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      • Trusted Partner
        Pharmaceutical industries
        August 1996

        Plant Adaptation and Crop Improvement

        by Edited by Mark Cooper, Graeme L Hammer

        This book discusses various plant adpatations and techniques for crop improvement.

      • Trusted Partner
        December 2024

        Genome Editing for Crop Improvement

        Theory and Methodology

        by Jameel M Al-Khayri, Muhammad N Sattar, Sudhir K. Sopory, Shri Mohan Jain

        Genome editing offers a powerful tool to significantly accelerate crop-breeding programs in order to develop new and improved varieties. It allows precise modification of an organism's DNA sequence, often by creating targeted double-strand breaks at specific locations. The CRISPR-Cas system has emerged as the preferred method of gene editing and offers a powerful technology for crop improvement. The use of CRISPR in plant research has led to significant improvements in crop performance in terms of yield, nutrition, stress tolerance and resistance against agricultural pests and diseases. This book explores the cutting-edge field of genome editing, its applications and potential to revolutionize the genetic improvement of crops. It includes: Foundational concepts and historical context of genome editing (GE). Structure and mechanisms of various genome editing techniques. Application of GE for trait improvements in plants. Regulatory, biosafety, and ethical considerations. This is a valuable resource for researchers in crop genetic improvement, graduate and postgraduate students in molecular biology and biotechnology programs, and professionals in the field.

      • Trusted Partner
        April 2021

        RNAi 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

      • Trusted Partner
        Biology, life sciences
        May 2016

        Enhancing Crop Genepool Use

        Capturing Wild Relative and Landrace Diversity for Crop Improvement

        by Edited by Nigel Maxted, Mohammad E Dulloo, Brian V Ford-Lloyd

        Based on the 2014 'Enhanced Genepool Utilization? Capturing wild relative and landrace diversity for crop improvement' conference , in this book a team of international contributors address all aspects of utilization and conservation of crop wild relative (CWR) and landrace (LR) diversity for crop improvement. Focussing on characterisation techniques, conservation strategies, facilitating CWR and LR use and informatics development, this book highlights exotic plant germplasm as a potentially critical but neglected resource for crop improvement.

      • Trusted Partner
        August 2020

        The 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.

      • Trusted Partner
        March 2025

        Epigenetics for Climate-Smart and Sustainable Agriculture

        by Jen-Tsung Chen

        This book provides a state-of-the-art overview of current achievements and future possibilities for the application of epigenetic and epigenomic techniques to the improvement of crops. Creating crops more resilient to the stresses caused by climate change will be an important part of a climate-smart and sustainable agriculture strategy for the future. All critical environmental stressors are explored: temperature, salt, drought, pollutants, pests, fungi, bacteria, and viruses. The exciting possibilities for the integration of epigenetic resources and technologies with plant functional genomics and the new field of precision molecular breeding in crops are discussed. Examples are shown of crops showing better growth performance, enhanced yields, more efficient nutrient utilization, and higher quality food production. The book reviews all aspects of epigenetics, epigenomics, and emerging RNA technologies and presents fundamental and advanced tools, showing their current applications in plant sciences, plant functional genomics, plant stress physiology, plant biotechnology, plant pathology, and plant breeding. The ethical, moral, and societal issues raised by these new plant breeding technologies are also discussed and future challenges are debated. This book is an ideal complete guide for students, researchers, experts, and professionals to overview this critical topic.

      • Trusted Partner
        Science & Mathematics
        November 2023

        Crop 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.

      • Trusted Partner
        Agricultural science
        October 2015

        Crop Improvement, Adoption and Impact of Improved Varieties in Food Crops in Sub-Saharan Africa

        by Edited by Dr Thomas S. Walker, Jeffrey Alwang

        Following on from the CGIAR study by Evenson and Gollin (published by CABI in 2003), this volume provides up-to-date estimates of adoption outcomes and productivity impacts of crop variety improvement research in sub-Saharan Africa. The book reports on the results of the DIIVA Project that focussed on the varietal generation, adoption and impact for 20 food crops in 30 countries. It also compares adoption outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa to those in South Asia, and guides future efforts for global agricultural research

      • Trusted Partner

        BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU - Advanced Techniques

        Advanced Techniques

        by Fabio Duca Gurgel do Amaral

        Jiu-Jitsu, literally meaning "the gentle art," is a popular form of self-defense that does not necessarily rely on physical strength and power. Seven-time World Champion Fabio Gurgel presents us with a comprehensive two-volume series that brings simplicity to the complex movements of this Martial Art, as he reveals the secrets of Jiu-Jitsu step by step. The book, titled ADVANCED BJJ, is fully illustrated and simplify the technical expressions of the art form to allow any student to learn and improve. Originally, Jiu-Jitsu was developed for the Samurai, ancient warriors who had little or no armor to defend themselves against a more powerful and well-armed enemy. As such, Jiu-Jitsu is the father of Japanese Martial Arts, including Judo and Aikido, and it has influenced Karate and other styles of Martial Arts. It utilizes techniques of strikes, holds, locks, throws, and evasions. Mentally, Jiu-Jitsu teaches self-confidence, improves self-esteem, relieves stress, and increases the ability to focus. Jiu-Jitsu utilizes physics and science through leverage and knowledge of human anatomy to overcome any attacker, with as little effort and physical strength as possible. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu differs from traditional Jiu-Jitsu in that it was developed in a different environment and area as a response to different needs. This caused the development of additional techniques that are more relevant to ground fighting and some relevant needs for dealing with violence in modern day life. Today, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is famous for its excellent ground fighting, high-level competitions, and competitors, as well as for its tactical thinking and maneuvers. Seven-time World Champion Fabio Duca Gurgel do Amaral began practicing Jiu-Jitsu at the age of 13 and received his black belt at the age of 19. Along with his master, Romero Jacaré, he is the co-founder of the two-time World Champion Alliance Team with 40 academies around the world – from Venezuela to New York, from Finland to Germany. Gurgel continues to teach at his own academy in São Paulo and gives seminars throughout the world. He is president of the Professional League of Jiu-Jitsu. A North American English-language edition was published in July 2007. A Czech edition was published in 2010.   142 pages; 16.5 x 24 cm.

      • Trusted Partner
        Biotechnology
        June 1998

        Plant Breeding and Whole-System Crop Physiology

        Improving Adaptation, Maturity and Yield

        by Don H Wallace, Weikai Yan

        Improvements in adaptation and maturity leading to greater yield are the most important criteria for the acceptance of a new crop cultivar, since it is the yield which dictates the economic value of the crop. Therefore, yield improvement is one goal of virtually every crop breeding program. Many such programs have tended to concentrate on identifying the genetic traits responsible for higher yield and selecting each of them in the later stages of the breeding cycle. However, selection for yield per se is still the most effective method, since it is a combination of traits, operating within the limits of the system, which finally determines yield. This book presents a whole-system, or holistic viewpoint for the improvement of adaptation, maturity and yield. Central to its thesis is recognition that system-established changes in levels of the components of the plant system, within a constant capacity, i.e. within the limitations of the system, determines yield and other cultivar characteristics. It goes on to describe how this can improve our understanding of plant systems and enable breeders to maximise performance under prevailing field conditions. Based principally on 25 years research by the authors, the ideas presented in this book are essential reading for crop physiologists and plant breeders.

      • Trusted Partner
        Agricultural science
        May 2010

        Climate Change and Crop Production

        by E Barrett-Lennard, H Braun, Jose Crossa, Peter Hobbs, David Hodson, Andy Jarvis, Peter Langridge, Anne Legrève, David Lobell, Mark Mazzola, Ivan Ortiz-Monasterio, Martin A J Parry, Daniel Mullan. Edited by Matthew P Reynolds.

        Current trends in population growth suggest that global food production is unlikely to satisfy future demand under predicted climate change scenarios unless rates of crop improvement are accelerated. In order to maintain food security in the face of these challenges, a holistic approach that includes stress-tolerant germplasm, sustainable crop and natural resource management, and sound policy interventions will be needed. The first volume in the CABI Climate Change Series, this book provides an overview of the essential disciplines required for sustainable crop production in unpredictable environments. Chapters include discussions of adapting to biotic and abiotic stresses, sustainable and resource-conserving technologies and new tools for enhancing crop adaptation. Examples of successful applications as well as future prospects of how each discipline can be expected to evolve over the next 30 years are also presented. Laying out the basic concepts needed to adapt to and mitigate changes in crop environments, this is an essential resource for researchers and students in crop and environmental science as well as policy makers.

      • Trusted Partner
        Geography & the Environment
        May 2017

        Climate Change and Crop Production

        by E Barrett-Lennard, Matthew P Reynolds, H Braun, Jose Crossa, Peter Hobbs, David Hodson, Andy Jarvis, Peter Langridge, Anne Legrève, David Lobell, Mark Mazzola, Ivan Ortiz-Monasterio, Martin A J Parry, Daniel Mullan

        Current trends in population growth suggest that global food production is unlikely to satisfy future demand under predicted climate change scenarios unless rates of crop improvement are accelerated. In order to maintain food security in the face of these challenges, a holistic approach that includes stress-tolerant germplasm, sustainable crop and natural resource management, and sound policy interventions will be needed. The first volume in the CABI Climate Change Series, this book provides an overview of the essential disciplines required for sustainable crop production in unpredictable environments. Chapters include discussions of adapting to biotic and abiotic stresses, sustainable and resource-conserving technologies and new tools for enhancing crop adaptation. Examples of successful applications as well as future prospects of how each discipline can be expected to evolve over the next 30 years are also presented. Laying out the basic concepts needed to adapt to and mitigate changes in crop environments, this is an essential resource for researchers and students in crop and environmental science as well as policy makers.

      • Trusted Partner
        Insecticide & herbicide technology
        August 1993

        Application Technology for Crop Protection

        by Edited by Graham A Matthews, E C Hislop

        Pesticides continue to be a major means of controlling pests and diseases of crops and have made a major contribution to increasing the world’s food production. Despite the problem of developing pest and disease resistance to certain pesticides, and public concern about their indiscriminate use and side-effects, they are likely to remain the basis of integrated pest management programmes. However, as this book seeks to demonstrate, there is scope to improve both the safety and efficiency of crop protection methods. The emphasis of the book is on methods of assessment and on application techniques to particular categories of crops. Written by leading authorities from Europe and North America, the book provides detailed reviews of relevant topics. It is essential reading for all researchers, advanced students and professionals concerned with crop protection, whether from the disciplines of entomology, plant pathology, weed science or agricultural engineering.

      • Trusted Partner
        December 2024

        Rural SME Business Management

        The Human Factor

        by Peter L Nuthall

        This book is about managerial ability and how it might be assessed and improved, and it focuses on rural Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Traditionally, business studies have seldom covered the manager as a person and a decision maker in any great depth. Personnel management, production economics, financing, operations analysis techniques, etc. tend to be emphasized but the personal attributes of the decision makers have as much influence on success as the rules of good decision making. This book aims to correct this imbalance. The human characteristics of managers that define how a manager operates are explored, as are their impact on managerial ability. The details of the competencies a manager must possess are also presented and discussed as well as potential detracting biases. The book concludes with methods and techniques covering personal characteristic changes and associated managerial improvement. The concepts and conclusions of this book are all based on a body of research, excerpts of which are quoted in the text, drawn from the rich sources available in the international literature. Case studies describing successful managers and management advisors are used throughout. · First book which specifically focuses on human factors and decision making for SME managers. · Introduces new research specifically on the quantification of intuition, the primary decision making method used in SMEs. · Contains essential material required by researchers of decision making processes, business studies teachers, and extension workers from the world of SME business.

      • Trusted Partner
        Genetics (non-medical)
        February 2003

        Crop Variety Improvement and its Effect on Productivity

        The Impact of International Agricultural Research

        by Edited by Robert E Evenson, Douglas Gollin

        This volume reports on the productivity impacts of varietal improvement research conducted at a number of international centres affiliated with the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research. Such centres have been at the forefront of a 40-year effort to breed new varieties of the world’s staple food crops. The volume is the main product of a study initiated and supported by the Impact Assessment and Evaluation Group (now Standing Panel on Impact Assessment) of the CGIAR. Descriptive data and econometric models are used to evaluate the impact of research on eleven crops and in three country case studies (Brazil, China and India).

      • Trusted Partner
        Science & Mathematics
        November 2020

        Techniques for Work with Plant and Soil Nematodes

        by Roland N Perry, David J Hunt, Sergei A Subbotin

        Techniques for Work with Plant and Soil Nematodes is an up-to-date, comprehensive book covering the practicalities of working with and studying soil and plant nematodes. Written by an international team of experts, this book is highly illustrated and provides thorough coverage of methods whilst allowing for relevant information to be located quickly. It includes the fundamental traditional techniques and new methodologies, covering: sampling; extraction; estimating numbers; handling, fixing, staining, mounting; culturing techniques; figure preparation, measurement and image processing; electron microscopy techniques; behavioural and physiological assays; and cytogenetic, biochemical and molecular biology techniques. This book is an essential resource for anyone involved in plant nematology needing to refer to a readily available methodology standard, including students of nematology and parasitology, university lecturers and researchers, diagnostic laboratories, and quarantine and advisory service personnel. It provides a much needed compendium of the spectrum of information needed to work with these microscopic organisms.

      • Trusted Partner
        Biodiversity
        December 2007

        Crop Wild Relative Conservation and Use

        by Edited by Nigel Maxted, Brian V Ford-Lloyd, Shelagh P Kell, José M Iriondo, Mohammad E Dulloo, Jozef Turok

        Crop wild relatives (CWR) are species closely related to crop plants which can contribute beneficial traits, such as pest or disease resistance and yield improvement. These species are critical for improving agricultural production and increasing food security. They are also essential components of natural and semi-natural habitats as well as agricultural systems, and are therefore vital in maintaining ecosystem health. However, CWR, like any other group of wild species, are subject to an increasing range of threats: habitat loss, degradation and mismanagement, over-collection and climate change. Through an examination of the national, regional and global context of CWR, these authoritative studies present methodologies and case studies that review and provide recommendations for global conservation and use. Topics range from the establishment of conservation priorities and strategies, threat assessment and genetic erosion and pollution.

      • Trusted Partner
        February 2024

        Experimental Design and Analysis for Tree Improvement

        by Emlyn Williams, Chris Harwood, Colin Matheson

        This third edition of Experimental Design and Analysis for Tree Improvement provides a set of practical procedures to follow when planning, designing and analysing tree improvement trials. Using many fully worked examples, it outlines how to: design field, glasshouse and laboratory trials; efficiently collect and construct electronic data files; pre-process data, screening for data quality and outliers; analyse data from single and across-site trials; and interpret the results from statistical analyses. The authors address the many practical issues often faced in forest tree improvement trials and describe techniques that will efficiently give conclusive results. The techniques provided are applicable to the improvement of not only trees, but to crops in general. Building on the success of the second edition, this new edition has been fully revised to include the construction of p-rep and spatial designs using the commercially available software package for design generation (CycDesigN). For analysis of the examples, it provides online Genstat and SAS programs and a link to R programs.

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