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December 2024The Avocado
Botany, Production and Uses
by Daniel Carrillo, Bruce Schaffer, B Nigel Wolstenholme, Anthony W Whiley, Martín Aluja, Mary Lu Arpaia, Carlos F Balerdi, Araceli Barceló-Muñoz, Alejandro F Barrientos Priego, Gary S Bender, Jay Bost, John Bower, Andre S Chanderbali, Jonathan H Crane, Ben Faber, E.D. Focht, R. Folgado, C. Fuentealba, M.E. Galindo-Tovar, M. García-Rojas, F.J. Gardiazabal, Lauren Garner, R. Gazis, Pilar M Gil, Mark S Hoddle, Peter J Hofmann, Jose Ignacio Hormaza, Emanuel Lahav, Uri Lavi, Richard E Litz, Rodrigo López-Gómez, Carol J Lovatt, I. Hernández, P. Manosalva, F.J. Mena, José A Mercado, Michael V Mickelbart, Isabel Narváez, Elena Palomo-Ríos, F. Meza, D. Olivares, Jorge E Peña, Fernando Pliego-Alfaro, Clara Pliego, J.G. Ramirez-Gil, Douglas E Soltis, Pamela S Soltis, Allan B Woolf, T. Cantuarias-Avilés
The avocado industry is evolving rapidly. Avocado production has almost doubled recently, with significant expansion in areas planted, especially in Latin America, but also in Africa and Asia. Moreover, the global demand for avocado keeps on growing. The Avocado, 3rd edition is a unique and comprehensive source of information for avocado researchers, and covers everything from the history and distribution, novel agronomic practices, ecological and climatic requirements, and emerging diseases and pest problems. It compiles state-of-the-art information to promote more sustainable production systems and better preparedness to face the challenges that will shape the future of avocado production. This fully updated third edition includes many new international contributors especially from those regions with active and expanding avocado industries. Considering the expansion in avocado consumption, it also includes a new chapter on avocado uses and human nutrition. This is a valuable resource for avocado researchers, academicians and students of horticulture and botany, advisers, professional growers and practitioners in the industry.
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Botany & plant sciencesJanuary 2013Avocado
Botany, Production and Uses
by Edited by Bruce Schaffer, B Nigel Wolstenholme, Anthony W Whiley.
Although avocado has been cultivated and consumed for more than 9000 years near its centre of origin in Latin America, world production and trade has increased dramatically over the past few decades. The avocado is now a widely traded fruit between warmer and colder countries as a result of the global community becoming increasingly aware of the versatility and nutritional value of this crop. For the past decade, the world avocado industry has been going through a period of rapid technological change and innovation. The dietary value of "the most nutritious of all fruit" is also receiving more attention. This fully updated new edition of the successful 2002 book will provide a comprehensive review of avocado production, science and technology.
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Children's & YAJanuary 2021How Avo Was Searching for Cado
by Kateryna Perkonos (Author), Antonina Yurchenko (Illustrator)
Avo is half of an avocado, and he's searching for Cado, his other half. It turns out that there are many characters that resemble Cado from a distance. However, they are all different upon closer inspection: everybody has their own temperament, dreams, and aspirations. While Avo has found many friends along the way, will he manage to find Cado? An unusual die-cut cardboard book, How Avo Was Searching for Cado, will teach children how to compare shapes, sizes, colors, and temperaments. Most importantly, it will teach them how to search for and find true friends. From 3 to 5 years, 430 words Rights holders: Alex Sharlai, alex.sharlay@gmail.com
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August 2020The Papaya
Botany, Production and Uses
by Sisir Mitra
Papaya (Carica papaya) is an important and widely-cultivated tropical fruit, grown in more than 70 countries of the world. Global papaya production has grown significantly over the last few years, mainly as a result of increased production in India. Papaya has become an important agricultural export for developing countries where export revenues of the fruit provide a livelihood for thousands of people, especially in Asia and Latin America. There have been a number of recent research developments with the potential to improve crop yields and quality. New research has contributed to our understanding of the crop environment, plant growth and physiology of tree and fruit development with implications for both breeding and cultivation. Analysis of the papaya genome promises new, faster breeding techniques to improved cultivars. These and other advances are helping to tackle disease like papaya ring spot viruses and major pests which still cause significant losses. With contributions from international experts, the book presents the current state of knowledge concerning the history, physiology, culture and marketing of papaya throughout the world. It is an essential resource for researchers, growers and all those involved in the papaya industry.
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October 2022Loquat
Botany, Production and Uses
by Sisir Mitra, A Aytekin Polat, Manuel Agustí, Josep Armengol, Maria Luisa Badenes, Manuel Blasco, Julián Cuevas González, Vittorio Farina, Elisa González-Dominguez, Qigao Guo, Liang Guolu, Juan José Hueso, Yuanyuan Jiang, Francisco Legaz, Hailan Lin, Shoukai Lin, Dahe Lin, Shunquan Lin, Shiwei Ma, Belén Martínez-Alcántara, Amparo Martínez-Fuentes, Carlos Mesejo, Julia Morales, Ana Quiñones, Carmina Reig, Esteban Soler, Jincheng Wu, Bisha Wu, Xianghui Yang, Peng Ze, Lifen Zhang
Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) is a subtropical evergreen fruit tree indigenous to China. Records show it has been cultivated in China for over 2000 years. From this beginning, loquat has spread to more than 30 countries around the world. Grown in various regions of Asia, the Mediterranean and across the Americas, loquats suit both temperate and subtropical areas, sharing the same environmental conditions as citrus. Loquat is an increasingly commercial crop in some Asian and European countries with a good amount of international trade. Recent research has focused on improving crop yields and quality. Over 100 different varieties have been developed to meet both growers' and consumers' demands. These developments have contributed to a better understanding of the crop environment, plant growth and physiology of tree and fruit development with implications for both breeding and cultivation. This book is to be the first to provide a comprehensive coverage of the history, physiology, culture and marketing of loquat throughout the world.
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Science & MathematicsNovember 2023Crop Pollination by Bees, Volume 2
Individual Crops and their Bees
by Keith S Delaplane
Since the second half of the 20th Century, our agricultural bee pollinators have faced mounting threats from ecological disturbance and pan-global movement of pathogens and parasites. At the same time, the area of pollinator-dependent crops is increasing globally with no end in sight. Never before has so much been asked of our finite pool of bee pollinators. This book not only explores the evolutionary and ecologic bases of these dynamics, it translates this knowledge into practical research-based guidance for using bees to pollinate crops. It emphasizes conserving wild bee populations as well as culturing honey bees, bumble bees, and managed solitary bees. To cover such a range of biology, theory, and practice from the perspectives of both the pollinator and the crop, the book is divided into two volumes. Volume 1 focuses on bees, their biology, coevolution with flowering plants, foraging ecology and management, and gives practical ways to increase bee abundance and pollinating performance on the farm. Volume 2 (this volume) focuses on crops, with chapters addressing crop-specific requirements and bee pollination management recommendations. Both volumes are essential reading for farmers, horticulturists and gardeners, researchers and professionals working in insect ecology and conservation, and students of entomology and crop protection.
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Biology, life sciencesJanuary 2022Concepts for Understanding Fruit Trees
by Theodore M. DeJong
Anyone who observes fruit trees may wonder how or why they behave in specific ways. Some trees grow upright whilst others are more spreading in habit. Some produce many flowers and small immature fruit only to drop most of the fruit later on; others grow more on their sunny side than their shady side. It is common to ascribe such behavior to the tree as a whole and state that trees preferentially "allocate" resources to specific organs. However, this is the wrong approach to understanding tree functioning and behavior. Trees are not in control of what they do. What trees do and how they function is shaped by the individual organs that make up the tree, not by the tree as a whole. The genetic code only indirectly determines the habit, structure and behavior of a tree by defining the behavioral and functional limits of the component organs, tissues and cells. Unlike animals that have a mechanism for collective control of the whole organism - a central nervous system - trees (and plants in general) are more appropriately considered as collections of semi-autonomous organs. These organs are dependent on one another for resources, such as water, energy and nutrients, but control their own destiny. This book presents a clear set of integrative concepts for understanding the overall physiology and growth of temperate deciduous fruit trees. The emphasis is on overarching principles rather than detailed descriptions of tree physiology or differences among the numerous species of fruit trees. Although the focus is on deciduous fruit trees many aspects apply to evergreen fruit trees and trees that grow naturally in unmanaged situations. Highly relevant for students and researchers in pomology, horticulture and plant sciences, the book is also suitable for practitioners, extension staff, and novice fruit tree growers.
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Technology, Engineering & AgricultureSeptember 2023The Olive
Botany and Production
by Andrea Fabbri, Luciana Baldoni, Tiziano Caruso, Franco Famiani, Giovanni Agosteo, Barbera Giuseppe, Angjelina Belaj, Antonio Belcari, Karim Barkaoui, Giora Ben-Ari, Alon Ben-Gal, Giovanni Benelli, Rita Biasi, Iris Biton, Konstantinos Blazakis, Aureliano Bombarely, Antonio Brunori, Santa Olga Cacciola, Angelo Canale, Giovanni Caruso, Tiziano Caruso, Nicola Cinosi, Arnon Dag, Ran Erel, Daniela Farinelli, Louise Ferguson, Tommaso Ganino, Jesus A Gil-Ribes, Calero José Alfonso Gómez, Riccardo Gucci, Consolación Guerrero, Panagiotis Kalaitzis, Maurizio Lambardi, Lauri Pierre-Eric, Lorenzo León, Bianco Riccardo Lo, Enrico Maria Lodolini, Francisco Luque, Hanene Mairech, Picchi Malayka, Giulia Marino, Roberto Mariotti, Francesco Paolo Marra, G Medina-Alonso, José A Mercado, Maurizio Micheli, Soraya Mousavi, Monji Msallem, Dvora Namdar, Isabel Narváez, Elena Palomo-Ríos, Ruggero Petacchi, Pierluigi Pierantozzi, Malayka Samantha Picchi, Amalia Rosa Maria Piscopo, Fernando Pliego-Alfaro, Primo P
The European or Mediterranean cultivated olive (Olea europaea L., subsp. europaea, var. europaea) is one of the most ancient cultivated fruit tree crops. Today, hundreds of olive varieties are grown to produce high-quality fruit for oil and for table olives consumption. The olive industry has undergone profound innovations in the past 30 years, due to scientific and technical advances, particularly in genomics, breeding, orchard management, mechanization and agro-ecology, although not all these developments are yet available to smaller producers. Olive cultivation has also spread to many countries outside the Mediterranean Basin, where it ihas been traditionally present for over 6,000 years. These new olive-growing countries are experiencing further expansion of the industry, due to increased awareness of the nutritional and health properties of extra virgin olive oil. This book is a much-needed update on olive biology and cultivation, with contributions from leading international experts, and includes: Biology Genetics and breeding Olive propagation and nursery Planting new olive orchards Horticultural management of olive orchards Plant protection Olive by-products (wood, leaves) Multifunctionality of olive groves and ecosystem services The Olive: Botany and Production is invaluable for researchers and students in horticulture and agriculture, as well as producers involved in olive orchard management.
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Technology, Engineering & AgricultureSeptember 2020The Pomegranate
Botany, Production and Uses
by Ali Sarkhosh, Alimohammad Yavari, Zabihollah Zamani
The pomegranate, Punica granatum L., is one of the oldest known edible fruits and is associated with ancient civilizations of the Middle East. This is the first comprehensive book covering the botany, production, processing, health, and industrial uses of pomegranate. The cultivation of this fruit for fresh consumption, juice production and medicinal purposes has expanded more than tenfold over the past twenty years. Presenting a review of pomegranate growing from a scientific and horticultural perspective, the book provides information to increase yields and improve short- and medium-term grower profitability and sustainability. It covers: practices to mitigate pests, diseases and abiotic stresses yield based nutrition management cultural practices for cultivars with horticultural traits such as earliness, high yield, improved taste, soft seeds, disease resistance, and low splitting and sunscald rates increasing crop diversity to aid crop security composition, food uses and medicinal uses This book is essential literature for researchers in horticulture, growers, and those involved in the pomegranate industry.
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April 2021RNAi for Plant Improvement and Protection
by Bruno Mezzetti, Jeremy Sweet, Lorenzo Burgos
RNA interference (RNAi) has the potential to make major contributions towards sustainable crop production and protection with minimal environmental impacts compared to other technologies. RNAi is being developed and exploited both within plants (i.e. host-induced gene silencing, HIGS) and/or as topical applications (e.g. spray-induced gene silencing, SIGS) for targeting pest and pathogen genes and for manipulating endogenous gene expression in plants. Chapters by international experts review current knowledge on RNAi, methods for developing RNAi systems in GM plants and applications for crop improvement, crop production and crop protection. Chapters examine both endogenous systems in GM plants and exogenous systems where interfering RNAs are applied to target plants, pests and pathogens. The biosafety of these different systems is examined and methods for risk assessment for food, feed and environmental safety are discussed. Finally, aspects of the regulation of technologies exploiting RNAi and the socio-economic impacts of RNAi technologies are discussed. Chapter 1: Introduction to RNAi in Plant Production and Protection. Bruno Mezzetti, Jeremy Sweet and Lorenzo Burgos Chapter 2: Gene silencing to induce pathogen-derived resistance in plants. Zhen Liao, Elena Zuriaga, Ángela Polo and Maria L. Badenes Chapter 3: Exogenous application of small RNAs as a tool for gene function discovering. Barbara Molesini and Tiziana Pandolfini Chapter 4: The “Trojan Horse” approach for successful RNA interference in inscects. Dimitrios Kontogiannatos, Anna Kolliopoulou and Luc Swevers. Chapter 5: Biogenesis and functional RNAi in fruit-trees. Michel Ravelonandro and Pascal Briard Chapter 6: Gene silencing or gene editing: the pros and cons. Huw D Jones Chapter 7: Application of RNAi technology in Forest Trees. Matthias Fladung, Hely Haggman and S. Sutela Chapter 8: Host-induced gene silencing and spray-induced gene silencing for crop protection against viruses. Angela Ricci, Silvia Sabbadini, Laura Miozzi, Bruno Mezzetti and Emanuela Noris. Chapter 9: Small talk and large impact: the importance of small RNA molecules in the fight of plant diseases. Kristian Persson Hodén and Christina Dixelius Chapter 10: dsRNA stability during external applications – an overview. Ivelin Pantchev, Goritsa Rakleova and Atanas Atanassov Chapter 11: Boosting dsRNA delivery in plant and insect cells with peptide- and polymer-based carriers: cases-based current status and future perspectives. Kristof de Schutter, Olivier Christiaens, Clauvis Nji Tizi Taning and Guy Smagghe Chapter 12: Environmental safety assessment of RNAi plants for pest control. Salvatore Arpaia, Olivier Christiaens, Paul Henning Krogh, Kimberly Parker and Jeremy Sweet Chapter 13: Food and feed safety assessment of RNAi plants and products. Hanspeter Naegeli, Gijs Kleter and Antje Dietz-Pfeilstetter Chapter 14: Regulatory aspects of RNAi in plant production. Werner Schenkel and Achim Gathmann Chapter 15: The Economics of RNAi technology in plant breeding: from the innovation landscape to consumer acceptance. Dario Frisio and Vera Ventura Chapter 16: Communication challenges of RNAi and selected communication messages from iPLANTA for dissemination. Hilde-Gunn Opsahl-Sorteberg
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Biology, life sciencesOctober 2015Tree-Crop Interactions
Agroforestry in a Changing Climate
by Edited by Chin K Ong, Colin Black, Julia Wilson, Dennis Garrity
This new edition provides an update on the considerable amount of evidence on tree-crop interactions which has accumulated during the last two decades, especially on the more complex multi-strata agroforestry systems, which are typical of the humid tropics. In addition three new chapters have been added to describe the new advances in the relationship between climate change adaptation, rural development and how trees and agroforestry will contribute to a likely reduction in vulnerability to climate change in developing countries
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Agriculture & related industriesApril 2007Coffee Pests, Diseases and their Management
by M Bigger, Rory J Hillocks. Edited by Jim M Waller.
Price collapse and oversupply have made coffee a high-profile crop in recent years: never has efficient production and crop protection been more important for reducing costs and increasing quality. Packed with illustrations, this book covers the origins, botany, agroecology and worldwide production statistics of coffee, and the insect pests, plant pathogens, nematodes and nutrient deficiencies that afflict it. With emphasis on integrated crop management, this book reviews control measures suitable for any coffee pest or disease and will enable agriculturists to design and implement sustainable pest management systems.
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December 2023The Coconut
Botany, Production and Uses
by Stephen W Adkins, Julianne Biddle, Amirhossein Bazrafshan, Sundaravelpandian Kalaipandian
The coconut palm (Cocos nucifera L.) is one of the world's most important palms, and contributes significantly to the income and livelihood of many people in tropical countries. Widely referred to as the 'tree of life', coconut has been used as a source of food, drink, oil, medicine, shelter and wood for around 500 years. Every part of the coconut palm can be utilized. The demand for coconut fruit and its products has increased recently as people have become aware of its nutritional and health benefits, especially those of coconut water and virgin coconut oil. This book covers all aspects of coconut including origins and diversity; ecophysiology; production in a changing climate; pests and diseases; harvest and postharvest management; breeding and genetics; as well as the current and future status of coconut as an economic crop. This book is a key resource for researchers and students in horticulture, plant science and agriculture, and those interested in the production of tropical crops, and practitioners in the coconut industry.
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Science & MathematicsAugust 2018Plant Parasitic Nematodes in Subtropical and Tropical Agriculture
by Richard A Sikora, Danny Coyne, Johannes Hallmann, Patricia Timper, Antoine Affokpon, Shamsul Bhuyian, John Bridge, J Alfonso Cabrera, Buncha Chinnasri, Biodun Claudius-Cole, Cleopas Chinheya, Amer A S Dababat, Richard F Davis, Donald W Dickson, Larry Duncan, Santhosh J Eapen, Fahiem El-Borai, Howard Ferris, Rafael Galbieri, H S Gaur, Driekie Fourie, Robin Giblin-Davis, Nalini C Gnanapragasam, David J Hunt, Charles Johnson, Natsumi Kanzaki, Hannah Wangari Karuri, Rosa Manzanilla-Lopez, Beira Hailu Meressa, Keerthi Mohotti, Sara Sánchez Moreno, Björn Niere, Juan Emilio Palomares-Rius, Rakesh Pandy, Deliang Peng, Trinh Quang Phap, Patrick Queneherve, Prabashnie Ramouthar, Philip A Roberts, Sônia Maria de Lima Salgado, Ebrahim Shokoohi, Edward Sikora, Brent S Sipes, Sonia Steenkamp, Sergei Subboten, Luc Villain
Covering all aspects of practical plant nematology in subtropical and tropical agriculture, the third edition of this definitive global reference work is fully revised and in full colour throughout. It covers the presence, distribution, symptomology and management of all economically important plant parasitic nematodes damaging the world's major food and cash crops. This includes: rice, cereals, solanum and sweet potatoes (and other root and tuber crops), food legumes, vegetables, peanut, citrus, fruit tree crops, coconut and other palms, coffee, cocoa, tea, bananas, sugarcane, tobacco, pineapple, cotton, other tropical fibres, spices and medicinal plants. New content for this edition includes: - A chapter on nematode soil biodiversity and soil health. - Reflections on the future impact of nematodes and nematology on food security. - The importance of climate change, emerging threats, and new management technologies for large and small subsistence growers. - Significant revisions to the IPM chapter and chapters on vegetables, citrus, legumes, tuber crops, cotton, peanut and banana where major advances in nematode management have occurred. This book is highly illustrated, with up-to-date practical guidance on methods of extraction, processing and diagnosing of different plant and soil nematodes and on integrated pest management. It remains an invaluable resource for those studying and working in the area of crop protection.
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December 2024Plant Breeding Technology
Future Trends and Challenges
by Zeba Khan
This book highlights the latest and most exciting technological tools for plant breeding that are becoming the staple of all crop improvement programs. Using case studies and an evidence-based approach to examine the current status of each technique, the book discusses the challenges so far uncovered and future trends. Crop improvement relies on modulating the genes and genomic regions underlying key traits, either directly or indirectly. Direct approaches include overexpression, RNA interference, and genome editing, while conventional breeding constitutes the indirect approach. The integration of cutting-edge tools and technologies has the potential to expedite improvements in crop species. Innovations such as next-generation sequencing, high-throughput genotyping, precision editing, and the utilization of space technology to accelerate growth have opened new avenues in crop improvement programs, aimed at delivering new crop varieties capable of resilience to a variety of challenges. The book presents a systematic guide to various genomics approaches deployed for trait discovery and improvement in crop species. The chapters comprehensively cover each application, its advantages, and disadvantages, and its potential for improvement, supported by illustrative examples. The book: · Emphasizes the latest scientific and technological tools which are becoming the norm in all major crop improvement programs · Explores innovative approaches and cutting-edge technologies utilized in the development and improvement of climate-resilient crops. · Each chapter is supplemented with ample illustrations to clarify and summarize the key points and provides an easy-to-understand overview of the most important concepts, applications and advances in crop improvement technologies.
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Pest controlJune 2009Biorational Tree Fruit Pest Management
by Edited by Martín Aluja, Tracy C Leskey, Charles Vincent
As the human impact upon the environment becomes more apparent and severe, the need to develop agricultural techniques that cause minimal damage to the environment has increased. This is particularly the case in the area of pest management, where integrated pest management (IPM) strategies have become a fundamental component of plant protection. Focusing on insect pests of tree fruits and combining behavioural research with crop protection applications, this book emphasizes the importance of environmentally sustainable approaches in an agroecosystem. Both experimental and applied topics are discussed, including the conceptual framework of IPM, functional and behavioural ecology of a pest, host detection mechanisms and monitoring tool development, as well as pest management case studies. Representing a comprehensive discussion of tree-fruit pest management, from the evolution, ecology and behaviour of insect pests to the implementation of applied biorational programmes, this will be essential reading for researchers as well as commercial growers and extension agents.
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Biology, life sciencesNovember 2015Sustainable Crop Disease Management using Natural Products
by Edited by Kurucheve Vadivel, Sangeetha Ganesan, Jayaraj Jayaraman
Alternative methods of disease control such as natural products and compounds derived from biological origins, provide an effective alternate to the use of chemical products or a means to minimize their use. It is imperative now to look for such sustainable crop disease management approaches, that include routine and alternative methods. Natural products for sustainable crop disease management is an effort in this direction, and deals with immediate concerns in the field of natural and alternative products for disease control, apart from using biocontrol organisms. This book presents up-to-date information on natural products and compounds derived from biological origins and thoroughly discusses their applicability, field use and prospects for adoption under different cropping conditions. This book also validates disease management strategies.
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Technology, Engineering & AgricultureMay 2022Advances in Fig Research and Sustainable Production
by Moshe A Flaishman, Uygun Aksoy
The common fig (Ficus carica L.) is one of the oldest fruits domesticated by humans, and is native to southwest Asia and the Mediterranean. Figs have been associated with health and prosperity since ancient times. They are rich in fibre, potassium, calcium, and iron, as well as being an important source of vitamins, amino acids, and antioxidants. In recent years, increased consumption has caused fig production to shift to new countries such as Mexico, Brazil, India, and China. However, fig is a challenging fruit crop to grow. It is susceptible to insect pests and diseases as well as injuries from abiotic stress during fruit development and ripening. As a delicate fruit it also requires complicated postharvest procedures and climate change presents additional challenges. Comprising 29 chapters written by international experts, the book includes sections on: History Biology and Orchard Management Fruit Ripening and Postharvest Management Pests and Diseases Omics Analysis Cultivars and Breeding Products and Trade. This volume serves as a comprehensive reference for current and future practices of fig production, consumption, research and innovation, and is essential for academic researchers, and those involved in research and development in the fig industry.
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September 2024Arthropod Management and Landscape Considerations in Large-Scale Agroecosystems
by Michael J Brewer, Gary L. Hein, Kristen Baum, Mahendra Bhandari, Haley Butler, Hannalene du Plessis, Norman C. Elliott, Peter C Ellsworth, Sarah Elzay, Isaac L. Esquivel, Ashleigh M. Faris, Aaron J. Gassmann, Kristopher L Giles, Maura Hall, Louis S. Hesler, Anders S. Huseth, William D. Hutchison, Ian MacRae, Robert L. Meagher, Jr, Lance J. Meinke, Steven E. Naranjo, Matthew O'Neal, Shannon L. Osborne, Pankaj Pal, Katherine A. Parys, Dominic Reisig, Tom A Royer, Nina Rudin, Thomas W. Sappington, Gregory A. Sword, Ashley E. Tessnow, Paul A. Umina, Johnnie van den Berg
For large-scale agroecosystems, patterns of pest population increases (graded increases or abrupt outbreaks) and declines (graded suppression or abrupt crashes) vary considerably and are influenced by factors within crop fields and across broader landscape scales. Better understanding of pest population dynamics and the implications of spatial interactions on the function and development of pest management approaches are the main themes of this important book. The book builds from a 60+ year history of field-based pest management by focusing on the drivers of pest management in large-scale agroecosystems and the landscape-scale processes that affect these drivers and contribute to variation in pest outbreaks and suppression. These drivers include abiotic and biotic influences such as weather, spatial composition and arrangement of landscape elements, and widely applied managed inputs such as planting and crop rotation schedules, crop varietal selection, and land and soil conservation efforts. The book introduces general concepts, opportunities, and challenges of arthropod management in large-scale agroecosystems. Case studies from major field crop-based agroecosystems are used to present research approaches and improve understanding and management of pest and beneficial insects in large-scale agroecosystems. Specific research findings are provided on multi-trophic interactions within the system as influenced by climate, landscape, and other ecological, agricultural, and social/economic components of the agroecosystem. The book concludes with a synthesis of these concepts and prospectus for future research and developments in arthropod management in large-scale, plant-based agroecosystems. The book is essential reading for researchers in applied entomology and ecology and for pest management practitioners.
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December 2021Pest Management in Cotton
A Global Perspective
by Graham A. Matthews, Thomas A. Miller, Zeeshan Ahmed
This book presents a global overview of the background to, and the current state of, crop protection and pest management in cotton crops. Cotton is one of the most economically important crops in the world and has been grown for centuries but maintaining high yields of good quality requires sophisticated approaches to pest management. The introduction and use of pesticides over the decades significantly increased cotton yields but lead to many adverse environmental impacts. Over time, new and alternative insecticides were developed but overuse has enabled pests to develop significant resistance. The development of genetically modified cotton varieties with toxins derived from Bacillus thuringiensis enabled much improved control of lepidopteran larvae, including bollworms, but as the toxins had no effect on sucking pests, farmers had no choice but to continue using insecticides. Also, some of the new cotton varieties developed in recent times have not adapted to different climatic conditions and the quality of cotton fibre declined as a result. This book shows the need for more research to select cotton varieties with high quality fibres suitable for different cotton growing areas and to develop integrated pest management strategies to minimise the use of pesticides. It also demonstrates the need for an inter-disciplinary approach bringing together plant breeders, entomologists, plant pathologists, agronomists and agricultural engineers to achieve high yields of high quality cotton. In the future, farmers will need to adopt new technology to determine when and how pesticides are used in conjunction with cultural and biological control strategies. · Emphasises the importance of research on growing cotton in a world experiencing climate change · Demonstrates how crucial crop protection is in achieving high yields of high quality cotton · Shows how new technology will bring major changes in how cotton is grown in the future
