption of conventional and molecular breeding approaches. The use of plant growth-promoting (PGP) bacteria for improving agricultural production, soil and plant health has become one of the most attractive strategies for developing sustainable agriculture. Actinomycetes are bacteria that play an important role in PGP and plant protection, produce secondary metabolites of commercial interest, and their use is well documented in wheat, rice, beans, chickpeas and peas. In order to promote legumes, the general assembly of the UN recently declared 2016 the “International Year of Pulses.” In view of this development, this book illustrates how PGP actinomycetes can improve grain yield and soil fertility, improve control of insect pests and phytopathogens, and enhance host-plant resistance. It also addresses special topics of current interest, e.g. the role of PGP actinomycetes in the biofortification of legume seeds and bioremediation of heavy metals. Trade Review“The present book documents recent research, at ICRISAT and worldwide, on this fascinating subject of study. … Clearly the plant growth promoting, root-associated Actinobacteria constitute a most promising group for further study in the quest to improve the performance and yield of grain legumes, one of the world’s most important crop groups, with great potential for success in helping to strengthen international food security.” (David S. Ingram, Food Security, Vol. 9, 2017)“This work focuses on actinobacteria in soil microbiota and their role in crop production, generally pulse crops such as peas and beans. … Chapters show a consistency of style and format, all with meaningfully titled short subsections, frequent inclusion of tables, extensive cited reference … . This work is strongly recommended for institutions with programs in agriculture, especially those with research soil science or legume cultivation. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through researchers and faculty; professionals.” (J. Cummings, Choice, Vol. 54 (4), December, 2016)Table of Contents1. Direct Plant Growth-Promoting Ability of Actinobacteria in Grain Legumes.- 2. Indirect Plant Growth-Promotion in Grain Legumes: Role of Actinobacteria.- 3. Enhancing Soil Health and Plant Growth: Promotion by Actinomycetes.- 4. Recent Advancement in the Development of Bio-Pesticides by Actinomycetes for the Control of Insect Pests.- 5. Actinomycetes Bio-Inoculants: A Modern Prospectus for Plant Disease Management.- 6. Managing Pests and Diseases of Grain Legumes with Secondary Metabolites from Actinomycetes.- 7. Role of Secondary Metabolites of Actinomycetes in Crop Protection.- 8. Endophytic Actinobacteria: Nitrogen Fixation, Phytohormone Production and Antibiosis.- 9. Role of Endophytic Actinomycetes in Crop Protection: Plant Growth-Promotion and Biological Control.- 10. Synergy of Actinomycetes Co-inoculation.- 11. Role of ACC Deaminase in Stress Control of Leguminous Plants.- 12. Induction of Systemic Resistance in Crop Plants against Plant Pathogens by Plant Growth-Promoting Actinomycetes.- 13. Actinomycetes as Mitigators of Climate Change and Abiotic Stress.- 14. Perspectives of Plant Growth-Promoting Actinomycetes in Heavy Metal Phytoremediation.- 15. Role of Actinomycetes Mediated Nano-System in Agriculture.- 16. Use of Genomic Approaches in Understanding the Role of Actinomycetes as PGP in Grain Legumes.- 17. Exploration of Plant Growth-Promoting Actinomycetes for Biofortification of Mineral Nutrients.- 18. Evaluation of Plant Growth-Promoting Actinomycetes on Vigna.- 19. Plant Growth-Promoting Actinomycetes: Mass Production, Delivery Systems and Commercialization.

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Book SynopsisThis book uses simple economic theories to explain how China's agricultural economic phenomena exists in reality. It also helps the reader to get a clear understanding of economic phenomena, insight into the "hog cycle" and "food safety," as well as other economic and social phenomena. The language of this book is not only easy to understand, but also uses ancient poetry and humor to make the subject interesting, as it speaks to the history and current situation of Chinese agriculture. It also opens a window for the people to read about agriculture. This is a unique book on agricultural science that fills an important gap in works on agricultural science and agricultural economics.Table of ContentsChapter 1　Does China Have Enough to Eat.- Chapter 2　The Problem of Food Safety.- Chapter 3　Rural Land System and Rights.- Chapter 4　Can Farming Make Money.- Chapter 5　Who Will Till the Land and How Will They Till It.

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Book SynopsisThis book is a compilation of advancements and achievements in the field of sugar beet cultivation. It covers recent research and up-to-date information on this crop. It discusses essential aspects for high production and good yield, development and crop management, such as origin, breeding, seed production, physiology, pathology, entomology, biotechnology, and post-harvest technology. Sugar beet is known as an alternative crop for sugar production. A versatile crop having numerous uses, besides being raw material for sugar production, its molasses contain high amount of betaine which is used as a feed supplement. Due to its value profile it has attracted the millers and farmers alike. This book is of interest to teachers, researchers, agriculture scientists, capacity builders and policymakers. Also the book serves as additional reading material for graduate students of agriculture, forestry, ecology and soil science. National and international agricultural scientists, policy makers will also find this to be a useful read.Table of ContentsEvolution and history of sugar beet in world: An overview.- Understanding the sugar beet crop and its physiology.- Physiological and molecular aspects of sucrose accumulation in sugar beet.- Shaping the Sugar Beet of Tomorrow: Current Advances in Sugar Beet Biotechnology and New Breeding Techniques.- Biotechnological approaches in sugar beet development.- Seed production and seed certification in sugar beet.- India's Sugar beet Seed Technology and Production.- Artificial seed technology.- Scope of cultivation of sugar beet under Indian sub-tropical conditions.- Factors Affecting Production Potentials and Adaptability of Sugar beet under Subtropical Conditions of Punjab.- Sugar beet Crop Production and Management.- Economical Crop Production and Management of Sugar Beet in Serbia and Montenegro.- Agronomic Management of Sugar Beet.- Autumn sown sugar beet in semi-arid regions.- New Approach to Utilize Nano-micronutrients in Sugar Beet (Beta vulgaris L.).- Silicon foliar application in sugar beet production.- Mechanisation of weed management in sugar beet.- Chemical strategy for weed management in sugar beet.- Intercropping sugar beet with different agricultural crops.- Sugar beet production under changing climates - opportunities and challenges.- Drought Stress Management in Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) Cultivation.- Exogenous putrescine-mediated drought tolerance in Sugar beet: Possible Mechanisms.- Improving sugar beet production under salinity conditions.- Etiology, epidemiology and management of Sugar beet diseases.- Foliar sugar beet diseases and their management approaches in India.- Cercospora Leaf Spot Disease.- Soil borne pathogen mediated root rot diseases of sugar beet and their management.- Integrated disease management in sugar beet for sustainable productivity.- The Technology Uses in the Determination of Sugar Beet Diseases.- Insect-pests of Sugar beet and their Integrated Management.- Biological control of sugar beet insect pests,- Biology, Pest status and management of army worm, Spodoptera litura (Noctuidae: Lepidoptera) and cutworm Agrotis ipsilon (Noctuidae: Lepidoptera) on Sugar beet.- Natural enemies of sugar beet.- Sugar beet nematodes – their occurrence, epidemiology and management in Ukraine.- Diseases caused by nematodes on sugar beet.- Sugar Beet Cyst Nematode (Heterodera schachtii Schmidt): Identification and Antagonists.- Endophytes for Sustainable Sugarbeet Production.- Rhizoctonia disease and its management.- Mechanization in Sugar Beet Cultivation.- Post-harvest sucrose deterioration in sugar beet.- Management strategies for reducing post-harvest deterioration of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.).- Quality and processing of sugar beet to sugars.- Bio-ethanol: Technologies, Trends and Prospects.- Sugar beet molasses production and utilization.- Bioethanol production from sugar beet juices and molasses for economic and environmental perspectives.- Sugar beet as cattle feed: Scope and prospects.- Sugar beet pulp and research efforts to diversify its use.- Sugar beet pectin and its diverse uses.

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Book SynopsisThis textbook is a comprehensive volume on sprinklers and drip irrigation and covers all the basic and fundamentals concepts related to these topics. It is the first book to consider relative-flow-ratio as an evaluation criterion for both sprinkler and drip irrigation designs. It also discusses various types of sprinklers (used for irrigation), their complex layouts, design methodologies, selection criteria explained with practical examples, and their operations and maintenance under different conditions. In addition to operation and maintenance of drip irrigation components, the book also explains the drip irrigation hydraulics and various design aspects and the effect of the same on their performance. It also has one important chapter on Rhizosphere modelling which introduces the state-of-the-art technologies in optimal irrigation and fertigation scheduling. Worked out examples and solved problems in the chapters would aid to learning and understanding of the topic among the students. Given the contents, the book will be extremely useful for the undergraduate and postgraduate students of agriculture engineering, irrigation engineering and civil engineering. This textbook will also be useful for researchers, engineers and professionals working in these areas.Table of ContentsSprinkler Irrigation Types & Components.- Uniform Irrigation with Sprinklers.- Layout of Sprinkler Systems.- Design of Periodic Move and Solid Set Sprinkler Systems.- Selection of Pumps.- Maintenance and Operation of Sprinkler Irrigation Systems.- Drip Irrigation Components.- Drip Irrigation –Planning Factors.- Hydraulics of Micro irrigation Pipes.- Drip Subunit Design with Uniform Diameter pipes in Uniform Slopes.- Design with Telescopic Pipes in Uniform and Non-uniform Slopes.- Design of Mains.- Fertigation.- Maintenance and Operation of Drip Irrigation Systems.- Evapotranspiration for Micro Irrigated Crops.- Rhizosphere Modelling.- Water Budgeting & Economic Evaluation.- Pressure, Energy and Power in Water.- Bernoulli’s law.- Soil Texture and Soil Moisture.- Soil Water Movement.- Salinity.- Pumps.

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Book SynopsisThis open access book seeks effective strategy to realize a rice Green Revolution in sub-Saharan Africa based on more than ten years of research team’s inquiries into determinants and consequences of new technology adoption in rice farming in seven countries in this region. Rigorous statistical analyses are carried out by using valuable household data of rice farmers. The book is actually sequel to the two earlier books on the same subject published by Springer and edited by K. Otsuka and D.F. Larson, An African Green Revolution published in 2013 and In Pursuit of an African Green Revolution in 2016. The main message of the first book was that rice is the most promising cereal crop in SSA because of the high transferability of Asian rice technology, whereas that of the second book was that rice cultivation training programs are effective in significantly increasing rice yield in SSA. This third book has wider coverage in terms of topics, study periods, and study sites. It continues to show the significant impacts of rice cultivation training on productivity and newly demonstrates the high sustainability of the productivity impact of the training and the existence of spillover effects from trainees to other farmers by using panel data. We newly assess the important role of mechanization in intensification of rice farming, high returns to large-scale irrigation schemes, and the critical role of rice millers in improving the quality of milled rice. Based on these studies, this book provides clear pathways toward full-fledged Green Revolution in rice farming in sub-Saharan Africa.Table of ContentsPrefacePART I: EXTENSIFICTION, INTENSIFICATION, AND REVOLUTION Chapter 1: Issues of Rice Green Revolution in sub-Saharan Africa Keijiro Otsuka, Yukichi Mano, and Kazushi Takahashi 1-1. Failure in the Past 1-2. Prospects in Future 1-3. Structure of the Book Chapter 2: Role of Extension for Green Revolution Kazushi Takahashi and Keijiro Otsuka 2-1. Role of Extension in Dissemination of New Technology 2-2. Impact of Rice Cultivation Training 2-3. Missing Issues Chapter 3: Mechanization and Irrigation for Intensification of Rice Farming Hiroyuki Takeshima and Yukichi Mano 3-1. Role of Mechanization in SSA 3-2. Role of Irrigation in SSA 3-3. Missing Issues PART II: IMAPCT OF RICE CULTIVATION TRAINING Chapter 4: The Case of Tanzania Yuko Nakano 4-1. An Overview 4-2. From Key Farmers to Ordinary Farmers 4-3. Impact of Rice Intensification Program Chapter 5: The Case of Uganda Yoko Kijima 5-1. An Overview 5-2. Sustainability of Rice Cultivation Training Program Chapter 6: The Case of Cote d’Ivoire Kazushi Takahashi, Yukichi Mano, and Keijiro Otsuka 6-1. An Overview 6-2. Extension from Treated to Controlled Farmers Chapter 7: The Case of Mozambique Kei Kajisa 7-1. An Overview 7-2. An Impact Assessment of Rice Cultivation Training PART III: MECHANIZATION AND INTENSIFICATION Chapter 8: The Case of Cote d’Ivoire Yukichi Mano, Kazushi Takahashi, and Keijiro Otsuka Chapter 9: The Case of Tanzania E.F. Magezi, Yuko Nakano, and Takeshi Sakurai PART IV: RETURN TO LARGE-SCALE IRRIGATION INVESTMENT Chapter 10: The Case of Kenya Masao Kikuchi, Yukichi Mano, Timothy Njagi, D. Merrey and K. Otsuka Chapter 11: The Case of Senegal Takeshi Sakurai Part V: RICE MILLERS AND RICE QUALITY Chapter 12: The Case of Kenya Yukichi Mano, Tim Njagi, and Keijiro Otsuka Chapter 13: The Case of Ghana Tetsuya Ogura, Joseph A. Awuni, and Takeshi Sakurai PART VI: CONCLUSION Chapter 14: Towards Full-Fledged Rice Green Revolution in SSA Keijiro Otsuka, Yukichi Mano, and Kazushi Takahashi

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Book SynopsisAgronomic crops have been used to provide foods, beverages, fodders, fuels, medicines and industrial raw materials since the dawn of human civilization. Today, agronomic crops are being cultivated by employing scientific methods instead of traditional methods. However, in the current era of climate change, agronomic crops are subjected to various environmental stresses, which results in substantial yield loss. To meet the food demands of the ever-increasing global population, new technologies and management practices are being adopted to boost yield and maintain productivity under both normal and adverse conditions. Scientists are now exploring a variety of approaches to the sustainable production of agronomic crops, including varietal development, soil management, nutrient and water management, pest management, etc. Researchers have also made remarkable progress in developing stress tolerance in crops through different approaches. However, achieving optimal production to meet the increasing food demand is an open challenge. Although there have been numerous publications on the above-mentioned problems, and despite the extensive research being conducted on them, there is hardly any comprehensive book available. In response, this book offers a timely resource, addressing all aspects of production technologies, management practices and stress tolerance in agronomic crops in a single volume.Table of ContentsAgronomic Crops: Types and Uses.- Climate Resilient Minor Crops for Food Security.- Climatic Variability and Agronomic Cropping Pattern.- Soil Health in Cropping Systems: An Overview.- Agronomic Cropping Systems in relation to Climatic Variability. -Growth and Development Dynamics in Agronomic Crops under Environmental Stress.- Tillage and Crop Production.- Effect of Planting Dates on Agronomic Crop Production.- Crop production under changing climate – Past, Present and Future.- Cultivation of Aromatic Rice: A review.- Direct Seeding in Rice: Problems and Prospects.- Advanced Production Technologies of Wheat.- Advanced Production Technologies of Maize.- Agrotechnologies of Baby Corn Production.- Advanced Production Technologies of Millets.- Advanced Production Technologies of Legumes Crops.- Advanced Production Technologies of Oilseed Crops.- Advanced Production Technology of Sugar Crops.- Advanced Production Technologies of Potato.- Advanced Production Technology and Processing of Jute.- Tea production in Bangladesh: From bush to mug.- Tea: a worthwhile, popular beverage crop since time immemorial.- Agronomy of Betelvine Crop.- Fundamentals of Crop Rotation in Agronomic Management.- Cool Season Food Legumes in Rice Fallows: An Indian Perspective.- Crop Diversification and Food Security.- Fundamentals of Seed Production and Processing of Agronomic Crops.- Seed Production Technologies of some Major Field Crops.- Postharvest Technologies for Major Agronomic Crops.

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Book SynopsisThis open access book provides a clear holistic conceptual framework of CISS-F (competitiveness, inclusiveness, sustainability, scalability and access to finance) to analyse the efficiency of value chains of high value agricultural commodities in India. It is based on the understanding that agriculture is an integrated system that connects farming with logistics, processing and marketing. Farmer’s welfare being central to any agricultural policy makes it very pertinent to study how a value chain works and can be strengthened further to realize this policy goal. This book adds value to the existing research by studying the value chains end-to-end across a wide spectrum of agricultural commodities with the holistic lens of CISS-F. It is not enough that a value chain is competitive but not inclusive or it is competitive and inclusive but not sustainable. The issue of scalability is very critical to achieve macro gains in terms of greater farmer outreach and sectoral growth. The research undertaken here brings out some very useful insights for policymaking in terms of what needs to be done better to steer the agricultural value chains towards being more competitive, inclusive, sustainable and scalable. The value chain specific research findings help draw very nuanced policy recommendations as well as present a big picture of the future direction of policy making in agriculture. Table of ContentsChapter 1: Introduction.- Chapter 2: Evaluating Agricultural Value Chains on CISS-F Framework.- Chapter 3: Decoding Value Chains of Tomatoes, Onions and Potatoes (TOP).- Chapter 4: Towards an Efficient Banana and Mango Value Chains in India.- Chapter 5: Analysis of Grapes and Pomegranates Value Chain.- Chapter 6: Towards Creation of an Efficient Dairy Value Chain.- Chapter 7: Poultry Value Chain in India.- Chapter 8: Pulses in India: A Value Chain Analysis.- Chapter 9: Developing Agricultural Value Chains in India- the Way Forward.

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Book Synopsis.- Chapter 1:Plant and environment interaction: special reference to phytoremediation of heavy metals using Ricinus communis L.- Chapter 2: Botany, geographical distribution, cultivation techniques and crop productivity of Ricinus Communis L.- Chapter 3: Genetic variability and breeding opportunities in castor bean (Ricinus communis L).- Chapter 4: Nipping an innovative method to increase the yield of castor  .- Chapter 5: Medicinal properties of Ricinus communis L. oil and their applications: An overview.- Chapter 6: Optimizing biodiesel production from non-edible castor oil through the development of a bi-functional catalyst: a case study.- Chapter 7: Castor plant in Ericulture: opportunities and challenges.- Chapter 8: Ricinus communis: an abiotic stress-tolerant crop for reclamation of wasteland reclamation .- Chapter 9: Abandoned mine sites restoration using an industrially important crop, Ricinus communis L     .- Chapter 10: Phytoremediation of heavy metals from the metal-polluted soil using Ricinus communis .- Chapter 11:Assessing the Suitability of Cement Industry Effluent for Irrigating Eight Different Genetic Varieties of Castor bean (Ricinus communis L.): A Case Study.

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Book SynopsisEstablished by the Morrill Land-Grant College Act of 1862, America's land-grant universities have had far-reaching influences on the United States and the world. Service as Mandate, Alan I Marcus's second edited collection of insightful essays about land-grant universities, explores how these universities have adapted to meet the challenges of the past sixty-five years and how, having done so, they have helped to create the modern world. From their founding, land-grant schools have provided educational opportunities to millions, producing many of the nation's scientific, technical, and agricultural leaders and spawning countless technological and agricultural innovations. Nevertheless, their history has not always been smooth or without controversy or setbacks. These vital centers of learning and research have in fact been redefined and reconceptualized many times and today bear only a cursory resemblance to their original incarnations. The thirteen essays in this collection explor

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Book SynopsisHemp production for industrial purposes continues to grow worldwide, and is currently being used for many applications including house insulation, paper making, animal bedding, fabric, rope making and also as a biofuel. This book brings together international experts to examine all aspects of industrial hemp production, including the origins of hemp production, as well as the botany and anatomy, genetics and breeding, quality assessment, regulations, and the agricultural and industrial economics of hemp production. A translation of Le Chanvre Industriel, this book has been revised and updated for an international audience and is essential reading for producers of industrial hemp, industry personnel and agriculture researchers and students.Table of Contents1: Hemp: A Plant with a Worldwide Distribution 2: The History of Hemp 3: Physiology and Botany of Industrial Hemp 4: Genetics and Selection of Hemp 5: Factors Affecting the Yield of Industrial Hemp – Experimental Results from France 6: Hemp Agronomics and Cultivation 7: Legislative Controls on the Cultivation of Hemp 8: The Agricultural Economics of Hemp 9: The Industrial Hemp Economy 10: Integrated Quality Management for Bast Fibres in Technical Applications 11: Use of Natural Fibres in Composites for German Automotive Production from 1999 to 2005 12: Increasing Demand for European Hemp Fibres 13: Hemp in Papermaking 14: Hemp and Plastics 15: Medicinal Uses of Hemp 16: Hemp Seeds for Nutrition 17: Hemp and the Construction Industry 18: The Uses of Hemp for Domestic Animals 19: Chemical and Morphological Differences in Hemp Varieties 20: Hemp Production Outside the EU – North America and Eastern Europe 21: The Role of Hemp in Sustainable Development

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Book SynopsisField to Palette: Dialogues on Soil and Art in the Anthropocene is an investigation of the cultural meanings, representations, and values of soil in a time of planetary change. The book offers critical reflections on some of the most challenging environmental problems of our time, including land take, groundwater pollution, desertification, and biodiversity loss. At the same time, the book celebrates diverse forms of resilience in the face of such challenges, beginning with its title as a way of honoring locally controlled food production methods championed by field to plate movements worldwide. By focusing on concepts of soil functionality, the book weaves together different disciplinary perspectives in a collection of dialogue texts between artists and scientists, interviews by the editors and invited curators, essays and poems by earth scientists and humanities scholars, soil recipes, maps, and DIY experiments. With contributions from over 100 internationally renowned reTrade ReviewThe ambition of the editors and contributors of the book Field to Palette: Dialogues on Soil and Art in the Anthropocene is to help society reconnect with soil. The chapters are either essays that explore some of the cultural articulations of soil or incredibly informative conversations between artists, activists and scientists who share their thoughts about the material properties, cultural histories, environmental functions and existential threats of soil.Field to Palette is an amazing publication. Its almost 700 pages are packed with photos, surprising information and moving encounters. I wish i had the time to talk about everything i’ve learnt in the book. The unexpectedly sophisticated sensory abilities of nematodes or the method to turn plastic-free baby diapers into planters and nutrients for trees, for example. Since one of the greatest achievements of the book is the way it demonstrates the important role that artists can play in raising discussions with the public and in participating to the solution to the many challenges soil faces today, i’ll dedicate the rest of my review of the book to just a few of the artworks and stories i discovered in Field to Palette.http://we-make-money-not-art.com/field-to-palette-dialogues-on-soil-and-art-in-the-anthropocene/ The ambition of the editors and contributors of the book Field to Palette: Dialogues on Soil and Art in the Anthropocene is to help society reconnect with soil. The chapters are either essays that explore some of the cultural articulations of soil or incredibly informative conversations between artists, activists and scientists who share their thoughts about the material properties, cultural histories, environmental functions and existential threats of soil.Field to Palette is an amazing publication. Its almost 700 pages are packed with photos, surprising information and moving encounters. I wish i had the time to talk about everything i’ve learnt in the book. The unexpectedly sophisticated sensory abilities of nematodes or the method to turn plastic-free baby diapers into planters and nutrients for trees, for example. Since one of the greatest achievements of the book is the way it demonstrates the important role that artists can play in raising discussions with the public and in participating to the solution to the many challenges soil faces today, i’ll dedicate the rest of my review of the book to just a few of the artworks and stories i discovered in Field to Palette.http://we-make-money-not-art.com/field-to-palette-dialogues-on-soil-and-art-in-the-anthropocene/ Table of ContentsI. SUSTENANCE 1. Urban Farming: The New Green Revolution? 2. Taste of Place: Terroir as Experience 3. A Root Stew from the Kitchen of Sarah Wiener 4. Artisanal Soil 5. Black Gold 6. Temple of Holy Shit: On Human-Soil Nutrient Cycles and the Future of Sustainable Sanitation 7. S.Oil 8. Murray River Punch: A Conversation on Changes Along the River 9. Yield 10. On Corn Mothers and Meal Culture: Ecofeminist Alternatives to Food Politics and Soil Security II. REPOSITORY 11. Soil Genesis: A Dialogue for Creation 12. A Kind of Soil Genesis on Canvas 13. Painting with Earth: Earth Pigments in North Devon a Guide for Teachers and Artists 14. Pedometrics, Pictures, and Poetry 15. From Earth 16. Correlation Drawing/Drawing Correlations 17. Mineral Traces: The Aesthetic and Environmental Transcendence of Soil Mineral Properties 18. A Snapshot in Time: The Dynamic and Ephemeral Structure of Peatland Soils 19. Carbon 20. Deep-Time Moles: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Geological Archiving III. INTERFACE 21. Honoring Soil Hydrology in Pictures 22. Waterviz at Hubbard Brook: The Confluence of Science, Art and Music at Long Term Ecological Research Sites 23. Aesthetic Engineering: Giving Visual Credence to Restoration Processes 24. Rocks, Radishes, and Restoration: On the Relationships Between Clean Water and Healthy Soil 25. Dirt Dialogue 26. WATERWASH for a Swimmable Bronx River 27. Backyard Portals: A Solutions-Oriented Approach to Valuing Soil 28. Don’t Worry, It’s Only Mud 29. The Art of Decay: Soil Decomposition Explored Through the Visual Arts IV. HOME 30. Exploring the Invisible: The Exemplary Life of Soil 31. SOILED. Reflecting A Natural Body Through Socio-Aesthetical and Bio-Political Viewpoints 32. Nematode State of Mind 33. On Colour Hunting 34. A Public Chemistry of the Detritusphere 35. Soil Macrocosms: Microbes, People, and Our Cumulative Effects 36. A Soil Procession and Seed Journey to Preserve Genetic Diversity 37. Future Worlds V. HERITAGE 38. Reframing Heritage: Cultural Soilscapes and Soil Memory 39. The Weapon is Sharing 40. Stories from the Hills: Tales of the Lowland 41. Sketches in the Sands of Time 42. A Visual Ethnography of Soils in Space and Time 43. Lessons from Emma Lake: A Metamorphosis of Science and Art in Landscape and Local Colour 44. Soil Connoisseurship 45. Underground Roots 46. Soil Lovers Unite! for a Down & Dirty Q & A VI. PLATFORM 47. Seeing the Soil Platform 48. Perpetual Architecture: Uranium Disposal Cells of the Southwest 49. Wastelands 50. The Earth Print Archive: A Forensic Documentation of Land Take 51. Soil in the City: The Socio-Environmental Substrate 52. The Soil Assembly and Dissemination Authority (SADA): A Thought Experiment in Building Tomorrow's Soils Today 53. Soil Chemistry and Urban Design in the Hybrid Landscapes of South China 54. The City as Forest: Cartographic Reflections on Land Use in Brazil 55. Island Urbanism: Rethinking the Land-Use Technology of the Watershed

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Book SynopsisBiodynamic methods are increasingly used by farmers, gardeners and winemakers. Dennis Klocek argues that, in order to use such methods effectively, the practitioner must undergo constant self-development.Based on numerous lectures, Klocek discusses the kind of inner development and understanding required to work with the elemental nature of the earth. His views are presented in a framework that includes alchemy, the classical four elements, Goethean observation, and the work of Rudolf Steiner.This is not a book of how-to techniques, but a conceptual guidebook to those looking to implement biodynamics at the deepest level.Trade Review'Well worth the effort of reading it through from cover to cover and discovering the many priceless gems it contains.'-- New View

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Book SynopsisScience Communication in a Crisis: An Insiderâs Guide identifies the principal challenges that scientists face when communicating with different stakeholder groups and offers advice on how to navigate the maze of competing interests and deliver actionable science when the clock is ticking.If a scientistâs goal is to deliver content and expertise to the people who need it, then other stakeholder groupsâthe media, the government, industryâneed to be considered as partners to collaborate with in order to solve problems. Written by established scientist Christopher Reddy, who has been on the front lines of several environmental crisis events, the book highlights ten specific challenges and reflects on mistakes made and lessons learned. Reddyâs aim is not to teach scientists how to ace an interview or craft a soundbite, rather, through exploring several high-profile case studies, including the North Cape oil spill, Deepwater Horizon, and the 2021 Sri Lanka shipping disaster, he presents a clear pathway to effective and collaborative communication.This book will be a great resource for junior and established scientists who want to make an impact, as well as students in courses such as environmental and science communication.Trade Review"As a boots-on-the-ground scientist with an active research lab, Reddy’s voice is one that many of our colleagues will identify with. This insider’s perspective fills a gap in the lineup of existing science communication books."Andrew Dessler, Director, Texas Center for Climate Studies; Reta A. Haynes Chair in Geosciences, Texas A&M"Communicating science in a crisis is risky and challenging but incredibly important. This book is generously packed with decades of experience and wisdom from the front lines that can make us all better communicators in times of need. A must for every scientist’s bookshelf."Dr. Asha de Vos, Founder/Executive Director, Oceanswell, Sri Lanka"Focusing on how science communication transpires in real time, Reddy’s insight from the trenches of recent environmental crises provides scientists with a blueprint for success with a range of stakeholder groups, from responders to the affected public." Barbara Sherwood Lollar, Dr. Norman Keevil Chair in Ore Deposits Geology, University of Toronto “Highly recommended as an excellent source of information and inspiration for dealing with communicating science in a crisis, or any other time as well. Scientists as well as responders and decision-makers will certainly learn a thing or two…”Ed Levine, International Spill Control Organization“Given the many destructive environmental and medical crises that have transpired these past few decades… that necessitated scientific information and analyses being presented both to leaders and the general public in order for both solutions to be effected as well as public understanding to be achieved, this is a very timely book indeed.”Johannes Riutta, The Well-read Naturalist“Reddy’s book uses a series of high-profile disasters and emergencies to offer specialists advice on how to engage with the press, the public and other players in ways that illuminate the science rather than obscure it.” Chris McGreal, The Guardian“This is a textbook for young scientists to use as a template when interacting with the world outside their laboratory.” David Gascoigne, “Travel with Birds”“Science Communication in a Crisis: An Insider’s Guide” has an engaging conversational voice and should be ready by scientists, especially the more public-facing ones, journalists, communication officials, regulators, politicians and, for the matter, the general public” Robert Whitcomb, “New England Diary”“Not only is it effective at explaining the why and how of science communication, I believe it is an excellent resource for any creative professional who wants to learn better ways to communicate what they do.” Chris Martin, “Getting work to work” Table of ContentsIntroductionPART I The Characters 1 Our Hero, the Scientist 2 The Supporting Cast: Villain … or Partner? PART II The Crisis 3 How a Crisis Response Unfolds: The Role of the Scientist 4 Who Writes the Narrative? 5 Winner Takes All 6 Piece by Piece 7 Countering Scientific Misinformation 8 Legal Challenges: The Erosion of the Scientific Deliberative Process PART III Lessons Learned 9 Starting a Conversation: How to Talk about Science 10 Interdisciplinary Teamwork11 How Communication Can Make You a Better Scientist Conclusion: The Pathway to Success

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisFirst published in 1999, this volume explores how African agriculture has always had a strong appeal for the people of the Netherlands. This is due to (1) a long-established interest in tropical agriculture going back to the days when Indonesia was a Duth colony; (2) a broad-based desire to help the Third World; and (3) the view that Tropical Africa is highly dependent on agriculture.As practical expertise in Africa and systematic research on African agriculture grew, specialization became both possible and necessary. This volume reflects the specialization in marketing which has been welcomed by economists, geographers and scholars of agricultural marketing. In addition to a general introductory chapter, this book includes five contributions on staple food grains, two on export crops, two on cattle and one on horticulture. Nine of the chapters are country-specific, covering Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, C?te d'Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Sierra Leone, Tanzania and Zambia.Table of Contents1. Agricultural Marketing in Tropical Africa: Obstacles to Systematic Study. H. Laurens van der Laan. 2. Maize Marketing Policies in Tanzania, 1939-1998: From Basic Needs to Market Basics. Deborah Fahy Bryceson, Pekka Seppälä and Marja-Liisa Tapio-Biström. 3. Maize Marketing in Kenya, 1976-1996: Liberalization and Food Security. Henk Meilink. 4. Food Grain Marketing in Burkina Faso Since 1970: the Challenge of Food Security. Andries Klaasse Bos, Clemens Lutz and Boubié Bassolet. 5. Cocoa Marketing in Ghana and Cameroon: The Effects of Structural Adjustment and Liberalization. Ali de Jong and Annelet Harts-Broekhuis. 6. The Coffee Sectors of Cȏte d’Ivoire and Costa Rica: National and Global Aspects of Competitiveness. Wim Pelupessy. 7. Primary Rice Marketing in North-West Sierra Leone: Market and Non-Market Transactions. Aad van Tilburg and Inge Hamming. 8. Maize and Bean Marketing in Benin: The Peasant Farmers’ Choice of Marketing Outlet. Lineke van Bruggen and Aad van Tilburg. 9. Horticultural Marketing in Kenya: Why Potato Farmers Need Collecting Wholesalers. Tjalling Dijkstra. 10. Cattle Marketing in Zambia, 1965-1995: Policies, Institutions and Cattle Owners in Western Province. Henk A.J. Moll and Désirée C.E. Dietvorst. 11. Cross-Border Cattle Marketing in Sub-Saharan Africa since 1900: Geographical Patterns and Government-Induced Change. Leo de Haan, Paul Quarles van Ufford and Fred Zaal.

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Book SynopsisThis volume sits at the cross-roads of a number of areas of scientific interest that, in the past, have largely kept themselves separate - agriculture, forestry, population genetics, ecology, conservation biology, genomics and the protection of plant genetic resources. Yet these areas also have a lot of common interests and increasingly these independent lines of inquiry are tending to coalesce into a more comprehensive view of the complexity of plant-pathogen associations and their ecological and evolutionary dynamics. This interdisciplinary source provides a comprehensive overview of this changing situation by identifying the role of pathogens in shaping plant populations, species and communities, tackling the issue of the increasing importance of invasive and newly emerging diseases and giving broader recognition to the fundamental importance of the influence of space and time (as manifest in the metapopulation concept) in driving epidemiological and co-evolutionary trajectories.Trade Review'Burdon and Laine's book is an important contribution because of the variety of topics addressed, and their organization, which will be attractive to plant pathologists with an interest in both agricultural and wild systems … I am confident it will be as stimulating to any pathologist interested in population biology as it has been to me.' Fernando García-Arenal, The Quarterly Review of Biology'… a timely synthesis for any person that regularly works with plant pathogens (in agricultural or natural settings) and wants to learn more about the ecological and evolutionary aspects of plant-pathogen (fungi) interactions.' A. N. Schulz, Summer 2021 issue of Plant Science BulletinTable of ContentsPreface; 1. The diverse and ubiquitous nature of pathogens; 2. Environment as a determinant of pathogen incidence, abundance and evolution; 3. Genetics of host plant resistance and pathogen infectivity and aggressiveness; 4. Sources and patterns of variation in plant pathogens; 5. Demographic and genetic processes in host and pathogen populations; 6. Co-evolutionary dynamics in a metapopulation context; 7. Co-evolution and host and pathogen life-histories; 8. Effect of pathogens on plant community dynamics; 9. Future developments.

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