Your Search Results
-
Art of Crow
ART OF CROW is a brand that specializes in creating, featuring and publishing the Art of Books by the artist and writer CROW, and his curator and publisher Susanne M. Matz. The books are precious editions of prose or lyrics illustrated by artworks of paintings and photographic art. Titles are available as limited hardcover-editions, eBooks, and Audiobooks, designed by combining the spoken word and music. Order at artofcrow@outlook.com
View Rights Portal
-
Promoted ContentApril 2024
Dragon Fruit
Botany, Production and Uses
by Sisir Mitra, Nigel P. Taylor, Pradyot K. Pathak, Kundan Kishore, Ankita Sahu, Prinya Wongsa, Taner Bozkurt, Özhan Simsek, Joanna Cho Lee Ying, Phebe Ding, Long Haibo, Tang Liangde, Li Huadong, Hamide Gubbuk, Recep Balkic, Lokman Altinkaya, Leila Aparecida Salles Pio, Renato Paiva, Mai Van Tri, Dinh Thi Yen Phuong
Dragon fruit (pitaya) is a perennial climbing cactus, native to the tropical areas of North, Central and South America. It is suited to tropical and subtropical regions and is commercially grown in an increasing number of countries, including Israel, Australia and the USA. Dragon fruit generates considerable consumer interest because of its exotic appearance and potential health benefits. The fruit is rich in nutrients and phytochemical compounds. It can be eaten fresh or used in the preparation of juices, jellies, jams, etc. The natural bioactive compounds in pitaya have the potential to be exploited in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Increasingly cultivated worldwide, the plant is drought-resistant, easily adapts to light intensity and high temperatures, and has a tolerance to a wide range of soil salinities. With ongoing global warming, dragon fruit has great potential as a new crop for many more countries. This book is a compilation of the current state of knowledge on dragon fruit physiology, cultivation, production technology, postharvest management and processing, and is written by leading international authors.
-
Promoted ContentBiology, life sciencesJanuary 2022
Concepts 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.
-
Trusted PartnerSeptember 2020
Manual on Postharvest Handling of Mediterranean Tree Fruits and Nuts
by Carlos H. Crisosto, Gayle M. Crisosto
Postharvest is an important element of getting fresh, high quality fruit to the consumer and technological advances continue to outpace infrastructure. This book provides valuable, up-to-date information on postharvest handling of seven fruit and nut crops: almonds, figs, table grapes, pistachio, persimmon, peach and pomegranate. These crops are of particular importance in the Mediterranean region, but also to those countries that export and import these crops, where intensive economic resources are dedicated to developing information to understand and solve their postharvest problems. Written by a team of internationally-recognised postharvest experts, this manual collates and verifies essential but often difficult to access information on these important crops, pertinent for the World economics that affect agricultural communities. The book - Covers relevant postharvest topics for each crop across the growing, packing, shipping and retail postharvest phases - Has an emphasis on knowledge useful to solve current worldwide industry problems - Includes practical recommendations - Makes available information previously published in other languages This is must-have manual for growers and commodity handlers, cold storage managers, transportation personnel, produce managers and retail handlers, or anyone in the food chain that packs, transports, stores and sells these fruits and nuts.
-
Trusted PartnerAugust 2022
Gac Fruit: Advances in Cultivation, Utilisation, Health Benefits and Processing Technologies
by Minh Nguyen, Tuyen Chan Kha
Gac fruit, Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng, is rich in nutrients such as carotenoids (particularly beta-carotene and lycopene), fatty acids, vitamin E, polyphenol compounds and flavonoids. This book provides the latest research on this fruit, from cultivation through to processing technologies for health products. It addresses several techniques on propagation and cultivation in order to increase the production and quality of Gac fruit, including traditionally used parts of the fruit (aril) and those whose value has not yet been maximized (peel, pulp and seed). This plant has the potential to be a high value crop, particularly as parts of the fruit can be processed into nutrient supplements and/or natural colorants. It has an exceptional potential in the world carotenoids market of about US$ 1.4 billion (2017), which will be growing steadily, up to US$ 6.9 billion by 2026. As such, this book contains special emphasis on: · Improving production of Gac fruit · Novel extraction of Gac oil rich in beta-carotene and lycopene from aril and peel. · Encapsulation of Gac oil rich in beta-carotene and lycopene. Practical applied technologies such as microwave drying, heat pump drying, freeze drying, ultrasound assisted extraction, supercritical CO2 extraction, encapsulation techniquesare all presented. This is an essential reference text for academics, researchers and graduate students in cultivation, food processing, science and nutrition. Product developers in health food areas in the food industry will also find it valuable.
-
Trusted PartnerScience & MathematicsNovember 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 PartnerNovember 2024
Genetic Engineering of Vegetable Crops
by Pritam Kalia, Donata Arena, Suresh H. Antre, Rehna Augustine, S. Backiyarani, Nikita Balyan, Rafal Baranski, Satyaprakash Barik, D. R. Bhardwaj, Vinay Bhardwaj, S.K. Chakrabarti, Supriya Chakraborty, Branca Ferdinando, Megha Ganachari, P.H. Ramanjini Gowda, Rasmieh Hamid, Vageeshbabu S. Hanura, Feba Jacob, A. Jeevalatha, Anjala K, Varsha K, S. Kalpana, Ashish Kaushal, Magdalena Klimek-Chodacka, Manoj Kumar, Polumetla Ananda Kumar, Ravinder Kumar, Aneta Lukasiewicz, DC Lakshamanareddy, T Makeshkumar, M. Malavika, Manisha Mangal, Deepu Mathew, Pallavi Mishra, Upsana Mohapatra, N. Nagesha, T.M. Ningaraju, Saurabh Pandey, Naresh Ponnam, K N Poornima, Roshini Pydi, Manoj Prasad, K. V. Ravishankar, K. Madhavi Reddy, A. T. Sadashiva, Vidya Sagar, Koushik Saha, B.G. Sangeetha, Sanjay Sathian, K.M Senthilkumar, Sanjeev Sharma, M.N. Sheela, H.K. Shreyas, B.P. Singh, Arpita Srivastav, S Sundaresha, KRM Swamy, Kamil Szymonik, Brindha T. M, Arun TS, Jagesh K. Tiwari, Shailesh K Tiwari, Simone Trecc
Conventional plant breeding alone can no longer sustain the rising global demand for food. Genetic engineering technology makes it possible to develop new crop varieties with improved yield performance, specific quality attributes (external and internal in vegetable crops), resistance to diseases and insect pests, and environmental stresses. Genetic engineering technology for developing GM crops is complementary to genome editing and other breeding technologies. In addition to food requirements, transgenic crops have the possibility to carry edible vaccines and therapeutic proteins, to help combat human disease and malnutrition. This book reviews the importance and safety of transgenic vegetable crops and covers a wide variety of crops and different technologies. It includes: Genetic engineering in tomato, eggplant, peppers, amaranth, cauliflower, carrot, cucurbits, potato, tropical tubers and melons. Transgenic resistance to viral diseases. Embryogenic cell suspension culture. Genome editing and CRISPR/Cas9. Molecular techniques for biofortification. RNAi strategies for vegetable crop improvement. Designing futuristic vegetable crop varieties. This book is suitable for researchers in horticulture, plant science, and agricultural biotechnology as well as practitioners in vegetable breeding and seed production.
-
Trusted PartnerBotany & plant sciencesJune 2003
Diseases of Tropical Fruit Crops
by Edited by Randy C Ploetz
Comprehensive information on diseases of the most important tropical fruit cropsChapters are devoted to a single or, in some cases, a related group of host plantsThe history, distribution, importance, symptoms, aetiology, epidemiology and management of diseases of each crop are described in detailThis book offers a comprehensive review of diseases of important tropical and some subtropical fruit crops. The history, distribution, importance, etiology, epidemiology and control of diseases of each host crop are covered, along with brief summaries on the taxonomy, origins and characteristics of each host. Additional information is given on the biology and pathology of the causal agents and on new advances that change or otherwise enhance our understanding of the nature and cause of these diseases. Plant pathologists, plantation and nursery managers, lecturers and those who are involved in tropical agriculture and horticulture will find this an essential reference.
-
Trusted PartnerHorticultureDecember 1995
Cherries: Crop Physiology, Production and Uses
by Edited by A D Webster, Norman E Looney
The sweet cherry is one of the most popular of temperate fruit crops with consumers and is grown commercially in more than 40 countries of the world, in temperate, Mediterranean, subtropical and arid regions of all continents. The sour cherry is cultivated in fewer countries, mainly in Europe and the USA, and is used mainly in processed cherry products. Until recently, horticultural improvement of cherries as a commercial crop has been slow, and major production problems such as bird damage, rain-induced cracking, and bacterial diseases, have remained. However, in the last 25 years, major developments have occurred. New improved varieties of sweet cherry have been bred which have larger fruit, are more disease resistant and set fruit more reliably. Improved sour cherry varieties have also been bred and mechanised systems of harvesting introduced. New dwarfing rootstocks are now being released. This book provides a comprehensive review of all of these topics, and many more. It covers all aspects of the botany, production and uses of sweet and sour cherries, and represents a definitive reference work for students and research workers in horticulture as well as professional fruit growers.
-
Trusted PartnerHorticultureJanuary 2008
Encyclopedia of Fruit and Nuts
by Edited by Jules Janick, Robert E Paull
Ever wanted to know the genus name for a coconut?Intended for all your research needs, this encyclopedia is a comprehensive collection of information on temperate and tropical fruit and nut crops. Entries are grouped alphabetically by family and then by species, making it easy to find the information you need. Coverage includes palms and cacti as well as vegetable fruits of Solanaceae and Curcurbitacea. This book not only deals with the horticulture of the fruit and nut crops but also discusses the botany, making it a useful tool for anyone from scientists to gardeners and fruit hobbyists.
-
Trusted PartnerInsecticide & herbicide technologyJuly 2002
Tropical Fruit Pests and Pollinators
Biology, Economic Importance, Natural Enemies and Control
by Edited by Jorge E Peña, Jennifer Sharp, Manes Wysoki
Insect and other pests cause major economic damage on fruit crops in the tropics. However, some insects are beneficial and have a role in pollinating flowers, thus enabling fruit set. This book reviews these injurious and beneficial organisims and how they might be controlled to enhance fruit production and quality.
-
Trusted PartnerBiotechnologyDecember 2004
Biotechnology of Fruit and Nut Crops
by Edited by Richard E Litz
This book is a comprehensive reference work on the current status of biotechnology of the major temperate, subtropical and tropical fruit and nut crop species of the world. It is a replacement of Biotechnology of Perennial Fruit Crops (eds Hammerschlag and Litz, CABI, 1992) and includes coverage of more fruit as well as nut crop species. Each chapter contains a general introduction to the particular plant family, with an overview of the economic significance and potential of biotechnology for fruit and nut species within the family, before examining individual species in more detail.
-
Trusted PartnerTechnology, Engineering & AgricultureNovember 2017
Automation in Tree Fruit Production
Principles and Practice
by Qin Zhang
Automation in agriculture is made possible by the integration of advanced agricultural technology and precision agriculture management. This book, uniquely, will focus on applications of automation to the important industry of tree fruit production. Written by experts in agricultural automation technology from around the world, chapters in this book cover topics such as automated tree fruit production systems, plant stress sensing and high-throughput phenotyping in precision horticulture, the economics of automation in tree fruit production, light interception sensing systems for canopy management, precision irrigation and water management, precision technologies for pest and disease management, opportunities for the application of robotics in tree fruit production, and the mechanical harvesting and handling of fruit crops. The book is a representative, concise overview of the variety of technologies currently being applied to tree fruit crops around the world and the challenges faced by engineers and farmers that these technologies raise. It is aimed at researchers and graduate students of agriculture systems, agricultural and biological engineering, crop and soil sciences, horticulture, precision agriculture, and other relevant disciplines. It will also be of use to agriculture consultants, engineers, and other professionals such as agricultural equipment manufacturers and management professionals who use precision agriculture technologies. Key Features: - Takes a systematic approach to how to apply precision and automation technologies to fruit production. - Combines the disciplines of economics, horticulture, and engineering. - Illustrated by case studies throughout describing actual applications of automation technology.
-
Trusted PartnerTechnology, Engineering & AgricultureNovember 2019
Tropical Roots and Tuber Crops, 2nd Edition
Cassava, sweet potato, yams and aroids
by Vincent Lebot
Root and tuber crops are important to agriculture, food security and income for 2.2 billion people in developing countries. These species produce large quantities of dietary energy and have stable yields under difficult environmental conditions. This second edition of Tropical Root and Tuber Crops is an authoritative treatment of four important root and tuber crops: cassava. sweet potato, yams, and aroids. The same format is followed for each crop: Origin and History, Taxonomy and Botany, Breeding and Genetics, Developmental Physiology, Agronomy, Pests and Diseases, Post-Harvest Quality and Marketing. This new edition reviews the scientific literature produced during the last decade and presents major technical advancements. Modern molecular tools have been used to clarify the phylogeny, taxonomy and origin of these species. Similar advances have been made in physiology, agronomy, pathology and product chemistry. It is essential reading for students, researchers and horticulturists.
-
Trusted PartnerNovember 2023
Ganoderma Diseases of Tropical Crops
by Carmel A Pilotti, Paul Dennis Bridge
The fungal genus Ganoderma includes around 80 currently recognized species that are widely distributed in temperate, subtropical and tropical regions, and cause disease in a range of economically important perennial crops and tree-like plants. Ganoderma root and lower stem rots have a significant impact on yields from crops including oil palm, coconut, beverage crops, Acacia and rubber. The identification of species responsible for stem and butt rots is often ambiguous as closely related species may only be distinguished by subtle morphological differences. Within species there can be considerable morphological plasticity and this can make morphology-based identification difficult, particularly for species described from a single specimen. Molecular techniques are helping to slowly resolve Ganoderma taxonomy but it will be some time (if ever) before the taxonomy is fully resolved. This book brings together information on Ganoderma species that are reported to be responsible for crop diseases in tropical and sub-tropical agriculture and covers taxonomy, biology, genetics, aetiology, epidemiology and control. This book is an essential resource for researchers in Ganoderma in crop science and tropical agriculture, as well as practitioners and industry.
-
Trusted PartnerAugust 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 PartnerForestry & related industriesDecember 2007
Indigenous Fruit Trees in the Tropics
Domestication, Utillization and Commercialization
by Edited by Festus K Akinnifesi, Roger RB Leakey, Oluyede C Ajayi, Gudeta Sileshi, Zac Tchoundjeu, Patrick Matacala, Freddie R Kwesiga
It has been recognized that an important factor in improving the viability of rural livelihoods in developing countries is the promotion of sustainable agriculture. As opposed to relying solely on cash crops, this can be more easily achieved through the domestication of various indigenous fruit trees that can be cultivated and owned by smallholder farmers. Through multi-functional and integrated farming systems, these tree crops can support environmental and social sustainability by providing food as well as promoting economic growth. Twenty years ago, little was known about the biology, ecology or the social impact of indigenous fruit trees on rural populations. Since then, new concepts and approaches have been developed, case studies have been produced and the potential and feasibility of their domestication and commercialization has been explored. This focused study on the tropics brings together a comprehensive review of this research.
-
Trusted PartnerDecember 2023
Kiwifruit
Botany, Production and Uses
by Annette Richardson, Jeremy Burdon, Ross Ferguson
Kiwifruit is one of the few fruit crops that has been successfully introduced to the marketplace and for which commercial production in several countries has expanded rapidly over the last 50 years. Kiwifruit science and production has advanced significantly during this time, with multiple new green-, yellow- and red-fleshed cultivars being commercialized while moving into the era of genomics, sustainability, digital technology and automation. This book reviews the scientific and technical information published on kiwifruit, their biology and management. It provides a comprehensive reference on kiwifruit, including their history, genetic material, culture, physiology, pest and disease control, and fruit consumption. Particular attention is given to recent threats and opportunities, including environmental issues, the disease Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae, new genetics, new growing areas and technology advances. Contributions from a wide range of international specialists ensure coverage of key aspects of kiwifruit and their culture in different environments. Of particular interest to academic researchers in horticulture, the book is also suitable for a wider audience including extension personnel, growers, consultants, and professional and technical staff associated with the kiwifruit industry.
-
Trusted PartnerScience & MathematicsAugust 2018
Plant 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.
-
Trusted PartnerTechnology, Engineering & AgricultureNovember 2019
Biotechnology of Fruit and Nut Crops
by Richard E Litz, Fernando Pliego-Alfaro, Jose Ignacio Hormaza, Stephen W Adkins, Nuria Alburquerque, Maria Luisa Badenes, Luciana Baldoni, Araceli Barceló-Muñoz, Pedro M. Barros, A.T. Basford, Muhammad Ajmal Bashir, Diego Silva Batista, J. Biddle, Manuel Blasco, J. R. Botella, Patrick Brown, Lorenzo Burgos, John E. Carlson, Luis A. Cañas, Elisabeth Carmona, David Chagné, Rekha Chaudhury, Elisabeth Chevreau, V. E. Chhatre, Yelda Özden Çiftçi, C. Claflin, Yuval Cohen, Elena Corredoira, Valerio Cristofori, Niccolò Cultrera, Abhaya Dandekar, Maurecilne Lemes da Silva, Sadanand A. Dhekney, Leo D’Souza, Ofere Francis Emeriewen, Kate Evans, M. Faize, Fábio Gelape Faleiro, Ana Paula Farinha, Vicente Febres, Yolanda Ferradás, Antonio Figueira, Maureen M.M. Fitch, Henryk Flachowsky, M. Foale, Svetlana Y. Folimonova, María Victoria González, Isabel María González-Padilla, Julie Graham, Dennis J. Gray, Magda-Viola Hanke, Smitha Hegde, Jose Ignacio Hormaza, Uma Jaiswal, Nikki Jennings, Hülya Akdemir
This book covers the biotechnology of all the major fruit and nut species, with persimmon, pomegranate and loquat included for the first time and colour illustrations illustrating the crop species and their wild relatives. Family by family, it details well-established techniques such as protoplast culture, in vitro mutagenesis and ploidy manipulation, but also newer approaches such as genomics, genetic transformation and marker-assisted selection.
-
Trusted PartnerAgricultural scienceMay 1998
Seed Biology and the Yield of Grain Crops
by Dennis B Egli
The food supply to an expanding world population is based on grain crops, i.e. crops harvested for their seeds. Therefore, understanding the process of seed growth and its regulation is crucial in our efforts to increase production, in order to meet the needs of that population. Yield is determined by the ability of crop plants to use their assimilatory processes such as photosynthesis and also the biosynthetic processes in the seed, which are partly regulated within the seed itself. This book examines the determination of grain crop yield from a new and unique perspective, by concentrating on the influence of the seed. All aspects of seed growth and development are described, including environmental and genetic effects on growth rate and length of filling period. The effect of the seed on the two main yield components, individual seed weight and number of seeds per unit area, is then discussed. Finally, the concepts and models developed are evaluated in terms of crop management. The book is essential reading for those concerned with seed science and crop yield, including agronomists, crop physiologists, plant breeders, and extension workers. It will also be a valuable source of information for lecturers and graduate students of agronomy and plant physiology.