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      • Trusted Partner
        May 2023

        Fungal Plant Pathogens

        by Charles R Lane, Paul Beales, Kelvin J D Hughes

        Covering the key techniques used when working with fungal plant pathogens, this practical manual deals with recognition of disease symptoms, detection and identification of fungi and methods to characterise them well as curation, quarantine and quality assurance. This new edition includes updates with respect to: Greater awareness and concern internationally about plant health and biosecurity Molecular biology - next generation sequencing and in field detection Improved opportunities for surveillance and detection in substrates, such as remote sensing Changes in taxonomy and reference to more current fungal plant pathogens New chapters on tree health, and public awareness, outreach and communications Fungal Plant Pathogens 2nd edition provides a valuable guide to investigating fungal plant diseases and interpreting laboratory findings for postgraduate and advanced undergraduate students, extension plant pathologists, consultants and advisers in agriculture and horticulture and the food supply chain.

      • Trusted Partner
        June 2024

        Plant Nematology

        by Roland N Perry, Maurice Moens, John T Jones

        Plant-parasitic nematodes are a major threat to crop production in all countries, and identification of nematodes and knowledge of their biology is of paramount importance. Providing a broad introduction to nematodes as plant parasites, this book begins by describing nematodes by genera, and then builds on this foundation to detail nematode biology and pest management, including resistance, and biological and chemical control. This 3rd edition is updated to address advances in our knowledge of plant-parasitic nematodes, particularly concerning the molecular aspects of host-parasite relationships, including the application of genomics to nematode biology. Changes in control and management strategies are also covered. The influence of climate change on plant-parasitic nematodes is addressed in a new chapter on ecology. Primarily aimed at students (MSc and PhD), this book is also invaluable for researchers and lecturers in nematology, plant pathology and parasitology, advisory and quarantine services, and crop protection scientists.

      • Trusted Partner
        Geography & the Environment
        October 2020

        Plant Invasions

        The Role of Biotic Interactions

        by Anna Traveset, David M Richardson

        Despite many books on plant invasions, none has focused on the role of species interactions. This book is a comprehensive overview of how plant invasions are mediated by varied species interactions and how such invasions influence this important component of biodiversity which involves the interactions (the 'glue') among a community's species. Besides highlighting relevant findings, the book digs deeply into new methodologies to understand species interactions in plant invasions and how this can improve management of invaded communities. The book covers: - Main theories/hypotheses in plant invasion ecology that invoke species interactions - Plant invasions promoted by mutualistic interactions and release from enemies - Antagonistic interactions preventing or hindering plant invasions - Consequences of plant invasions on native species interactions and ecosystem functioning - The interaction network approach to understanding plant invasions - Importance of considering species interactions in managing plant invasions Future avenues of research are highlighted in a final chapter. Table of contents Part I: Background Chapter 1: Plant invasions: the role of biotic interactions – An overview Chapter 2: The role of biotic interactions in invasion ecology: theories and hypotheses Part II: Positive and negative interactions in the soil Chapter 3: Soil biota and non-native plant invasions Part III: Mutualistic interactions that promote plant invasions Chapter 4: Pollination interactions promoting plant invasions- Chapter 5: Seed dispersal interactions promoting plant invasions Chapter 6: Ungulates as dispersal vectors of non-native plants Chapter 7: The role of plant-plant facilitation in non-native plant invasions Chapter 8: How direct and indirect non-native interactions can promote plant invasions, lead to invasional meltdown, and inform management decisions Part IV: Antagonistic interactions that hinder plant invasions Chapter 9: Biotic resistance to plant invasions Chapter 10: EICA 2.0: A general model of enemy release and defence in plant and animal invasions Chapter 11: The role of pathogens in plant invasions Chapter 12: Direct and indirect effects of herbivores influencing plant invasions Part V: Consequences of plant invasions for biotic interactions among native species Chapter 13: Impacts of non-native plants on plant-pollinator interactions Chapter 14: The effect of non-native plant invasions on seed dispersal of native plants Chapter 15: Allelopathic disruptions of biotic interactions due to non-native plants Chapter 16: Competition between native and non-native plants Chapter 17: Indirect biotic interactions between non-native plants and native plants and animals Part VI: Novel techniques and experimental approaches in the study of plant invasions Chapter 18: How a network approach has advanced the field of plant invasion ecology Chapter 19: Molecular ecology of plant-microbial interactions during invasions: progress and challenges Part VII: Biotic interactions and the management of ecosystems invaded by non-native plants Chapter 20: How can progress in the understanding of antagonistic interactions be applied to improve biological control of plant invasions? Chapter 21: Restoration of pollination interactions in communities invaded by non-native plants Chapter 22: Restoration of seed dispersal interactions in communities invaded by non-native plants Chapter 23: Multiple feedbacks due to biotic interactions across trophic levels can lead to persistent novel conditions that hinder restoration

      • Trusted Partner
        Science & Mathematics
        April 2024

        Demand-led Plant Breeding

        From Principles to Practice in Emerging Markets

        by Vivienne M Anthony, Cathy Barker

        This companion to "The Business of Plant Breeding: Market-led Approaches to Plant Variety Design in Africa contains experiences from postgraduate educators training the next generation of African plant breeders and professional breeders that are implementing best practices in Demand-Led Breeding (DLB) in their current crop improvement programmes. It is written by highly experienced plant breeders representing several universities, national plant breeding programmes, regional and international agricultural research institutes in Africa, together with expert breeders from Australia and developers from private seed companies. It includes specifically points of learning from real implementation situations from crop breeding programmes in NARS and IARCs in Africa, Australia and internationally. It shares experiences on improving tropical crops, strengthening understanding on how to overcome challenges in designing new crops to increase smallholder farmer adoption and advocating best practices. It also presents five case studies on tropical crops, and discusses the need for an enabling policy environment and the changes needed for Africa to achieve its ambition for food security and Africa's vision 2063.

      • 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
        December 2024

        Plant 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.

      • Trusted Partner
        The Arts

        The Complete Collection of Calligraphic Works by Su Dongpo

        by Wang Lianqi

        The Complete Collection of Calligraphic Works by Su Dongpo was edited by Mr. Wang Lianqi of the Palace Museum in China and jointly published by the Palace Museum Press and Qingdao Publishing House. It is the first comprehensive collection of Su Dongpo's surviving calligraphic works of handwritings, copybooks and inscriptions collected by the Palace Museums on both sides of the Taiwan Straits and museums at home and abroad, and the first comprehensive collection of Su Dongpo's surviving calligraphic works in the cultural and artistic circles, with unprecedented quantity and quality rarely seen in previous publications.   The Complete Collection is a set of 6 volumes, including 2 volumes of handwritings, 3 volumes of copybooks and 1 volume of inscriptions. The book consists of 43 handwritings, 15 copybooks and 8 inscriptions of Sudongpo scattered in major museums, collection units and libraries in China and abroad. The inscription of ChenKui pavilion tablet rubbing of Song Dynasty (Song Ta Chen Kui Ge Bei) collected in the Book Mausoleum Department (Shoryobu) of the Imperial Household Agency of Japan was published publicly for the first time in China; The inscription of Mr. Zhao Qingxian’s tombstone rubbing of Ming Dynasty of China (Ming Ta Zhao Qing Xian Gong Bei) collected in Shanghai Library in China has not been published in recent years and this is the first publication since the Republic of China; The copybook of Sudongpo's tablets published by Wanxiangtang in Ming Dynasty of China (Ming Ta Wan Xiang Tang Su Tie) collected in the Palace Museum in China is the largest work of in this book and this is also the first time that this masterpiece has been published publicly in China.

      • Trusted Partner
        May 2021

        The Constituents of Medicinal Plants

        by Andrew Pengelly

        A classic in the literature of herbal medicine, this book explains in simple terms the commonly occurring chemical constituents of medicinal plants, and how these react with the human body. The major classes of plant constituents, such as phenols, terpenes and polysaccharides, are described both in terms of their chemical structures and their pharmacological activities.The last 20 years has seen huge growth in research output in phytochemistry, and this edition has been thoroughly revised to incorporate up-to-date research. It contains a new chapter on resins and cannabinoids, and additional content on macrocarpals, essential oil chemotypes, mushroom polysaccharides, phytochemical synergy, and toxicology of phytochemicals.Features include:· Over 200 diagrams of chemical structures· Coverage of energetics, synergism and the emerging field of network pharmacology· New content on seaweeds and fungi, and polyphenol-rich foods· References to primary research literature in pharmacy, pharmacology, chemistry, plant biology, molecular biology, integrative medicine and many other disciplinesWritten by an experienced herbal practitioner, The Constituents of Medicinal Plants has become a standard textbook for courses on plant-based medicine. It is also an essential desktop reference for health practitioners, lecturers, researchers, producers, and anyone with an interest in how medicinal herbs work. Table of contents 1: Introduction to Phytochemistry 2: Phenols 3: Polyphenols – tannins and flavonoids 4: Glycosides 5: Terpenes 6: Triterpenoids and saponins 7: Resins and cannabinoids 8: Essential oils 9: Polysaccharides 10: Alkaloids 11: Plant lipids and alklylamides

      • 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
        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
        June 2024

        Genetics of Salt Tolerance in Plants

        a Central Dogma Perspective and Strategies for Enhancement

        by Showkat Ahmad Ganie, Shabir Hussain Wani

        Gene expression in cells follows a prescribed pathway that conforms to the Central Dogma; where the genetic information stored in DNA is transcribed into RNA and then expressed into proteins, which influences most plant traits. Plant salt tolerance research is directed towards identifying nucleotide variants that could contribute to tolerant phenotypes. This book comprehensively presents the current state of knowledge on plant salt tolerance through meticulous analysis of the processes operating across the Central Dogma. It provides a detailed account of modulation of gene expression through genome editing systems to achieve crop improvement against salt stress. It also provides state-of-the-art information on advances in breeding technologies of genome selection and accelerated de novo domestication for rapidly improving the salt tolerance of plants for global food security. This book: 1.Provides a comprehensive coverage of plant salt tolerance mechanisms. 2.Spotlights various factors functioning along the Central Dogma pathway and their regulation in response to salinity. 3.Examines how these factors function to protect the plants from high salinity. 4.Highlights advances in cutting-edge breeding technologies for improving salt tolerance. The book will be of particular value to students and researchers of plant genetics, molecular biology and physiology and those with an interest in salinity and salt tolerance.

      • Trusted Partner
        Geography & the Environment
        October 2024

        History and Future of Plants, Planet and People

        Towards a New Ecologically Sustainable Age in People’s Relationships With Plants

        by Alan Hamilton, Pei Shengji

        This fascinating book presents the experiences and pooled knowledge of two very different conservation scientists; Pei Shengji from Sichuan, China and Alan Hamilton from London, UK. They have been drawn together over many years through working on some of the same conservation projects and have discovered that they overlap in their ideas about the sorts of work that needs to be done and how it can best be carried out. The book describes some of their own experiences, set within the contexts of their varied careers and the development of their thinking. Plant conservation is crucial to the preservation of natural ecosystems, but conventional approaches have met with only limited success. The authors have concluded that plant conservationists need social allies - elements of society that have other primary concerns, but whose efforts, if successful, will bring benefits to plant conservation too. It is the state and condition of plants on the ground that ultimately matter in conserving ecosystems, and therefore it is the role of local people who interact directly with them which enables success. Ethnobotany is a key skill required of practical plant conservationists. Its techniques enable them to explore connections between people and plants, learn about local perspectives and establish relationships with the people upon whom conservation and sustainable development relies. This book: recommends how to advance plant conservation, based on real experiences. will inspire more people to become involved in plant conservation. demonstrates how the very different backgrounds of the authors have influenced the courses of their careers, but have enabled them to come to very similar conclusions about conservation practice. demonstrates the importance of geographically-based biocultural diversity, as a counterbalancing force to globalisation.

      • Trusted Partner
      • Trusted Partner
        September 2023

        Medicinal Plants used in Traditional Persian Medicine

        by Hartwig Schulz, Seyed Ahmad Emami, Farsad Nadjafi

        Medicinal plants and the natural products within them, still remain the starting point for breakthroughs in the development of safe, pharmacologically active synthetic molecules for use in a wide variety of clinical situations. Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM) is one of the most ancient medical doctrines, and is well-documented in terms of information about diseases, diagnoses and treatments, especially by the application of medicinal plants. TPM has been used for centuries worldwide, and many of these methods are still used in Iran today. This book introduces the basics of TPM, and describes the key medicinal plants which are used for the treatment of different diseases. It also creates possible new targets for research activities in drug discovery of natural products. The book is richly illustrated with coloured figures of historic drawings from old Persian pharmacopoeia and photos of plants in their natural habitats. References to Ayurvedic, Traditional Chinese Medicine and to monastic medicine in Europe are also made. Knowledge about medicinal plants used in TPM still exists in Iran, however, there is a risk that the detailed expertise provided by the older generation will be lost in the near future. It is therefore important that this cultural heritage of humanity is properly preserved. This book provides a valuable, evidence-based resource on TPM for researchers, practitioners and students in medicinal plants, ethnobotany and herbal medicine.

      • Trusted Partner
        2021

        Lexicon of Medicinal Plants

        by Prof. Dr. Dietrich Frohne (†), in collaboration with Prof. Dr. Birgit Classen

        Indian mulberry, St. John’s wort, Hawaiian baby woodrose – whether disputed wonder drug, traditional medicinal plant or unknown exotic plant – the Lexicon of Medicinal Plants can always be relied upon. The lexical and classic knowledge about the individual medicinal plants – such as family, origin, use, effect and constituents – garnered over decades and peppered with particular anecdotes on the herbal drugs, can be regarded as unique and largely timeless. At the repeated request of readers, this reference work has therefore been reissued in book form, with its contents largely unchanged but with misprints corrected and its layout modernised. A wealth of experience that even in the fast-moving digital world preserves traditional knowledge.

      • Trusted Partner
        Technology, Engineering & Agriculture
        August 2023

        Parasitic Plants in African Agriculture

        by Lytton John Musselman, Jonne Rodenburg

        Parasitic Plants in African Agriculture brings together for the first time in a single volume, the ecology, biology, damage, and control of all groups of African parasitic plants including both the relatively few parasites introduced to the continent as well as those native parasites that have spread from within Africa. The book covers the well-known witchweeds and broomrapes but also groups and species that have received less attention including mistletoes, dodders, rice vampire weed, and other species posing threats. The book distinguishes between stem and root parasitic weeds and between holoparasites and (facultative or obligate) hemiparasites. Based on their research and experience collectively spanning six decades, the authors provide an authoritative and state-of-the-art overview of the distribution, biology and impact of these highly specialized weeds and include recommendations for their management. Since parasitic plants in African agriculture primarily affect smallholder farmers, these weeds are explicitly discussed within a context of resource limitations and global changes. Readers are informed on all parasitic plant species relevant to African agriculture and the impact these plants have on crop production and livelihoods of smallholders in a changing world. Current and future management strategies are outlined in terms of their principles and effectiveness as well as their feasibility and affordability for farmers, all of which determine farmer adoption. The final chapter synthesises some of the relevant findings and statistics regarding parasitic weed distribution and their host crops and discusses implications in terms of future crop protection concerns in African agricultural systems. Key features: · Authoritative text based on extensive field and laboratory work. · First comprehensive state-of-the-art overview of parasitic plants and their management in Africa. · Highly illustrated with photos, graphs and species distribution maps. · Reviews previous basic and applied work, with relevance to smallholder farming systems. This book will be a valuable reference for students, researchers, extension workers, development officers, national agriculture researchers, plant pathologists, food security specialists, weed scientists, agronomists and botanists.

      • Trusted Partner
        Literature & Literary Studies
        March 2018

        Selection of Chinese Modern and Contemporary Literary Works

        by Li Wei, Yang Cheng

        The book encompasses representative Chinese modern and contemporary poetry, novels, proses, and dramas created by several well-known Chinese writers, like Gong Zizhen, Xu Zhimo, Dai Wangshu, Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, etc. In this book, each piece of work is presented with author introdcution, analysis of theme and artistic characteristics, and questions to be answered by readers.

      • Trusted Partner
        Science & Mathematics
        February 2019

        Biopesticides Manual

        Guidelines for Selecting, Sourcing, Producing and Using Biopesticides for Key Pests of Tobacco

        by Keith A Holmes, Dirk Babendreier, Melanie Bateman, Malvika Chaudhary, Julien Grunder, Margaret Mulaa, Léna Durocher-Granger, Muhammad Faheem

        The Biopesticides Manual provides information resources and technical advice in order to support the deployment of biopesticides. It is a one-stop-shop to address the information needs of the key groups who are responsible for selecting, sourcing and using biopesticides in the tobacco production system. Biopesticides are a key component of integrated pest management (IPM) in tobacco. IPM seeks to reduce the risk of harm to people and the environment. When used in conjunction with good crop management, biopesticides can help to keep pest levels under control, reducing the need to apply conventional pesticides.

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