Your Search Results

      • Trusted Partner
        December 2024

        The 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.

      • Trusted Partner
        May 2024

        The Concept of Ecostacking

        Techniques and Applications

        by Jinjun Wang, Huai Liu, Ingeborg Menzler-Hokkanen, Hongbo Jiang, Heikki M.T. Hokkanen, Ingeborg Menzler-Hokkanen

        Ecostacking is a new concept and approach which aims to maximize the benefits of ecosystem service providers in cropping systems to help achieve the goal of long-term sustainable agriculture and food production. The term "ecostacking" means combining synergistically the beneficial services of functional biodiversity from all levels and types. It is a comprehensive approach, where the various ecosystem service providers are fully integrated with the rest of the cropping system including agronomic practices. It is an approach which goes beyond conventional Integrated Pest Management practises, and attempts to take advantage of all the functional biodiversity of a system. The main focus of ecostacking is on maximizing ecosystem services for biological control and pollination from beneficial arthropods, but the approach also utilizes other invertebrates (e.g., earthworms) as well as beneficial vertebrates such as bats, birds and small mammals. Microbes also provide invaluable ecosystem services including pest, disease, and weed control, either directly as components of "suppressive soils" or as plant colonizers (as endophytes or as epiphytic microbial flora). The ecostacking approach also aims to maximize other nature-provided services such as maintenance of soil health and nutrient cycling. The Concept of Ecostacking is the first book in a series which introduces ecostacking concepts to the reader and explores how this approach can be used in a variety of ways and in different cropping systems. The book defines this new concept and shows, using illustrative case studies from around the world, how ecostacking principles can be successfully employed in cropping systems in the open field, in greenhouses and in forestry. This book: · will serve as inspiration for developing further applications of this breakthrough technology for sustainable agricultural production. · is a must-read for everyone with an interest in developing sustainable crop protection systems and ecosystem management. · has been written and edited by the world's leading experts in this new and exciting endeavour.

      • Trusted Partner
        July 2023

        Urban Pest Management

        An Environmental Perspective

        by Partho Dhang

        The management and control of pests in the urban environment in the 21st Century faces many challenges. Pest populations adapt to changing conditions brought about by environmental changes caused by global warming, human population growth, and increased pollution. Urban pests are able to expand their ranges, densities, and habitats, sometimes causing large-scale damage and disease. This book provides collective insights from academic and industry experts on perspectives concerning urban pest management and regulatory innovations arising from the rapid onset of recent environmental challenges. Chapter topics address pest biology, advances in urban pest management practices, emerging urban pest control developments, new technologies, and regulations. The book describes new methods of pest control, their impacts on human health and the environment, and strategies for integrated management limiting the use of chemicals. It provides a practical resource for researchers and policy makers in pest management, urban health, medical entomology and environmental science. · An up-to-date and comprehensive resource on environmental urban pest management · Designed to appeal to pest control operators, public health professionals, and a range of field workers, as well as researching academics and graduate students · Brings both academic and industry experts together in one volume

      • Trusted Partner
        September 2021

        Applied Crop Physiology

        Understanding the Fundamentals of Grain Crop Management

        by Dennis Egli

        This book presents a simple, straightforward discussion of the principles and processes involved in the production of grain yield by agronomic crops, and how these processes underlie and influence management decisions. The focus is on grain crops, principally maize and soybean, although the general principles apply equally well to cereals, grain legumes and oil crops. Management decisions define all cropping systems - what (crop species, variety), where (climate), when (planting date), and how (row spacing and population density) are the fundamental choices. Knowledge of the fundamental processes responsible for plant growth and the accumulation of yield simplifies the decision-making process and leads to improved management decisions, higher grain yields, and cropping systems that are efficient, resilient and sustainable. The contents include: · Basic plant growth processes e.g. photosynthesis, respiration, evapotranspiration · Growth and production of yield · Crop management - seed quality, variety selection, plant date, row spacing · Crop production in the future - climate change, GMOs, precision data and new crops Intended for researchers in crop science, agronomy and plant science, and crop production practitioners, this book will enable readers to make better, more informed management decisions; decisions that will help maintain a well-fed world in the future.

      • Trusted Partner
        Agronomy & crop production
        November 2011

        Crop Stress Management and Global Climate Change

        by Edited by Jose Luis Araus, Gustavo A Slafer.

        Climate change is a diverse, multifactorial phenomenon, meaning that the agronomic strategies needed are case-specific and will have regional differences. This book provides an integrated view of the challenges and opportunities that will face agriculture in the future as a result of climate change. It discusses how the stresses resulting from climate change can be overcome by assessing, measuring and predicting environmental changes and stresses, identifying opportunities and adapting to change and responding to multifactorial change. Challenges and potential strategies that might be taken to overcome these are illustrated using a number of case studies. Climate change will pose many challenges to agriculture in the future, but by taking an integrative approach to predicting and adapting to change, this book will inspire researchers to turn those challenges into opportunities.

      • Trusted Partner
        February 2024

        Sustainable Events Management

        by Razaq Raj, Kevin Griffin, Ruth Craggs

        This book introduces the reader to sustainable events management theory, based on academic research and illustrated with empirical case studies. The book provides a comprehensive view of the concepts of sustainable management and how it relates to the many sectors within the events industry. It emphasizes the fundamental importance of local communities, businesses and stakeholders to events organisation in regional, national and international locations. It brings into focus the international governing bodies, and national government strategic objectives as the corner stone for sustainable development in the events sector. The relationship between these strategic objectives and on-the-ground operational responsibilities are presented using research by contributing authors and accredited organisations to add scope and depth. Best-practice case studies are used throughout the book to highlight and explain particular sustainable management issues. The scope of the book is international and designed to educate undergraduate and postgraduate students and to support practitioners in their operational and administrative duties within their industry sectors.

      • 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
        August 2020

        Handbook of Phytosanitary Risk Management

        Theory and Practice

        by Charles Yoe, Robert Griffin, Stephanie Bloem

        Phytosanitary risk management is essential to the global economy as well as the world's ability to feed itself. This book is about understanding the fundamentals of phytosanitary risk management for trade and non-trade issues, and how to manage those risks in an effective and efficient manner that is consistent with the international regulatory framework. Its purpose is to provide the international phytosanitary community and its principal stakeholders with a strong foundation in risk management concepts and a thorough guide to best practices. Starting with the conceptual background necessary for understanding risk management, this book then covers a risk management model with a detailed description of the structure and processes necessary for best practice risk management in the global economy. This is followed by an in-depth look at the continuum of phytosanitary measures with a laser-like focus on key risk management issues, and the book concludes with a final section devoted to an examination of the most compelling risk management issues of the day. This book is: - A comprehensive exposition of phytosanitary risk management. - Valuable both to the experienced risk manager and to those getting started in the field. - Written by a team of experts with extensive professional phytosanitary work experience and knowledge of plant health. Written for professionals, practitioners and policy makers who work in the international trade of plants and plant products and allied fields, this book provides the global phytosanitary community and its principal stakeholders with a practical guide to best risk management practices.

      • Trusted Partner
        December 2021

        Pest 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

      • Trusted Partner
        Business, Economics & Law
        September 2019

        Tourism Crisis and Disaster Management in the Asia-Pacific

        by Brent W Ritchie, Kom Campiranon

        The Asia-Pacific area is notable as one of the fastest growing tourism regions and not surprisingly, tourism in this region has become the major driver of global tourism in general. Nonetheless, tourism industries in Asia Pacific has been challenged in recent years by a number of major crises and disasters including terrorism, outbreaks (e.g. SARS and Bird Flu), natural disasters (e.g. tsunamis, bushfires, flooding), and political crisis (e.g. protests and political instability).The aim of this book is to contribute to the understanding of crisis and disaster management generally, but with a specific focus on the Asia Pacific. With chapters contributed by international scholars and practitioners, this book discusses both the theoretical and practical approaches toward successful crisis and disaster management.

      • Trusted Partner
        September 2024

        Arthropod 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.

      • Trusted Partner
        Technology, Engineering & Agriculture
        July 2017

        Peas and Beans

        by Anthony J Biddle

        This practical book provides an accessible overview of all aspects of pea and bean production, including botany and physiology, breeding, agronomy, weed management, pests and diseases, harvesting, nutritional value and uses. It also reflects on the constraints and opportunities in the future for peas and beans, exploring their role in food sustainability and crop rotation, and various factors affecting supply and demand such as climate change and breeding technologies. Peas and beans are crops of economic, social and agronomic importance and this volume provides the specialist knowledge needed to ensure good quality standards are met. It includes: · coverage of the main types of peas and beans grown on a significant scale or commercially produced in large area farming; · key information relating to the role of peas and beans in biological nitrogen fixation; · extensive coverage from the technology of cultivation to postharvest industry; and · high-quality photos, presented in full colour throughout. Authored by a recognized authority with extensive experience in applied research, this book is an ideal resource for practical agronomists, advisors and producers, extension workers, horticulture students and all those involved in the production of peas and beans.

      • Trusted Partner
        October 2023

        Vegetable Brassicas and Related Crucifers

        by Geoffrey R Dixon, Rachel Wells

        The Brassica genus contains diverse and economically important species and crops, for example, Brassica oleracea including cauliflower to kohlrabi, B.rapa including pak choi to mizuna, and aquatic crucifers such as watercress. These provide humankind with huge diversities of foods, promoting health and well-being. This substantially expanded second edition reflects the significant advances in knowledge of plant breeding and crop production which have occurred since publication of the original book in 2006. Embracing new Brassicaceae research and concepts of sustainable and automated crop production, topics include: Brassica evolution and transcontinental spread as the basis for crop breeding Gene-editing, rapid sequencing, genetic markers and linkage mapping to enable efficient plant breeding Seed development, F1 cultivars and rapid maturing crops for profitable cropping Environmental impacts on pests, pathogens, crop reliability and quality Soil health and fertility as agronomic principles Environmental sustainability, biocontrol and integrated pest management Vegetable brassicas as nutrient-rich foods for optimal health benefits An invaluable resource for all those involved in Brassica production, this is essential reading for researchers and students in horticulture and plant science, growers, producers, consultants and industry advisors.

      • Trusted Partner
        Geography & the Environment
        October 2021

        Key Questions in Hydrology and Watershed Management

        A Study and Revision Guide

        by Leon Bren, Patrick Lane

        This book provides a series of exercises of various types covering matters of hydrology and watershed management. The exercises include true/false questions, multiple choice questions, and numeric, graphical, and analytical exercises. The questions draw on the basic disciplines of hydrology and physics, with some stress placed on correct or appropriate units. The questions reflect the authors' many years of teaching watershed management at undergraduate and graduate levels. Questions cover: 1. Terminology and measurement of flow (and units) 2. Quantifying stream networks 3. Concepts of water balance and evapotranspiration 4. Slope recharge, groundwater hydrology, and water-table/phreatic aquifers 5. Single and paired watershed experiments 6. Impacts of fires on watersheds 7. Concepts and measurements of water quality 8. Flooding forests 9. Valuation of water 10. Protection of forest stream by buffers 11. Urban watershed concepts The book is self-contained, and designed to be used at any time in any place, either for revision or as source material for teaching. The work is graded so that easier questions are presented early, followed by harder questions. Answers are concise but contain enough information to help students study and revise on a topic-by-topic basis. The book concludes with suggestions for student exercises and projects and is an invaluable resource for both students and instructors.

      • Trusted Partner
        Humanities & Social Sciences
        November 2004

        The management of the British economy, 1945–2001

        by Nicholas Woodward, Martin Hargreaves

        Since 1945 British governments have played an active role in managing the economy in the interests of securing high employment, economic growth and low inflation with their approach evolving in response to changing economic circumstances, intellectual shifts and past policy failures. This book provides an overview of economic management, particularly financial management, and addresses how it has changed and why it has not always been successful. It examines the actual policies that were introduced, the problems that various governments faced in implementing them and how the approach to policy-making changed. It also examines the main phases of economic policy-making and the conduct of policy-making, as there is a widespread consensus that until recently short-run economic management could have been more successful than it was. Clearly and authoritatively written, it will be of particular benefit to students of economics, politics and contemporary history, although it will appeal to anyone with an interest in economic affairs. ;

      • Trusted Partner
        December 2023

        Biology and Management of the Formosan Subterranean Termite and Related Species

        by Nan-Yao Su, Chow-Yang Lee, Lauren Davies, Thomas Chouvenc, J. Kenneth Grace, Claudia Husseneder, Shuji Itakura, Hou-Feng Li, Nathan Lo, Kok-Boon Neoh, Wakako Ohmura, Faith M. Oi, Rudolf H. Scheffrahn, Qian Sun, Gaku Tokuda, Edward L. Vargo, Chia-Chien Wu, Koichi Yamamoto

        The Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus, is the most destructive and invasive termite species globally. It is also the only termite species listed in the world's 100 worst invasive alien species of the Global Invasive Species Database. Annually, its infestation costs more than $4 billion in control and damage repairs in the USA alone. This book is the first comprehensive resource drawing on all the literature on C. formosanus since Tokuichi Shiraki first described the species in 1909. The book covers the worldwide distribution of this species, its biogeography, and how it has dispersed from its native range in southern China and Taiwan to different parts of the world. It describes its present taxonomic status and discusses the species' biology, ecology, foraging behavior, physiology, chemical ecology and its association with symbionts. From a practical standpoint, the authors address all of the various management options for this species, such as baits, soil termiticides, wood preservatives, inspection and detection technologies, and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approaches. Lastly, there are chapters dedicated to another important destructive species, Coptotermes gestroi (the Asian subterranean termite), and the recently discovered C. formosanus/C. gestroi hybrids. This important book is an essential and valuable reference for researchers, graduate students, pest management professionals, chemical manufacturer personnel, building and property managers, and others. It provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of the biology and management of the Formosan subterranean termite and the Asian subterranean termite.

      • Trusted Partner
        September 2024

        Customer Experience Management in the Caribbean

        Concepts, Case Studies and Challenges

        by Leslie-Ann Jordan, Anne P. Crick, Paul Anderson, Elaine Commissiong, Noel M. Cowell, G. Anthony Ferguson, Koen Hietbrink, Jacqueline Huggins, Michelle McLeod, Candice Petgrave, Juliana Samuel, Trevor A. Smith, Tiersa Smith-Hall, Evora Mais Thompson, Sumit Verma, Nadane Y. Wright

        Diving into the evolution of Customer Experience this text offers an insightful exploration of the paradigm shift from customer service to Customer Experience (CX) within the Caribbean context. Unveiling the dynamics of CX's influence on satisfaction, loyalty, and business profitability, this book delves into strategic planning, employee development, data-driven decisions, and emerging technological trends, and it fills a crucial gap in the literature with: - An array of Caribbean case studies; - Enhanced theoretical concepts and a deep appreciation of customer experience management in the Caribbean; - References of best practices to address critical issues affecting the delivery of a quality customer experience. Scholars and practitioners within customer service, services marketing, customer experience management and customer relationship marketing in the retail hospitality and tourism, financial, health care and education sectors will find this a valuable resource on CX's transformative power in this region and beyond.

      • Trusted Partner
        Business, Economics & Law
        June 2019

        Tourism, Pilgrimage and Intercultural Dialogue

        Interpreting Sacred Stories

        by Dolors Vidal-Casellas, Silvia Aulet, Neus Crous-Costa

        This book is a timely re-assessment of the increasing connections between management of diversity and religious tourism and secular spaces on a global stage. Including a range of contemporary case studies, it is a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners in tourism management, pilgrimage and religious tourism.

      Subscribe to our

      newsletter