Agronomy and crop production Books

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Book SynopsisDiscusses New Advancements to Improve Existing Simulations of Plant NitrogenWritten by research pioneers and leading scientists in the area of agricultural systems, Quantifying and Understanding Plant Nitrogen Uptake for Systems Modeling comprehensively covers plant N uptake in agricultural system models, especially for building soil-plant system models. The text illustrates how to minimize the transportation of nitrogen fertilizers in crop production to surface and ground waters, as even moderate errors in uptake estimations lead to a dramatic increase in the amount of nitrogen leached into groundwater. It also highlights the knowledge gaps preventing correct simulation of this process and explains what to look for when using a system model and interpreting simulation results. Applies to a Variety of Crops, Including Oilseed, Wheat, Potatoes, and MaizeTrade ReviewMa et al have compiled tile latest developments in modeling plant nitrogen uptake. Through 13 chapters the contributing authors cover topics from the rhizosphere and roots to mycorrluzae and Michaelis-Menten kinetics. Each chapter is straight to the point and focuses on a different model and crop, which is useful as an introduction to each model as well as insightful into specific crop behaviour. A good overview of model structure is provided for each model, and most are tested against data...this should be the first source to go to for a solid overview of quantifying and understanding plant nitrogen uptake for systems modeling. --CAMBRIDGE JOURNALS, 2010Table of ContentsCurrent Status and Future Needs in Modeling Plant Nitrogen Uptake: A Preface. Modeling Nitrogen Fixation and Its Relationship to Nitrogen Uptake in the CROPGRO Model. Modeling Nitrate Uptake and Nitrogen Dynamics in Winter Oilseed Rape (Brassuca napus L.). Control of Plant Nitrogen Uptake in Native Ecosystems by Rhizospheric Processes. Dissolved Organic Nitrogen and Mechanisms of Its Uptake by Plants in Agricultural Systems, Water and Nitrogen Uptake and Responses in Models of Wheat, Potatoes, and Maize, Modeling Grain Protein Formation in Relation to Nitrogen Uptake and Remobilization in Rice, Modeling Water and Nitrogen Uptake Using a Single-Root Concept: Exemplified by the Use in the Daisy Model. Modeling Plant Nitrogen Uptake Using Three-Dimensional and One-Dimensional Root Architecture. Simulation of Nitrogen Demand and Uptake in Potato Using a Carbon-Assimilation Approach. Roots Below One-Meter Depth Are Important for Uptake of Nitrate by Annual Crops. Nitrogen-Uptake Effects on Nitrogen Loss in Tile Drainage as Estimated by RZWQM. Simulated Soil Water Content Effect on Plant Nitrogen Uptake and Export for Watershed Management.

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Book SynopsisIncreased world population, decreased water supply, and climate change all put stresses on the global food supply. An exploration of the challenges and possible solutions to improve yields of the main crops, such as cereals, roots, tubers, and grasses, Omics Technologies and Crop Improvement reviews data on food sciences and omics. The book covers modern omic technologies such as nutrigenomics and metagenomics. It provides a detailed examination of how omics can help crop science and horticulture and introduces the benefits of using these technologies to increase crop yields and other features such as resistance and nutritional values.The book highlights crop improvements such as increased yield, drought resistance, disease resistance, and value-added performance through a non-transgenic format. It explores how the different omics technologies, especially the most recent ones (proteomics, metabolomics, nutrigenomics, ionomics, and metagenomics) would be used Table of ContentsOmics Databases and Gene Expression Networks in Plant Sciences. Foodomics Strategies for the Analysis of Genetically Modified Crops. Genomics in Hardwood Tree Improvement: Applications of a Growing Resource. MicroRNA Omics Approaches to Investigate Abiotic and Biotic Stress Responses in Plants. Genome-Wide View of the Expression Profiles of NAC-Domain Genes in Response to Infection by Rice Viruses. Plant Molecular Breeding: Perspectives from Plant Biotechnology and Marker-Assisted Selection. A Comprehensive Forage Development Model for Advancing the Agricultural and Rural Economy of Pakistan through Integration of Agronomic and Omics Approaches. New Approaches for Detection of Unique Qualities of Small Fruits. Marker-Assisted Selection in Coffee. Advances in Papaya Genomics. Advances in Omics for Improved Onion and Potato Quality. Omics-Based Approaches for Improvement of the Common Bean. Genomics, Transcriptomics, and Molecular Breeding for Improving Cereals. Next-Generation Sequencing: Principle and Applications to Crops. Linking Plant Amino Acids with Energy and Stress: A Systems Biology Perspective.

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Book SynopsisDiseases of Edible Oilseed Crops presents an unprecedentedly thorough collection of information on the diseases of cultivated annual oilseed crops, including peanut, rapeseed-mustard, sesame, soybean, sunflower, and safflower. Written by internationally recognized researchers, this book covers and integrates worldwide literature in the field up to 2014, setting it apart from other books that are only of regional importance.The book focuses on major diseases of economic importance to each crop. Each chapter is devoted to a type of crop and a profile of affecting diseases according to geographical occurrence, epidemiology, symptoms, causal pathogens, host-pathogen interactions, biotechnological aspects, and the latest approaches to understanding host-pathogen interactions. It also includes discussions on developments on controversial subjects in research in order to stimulate thinking and further conversation with an eye toward improvements and resolutions.Table of ContentsINTRODUCTION. Edible Oilseed Plants/Crops. PEANUT. Fungal Diseases. Virus Diseases of Peanut. Other Diseases of Peanut. RAPESEED-MUSTARD. Rapeseed-Mustard Diseases. SUNFLOWER. Sunflower Diseases. SESAME. Sesame Diseases. SAFFLOWER. Safflower Diseases. SOYBEAN. Soybean Diseases.

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Book SynopsisPERCEPTIVE SOLUTIONS for those who want to know how NUTRITIOUS FOOD can be grown. Practical SURVIVAL guide for FARMERS to show them how to meet the needs that CONSUMERS are requesting! WHAT'S GOOD FOR THE EARTH IS GOOD FOR BUSINESS AND IS GOOD FOR THE CONSUMER. Steve Groff's message to consumers will resonate with the those who crave enhanced nutrient dense food. His message to fellow farmers is profound and prophetic: they are in danger of becoming obsolete, unless they seize the opportunity by providing what consumers want. Those consumers increasingly demand that the food they eat and the clothes they wear come from producers who observe responsible farming practices such as cover crops, reduced or no tillage, and other regenerative agriculture techniques. True to his conversational speaking style, in this book, Steve describes his consulting role for the largest frozen food processor in the world and other major corporate players, like Wrangler. These companies are positioning themselves for a profitable future, marketing to consumers who are desiring nutritious food and sustainable grown fiber. Farmers must do likewise to ensure they will have a continuing market for their goods. To future-proof their farms, they must heal and nurture the life-giving soil that sustains their livelihood, as a foundation to meet the needs of the market in the years ahead. Steve Groff has perfected the soil health concepts on his own farm and taken his message across the nation and to the corners of the world, promoting a new mindset that could save the family farm from extinction. This book is his WAKE-UP CALL! This book is also a rare opportunity to peak into the inner thoughts and perspectives of a farmer who wants to make a difference in the health of the planet, the health of business, and ultimately the health of the people. An informative and easy weekend read!

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Book SynopsisPeanut Agriculture and Production Technology: Integrated Nutrient Management focuses on agricultural techniques and integrated nutrient management of peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.). Peanuts are the second most important oil crop of India, occupying 5.7 million hectares, with an average production of 0.8 ton/ha, which is 23.5% of the India’s total oil seed production. Worldwide annual production of shelled peanuts was 42 million metric tons in 2014. It is the world’s 4th most important source of edible oil and the 3rd most important source of vegetable protein. The volume includes basic and advanced information on production, agrotechniques, and integrated nutrient management of Arachis hypogaea L. crop plant. It studies the physiology of the peanut, looking at the proper environmental conditions for optimal growth as well as under various subnormal conditions. It explores the methods of nitrogen application as well as the influence of different sowing dates and population densities to harvest its full yield potential. The book covers methods to achieve balanced nutrition, including using organic manures in groundnut farming to enhance yielding ability.The book will be a rich resource for those in agriculture, horticulture, and allied sciences, particularly for agricultural scientists in plant and crop physiology, agronomy, and soil science. Farm owners and managers of peanut crops and production will also benefit from the information provided in this volume. Trade Review"Generates a vast pool of data and information on agrotechniques, which are always the bottleneck in improving productivity of any crop. . . The information presented in this book will prove useful to growers. The methodology used is robust. Very useful."—From the Foreword by Dr. Bir Pal Singh, Central Potato Research Institute, Indian Counsel of Agricultural Research"Provides a detailed account of the various factors responsible for the varying production of groundnut, and the protection technologies chosen for the development of short duration high-yielding varieties. In addition, the role of integrated nutrient management and organic manure in the enhanced production of groundnut is also highlighted. I congratulate the editors for their extensive research work in generating the useful data required for groundnut production at the local level. The suggested technologies may solve the malnutrition problem among the large vegetarian population and also be a source of income generation for farmers. The book is useful for the students, academicians, researchers, and scientist interested in the agronomy, horticulture, plant physiology and soil science. Moreover, it is also useful for the stockholders—farmers and agricultural planners interested in boosting the yield of the groundnut."— Dr. Mohd. Sayeed Akhtar, Assistant Professor, Department of Botany, Gandhi Faiz-e-Aam College, Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, IndiaTable of ContentsPeanut Agriculture and Production Technology. Agro-Techniques: Summary. Focus on Crop Production. Present Scenario of the Research. Methodology and Plan of Work. Data Interpretation and Justification in Context to the Peanut Agriculture. Integrated Nutrient Management. Highlights of the Focus. Balanced Organic Nutrition Supplements in Peanut Crop Agro-Physiology. Present Scenario of the Research. Methodology and Plan of Work. Data Tabulation and Analysis. Conclusion: Crop Yield Potential.

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Book SynopsisThis book presents a selection of innovative postharvest management practices for vegetables. It covers technologies in harvesting, handling, and storage of vegetables, including strategies for low-temperature storage of vegetables, active and smart packaging of vegetables, edible coatings, application of nanotechnology in postharvest technology of vegetable crops, and more. It considers most of the important areas of vegetable processing while maintaining nutritional quality and addressing safety issues.Fruits and vegetables are important sources of nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds, which provide many health benefits. However, due to poor postharvest management—such as non-availability of cold chain management and low-cost processing facilities, large quantities of vegetables perish before they reach the consumer. Furthermore, higher temperatures in some regions also contribute to an increased level of postharvest losses. With chapters written by experts in the postharvest handling of vegetable, this volume addresses these challenges. It is devoted to presenting both new and innovative technologies as well as advancements in traditional technologies.Table of ContentsBioactive Pigments in Vegetables. Pre- and Postharvest Losses in Vegetables. Maturity Indices in Vegetables: An Overview. Non-Destructive Quality Evaluation of Vegetables. Breeding for Improving Nutritional Qualities and Shelf Life of Vegetable Crops. Biotechnological Applications in Post-Harvest Management of Vegetable Crops. Edible Coatings: Safe Way to Enhance Shelf Life of Vegetable Crops. Strategies for Low-Temperature Storage of Vegetables. Active and Smart Packaging Techniques in Vegetables. Antinutritional Compounds in Vegetables. Minimal Processing of Vegetables. Novel Non-Thermal Processing of Vegetables. Encapsulation of Bio-Active Compounds from Vegetables for Better Nutraceutical Delivery. Fermentation Technology in Vegetables. Recent Development in Dehydration of Vegetable Crops. Microbial Safety and Quality Assurance in Vegetables. Pre- and Post-Harvest Pesticide Contamination Management for Production of Quality Vegetables. Entrepreneurship Opportunities in Processed Vegetables in Emerging Economies.

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Book SynopsisThis new volume, Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology: Fundamentals, Advances, and Practices for a Greener Future, looks at the application of a variety of technologies, both fundamental and advanced, that are being used for crop improvement, metabolic engineering, and the development of transgenic plants. The science of agriculture is among the oldest and most intensely studied by mankind. Human intervention has led to manipulation of plant gene structure for the use of plants for the production of bioenergy, food, textiles, among other industrial uses. A sound knowledge of enzymology as well as the various biosynthetic pathways is required to further utilize microbes as sources to provide the desired products for industrial utility. This volume provides an overview of all these aspects along with an updated review of the major plant biotechnology procedures and techniques, their impact on novel agricultural development, and crop plant improvement. Also discussed are the use of "white biotechnology" and "metabolic engineering" as prerequisites for a sustainable development. The importance of patenting of plant products, world food safety, and the role of several imminent organizations is also discussed. The volume provides an holistic view that makes it a valuable source of information for researchers of agriculture and biotechnology as well as agricultural engineers, environmental biologists, environmental engineers, and environmentalists. Short exercises at the end of the chapters help to make the book suitable for course work in agriculture biotechnology, genetics, biology, biotechnology, and plant science.Table of ContentsEnzymes. Immobilization Biocatalysis. Enzymes in Non-Conventional Media. Metabolic Engineering. Use of Enzymes in Industry. White Biotechnology. Agricultural Biotechnology. and History. Plant Breeding and Seed Technology. Plant Tissue Culture. Plant Nutrition and Phytohormones. Transgenic Plants. Global Food Safety.

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Book SynopsisSpices provide our food with nutraceutical value rather than actual nutrition. But apart from the popular and major spices, there are several other spices, which, in spite of their enormous contribution to human health, remain underexploited or underutilized. This new volume, Underexploited Spice Crops: Present Status, Agrotechnology, and Future Research Directions, is a valuable compilation of agrotechniques coupled with background information, research works, and scientific discussions on these spices. It will include in-depth narration on underexploited spice crops as products in influencing present-day the global export market and the renewed interest in these crops throughout the world. The volume deals with the scientific approach of growing underexploited spices with the intention of popularizing them. Separate chapters on the importance of each spice, methods of growing and harvesting, and recent research from around the world along with future strategies are covered. Trade Review"This book deals with botanical, cultural, and technological aspects of 24 underutilized or poorly noticed, nondescript spice crops that could be a boon to spice-related research and application. This is more so since we have to combat and mitigate the brunt of climate changes. The inquisitive scholastic minds from across the disciplines along with faculties and professionals will be well drenched by this pool of knowledge and information and mettle and innovation of this previously neglected area of research and intervention."—From the Foreword by M. S. SwaminathanPresident, International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources; Former Director General, Indian Council of Agricultural Research; Former Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture; Former Director General, International Rice Research Institute Table of ContentsPreface. Introduction. Underexploited Spice Crops: Introduction, Significance and Uses. Underexploited Spice Crops: Scenario and Present Status. Underexploited Spice Crops: Agro Techniques. Recent Approaches on Improved Production Technologies of Underexploited Spices around the World. Underexploited Spice Crops: Future Thrust Areas and Research Directions.

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Book SynopsisThis important volume provides new research on the design and application of ecologically safe formulations for protecting cultivated crops against pathogen-causing diseases and weeds—that also provide nitrogen fertilizers at the same time. The authors make a significant contribution to the development and agricultural use of environmentally safe and biodegradable new-generation pesticides with targeted and controlled release of active ingredients. They discuss the problems associated with the use and accumulation of xenobiotics in the biosphere and present highlights of modern trends in the design of new-generation formulations. The authors present their original research results on the properties of herbicides, fungicides, and nitrogen fertilizers deposited in a degradable polymer base and the effectiveness of the use of these formulations in laboratory ecosystems with higher plants infected with fusariosis and weeds. The research provided here provides a new direction for the use of degradable polymers, essential for the creation of ecologically safe agricultural technologies and reducing uncontrolled accumulation and spread of xenobiotics in the biosphere.Table of Contents1. Agrochemicals: Usage and Associated Environmental Issues 2. Polyhydroxyalkanoates: Natural Degradable Biopolymers 3. Biodegradation Behavior of Polyhydroxyalkanoates 4. Experimental Formulations of Herbicides and Evaluation of Their Efficacy 5. Characterization of Experimental Formulations of the Fungicide Tebuconazole and Their Efficacy 6. Slow-Release Formulations of Nitrogen Fertilizers and Evaluation of their Efficacy 7. Conclusion

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Book SynopsisThis new volume, Biofertilizers and Biopesticides in Sustainable Agriculture, presents strategies for the management of soil and crop diseases. Microbes have attracted worldwide attention due to their role in disease management and remediation of polluted soils. Taking a sustainable approach, this book explores the means of integrating various microbial management approaches to achieve the desired levels of crop yield under both conventional soils and neglected soils through the use of biopesticides and other botanicals as well as biomolecules. This book also presents a broad and updated view of molecular nitrogen fixation and phosphate-solubilizing and sulfur-transforming microbes for nutrition of crops in relation to the role of metal tolerant microbes in providing protection to plants grown in metal-contaminated soils. The preparation and application of biofertilizers, utilization of household waste materials, and use of genetically modified microorganisms (GMOs) in plant growth and development are also well discussed in the volume. Table of Contents1. General Introduction of Bio-Inputs vs. Chemical Inputs in Agriculture and Ill Effects 2. Bacterial Biopesticides and Their Use in Agricultural Production 3. Fungal Biopesticides and Their Uses for Control of Insect Pest and Diseases 4. Viral Biopesticides: An Effective and Environment-Friendly Approach to Control Insects 5. Control of Insect Pest Through Biomolecules and Traps 6. PGPRs for the Control of Soil-Borne Diseases 7. Botanicals and Their Application in Control of Insect Pests 8. Symbiotic Nitrogen Fixation and Pulses Yield 9. Free Living Nitrogen Fixation and Their Response to Agriculture Crops 10. Associative Nitrogen Fixation 11. Cyanobacteria and Azolla in Rice Cultivation: Improving Biological N2 Fixation System in Rice 12. Phosphorus Availability to Crops through Phosphate Solubilizing Microorganisms 13. Availability of Potash, Iron, Zinc, and Sulfur to Crop through Microbial Resources 14. Sulfur Cycle in Agricultural Soil: Microbiological Aspects 15. Utilization of Mycorrhizal Fungi in the Mobilization of Macro and Micro Nutrients to Important Pulses and Oil-Seed Crops 16. Integrated Use of Bioferilizers and Biopesticides in Crop Production 17. Fungal Bio-Pesticides: A Novel Tool for Management of Plant Parasitic Nematodes 18. Soil-Heavy Metal Toxicity Reduction by Bioagents/Living Organisms 19. Metagenomics for Soil Health 20. Use of Household Waste Materials for Biofertilizer Development 21. Genetically Modified Micro-Organisms for Sustainable Soil Health Management: A Biotechnological Approach

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Book SynopsisTraces the rise and spread of citrus across the globe: from Southeast Asia in 4000 BC through North Africa and the Roman Empire to early modern Spain and Portugal, whose explorers introduced the fruits to the Americas during the 1500s.Trade Review"Laszlo... has approached the lore of citrus fruit with the elan of a master chef (the man is French, after all), mixing history, economics, biology, and chemistry to produce a book that will bring a smile to readers of every taste." - Natural History "Altogether charming, eccentric, erudite, and definitely worth the price." - Times Higher Education Supplement "Stimulating.... Laszlo shows that the citrus fruit 'is a treasure trove of chemicals that are highly useful to humankind' - which also happens to taste wonderful." - Sunday Times (UK) "A short but brilliant account of 6,000 years of citrus fruits that should be devoured with fervor." - Financial Times "Did you know there are a billion citrus trees under cultivation, or that grape-fruit juice may potentiate the effects of Viagra? Citrus mines over two millennia of history to explore the spread of these fruits out of Asia, their commercialization in the United States, and enduring symbolism the world over." - New Scientist"

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