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For centuries, research has been conducted on the therapeutics of Brassicaceae plants and their health-promoting effects. Cato the Elder (234-149 BCE) documented their properties in his work De agri cultura and recommended using cabbage to compress wounds, swelling, burns, and bone dislocations. For arthritis, he recommended chopped raw cabbage mixed with coriander and cured cabbage mixed with vinegar and honey. In a groundbreaking discovery in the 1990s, scientists at Johns Hopkins University isolated sulforaphane from broccoli, revealing its potent anticancer properties. This naturally occurring compound has proven highly effective, safe, and tolerable and holds immense promise as a chemoprevention agent. It has the potential to combat various cancers, including breast, prostate, gastrointestinal, melanoma, lung, brain, and bladder. But its potential does not stop there. It also shows promise in treating cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases and diabetes, offering hope for those affected. The cancer-protecting properties of Brassica plants are mediated through compounds that induce a variety of physiological processes, including antioxidant action, detoxifying enzymes, inducing apoptosis, and cell cycle regulation. Glucosinolate breakdown products can affect several stages of cancer development, including the inhibition of activation enzymes (phase I) and the induction of detoxification enzymes (phase II). Isothiocyanates and indole products formed from glucosinolates regulate cancer cell development by regulating target enzymes, controlling apoptosis, inhibiting angiogenesis, metastasis, and the migration of cancer cells, and blocking the cell cycle. Sulforaphane, found in abundance in broccoli sprouts, plays a crucial role in upregulating the transcriptional activity of specific genes and restoring epigenetic alterations. This is particularly significant as it modifies epigenetic pathways by targeting histone deacetylases and DNA methyltransferases. These modifications, in turn, alter gene transcription and expression, particularly in the case of cancers. This intricate process of gene regulation is a fascinating study area, making broccoli sprouts a compelling component of the'epigenetic diet.'Sulforaphane induces the cytoprotective enzyme NQO1. The inducible expression of NQO1 is regulated principally through the Keap1-Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway. The activation of the Nrf2-Keap1 signaling pathway heralds the beneficial actions of drugs known to affect Nrf2 signaling, such as dimethyl fumarate, an FDA-approved treatment for multiple sclerosis, and bardoxolone methyl for chronic kidney disease. There is optimism that the overall strategies are moving forward. Sulforaphane-rich broccoli sprout extracts provide one avenue toward this end.

Melatonin: A Ubiquitous Pleiotropic Molecule equips researchers with an understanding of the molecular biology of melatonin in plants. The book explores the occurrence of melatonin in several plant species, covering key aspects, including its biosynthesis, physiological function in plant growth and development, and signaling pathways. It then discusses the benefits melatonin has for plant and agricultural development, as well as how it can be utilized as a therapeutic in the treatment of human diseases. The role it can play in the oxidative stress response and circadian rhythm modulation are covered, as well as its nutraceutical potential for human health. The book also covers the importance of melatonin in a range of fields, including drug discovery and disease resistance, agriculture, botany, and biotechnology, and is an ideal reference for researchers across these disciplines.Examines melatonin's pivotal role as a signaling molecule, elucidating its involvement in a diverse array of biological responses within plantsCovers essential aspects like melatonin biosynthesis, regulation, antioxidant properties, and its involvement in stress management in plantsProvides an interdisciplinary study of melatonin and its potential uses, including disease management, crop improvement, and nutraceutical developmentAddresses melatonin's multifaceted role in regulating key physiological processes in the human body, including circadian rhythms, sleep–wake cycles, and neurological protectionDelves into melatonin's dual role as an immunomodulator influencing immune cells and a powerful antioxidant combating free radicals and alleviating oxidative stressExplores melatonin's therapeutic and anticancer potential, emphasizing its importance in cardiovascular health, neurology, and cancer research, attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics

This new volume provides comprehensive coverage of the family Rutaceae, emphasizing its diverse phytochemistry and medicinal uses.The volume provides an introduction to the family Rutaceae and then goes on to delineate its phytochemical and pharmacological properties and uses. Also addressed are the nutritional, clinical, and toxicological profiles of the family Rutaceae, elaborating on the nutritional value of Rutaceae plants, their healthcare and clinical applications, and their possible toxic side effects.This volume provides an information overview of the Rutaceae family, which comprises numerous ornamental as well as economically significant fruit-bearing trees with significant phytochemistry and medicinal uses that are important for new drug discovery for pharmaceutical industries. The chapters may also direct researchers to isolate/extract pure compounds from Family Rutaceae for new and novel drug discoveries.

Medicinal Plants with Antidiabetic Properties: Applications and Opportunities is the first comprehensive reference to present the state of current research as well as those developments that are impacting developments in the use of plants to address diabetic conditions. Presenting multiple perspectives on the plants, their identification, cultivation and application, this book presents the state of the art with an eye toward the future. Herbal drugs and their components with insignificant toxicity and limited or no side effects are valuable therapeutic alternatives in the treatment of diabetes around the world and have been considered a fundamental source of potent antidiabetic drugs. Exploration of plants containing numerous bio-active compounds such as flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, carotenoids, alkaloids, and glycosides, for their potential antidiabetic properties is increasing as alternative treatments for this globally devastating disease are sought. Presented in 5 parts, the book first provides an overview of those plants with antidiabetic properties, then moves to the agricultural practices for the cultivation and production of those plants. Part Three focuses on the chemical composition and phytochemicals of the plants before then moving into a study of the physiological, biotechnological and molecular approaches to optimizing these plants. The book concludes with insights into current and potential future medical and clinical applications. The book is ideal for those seeking to understand the biology and chemistry of plants with anti-diabetic properties and their effective development and application. - Includes insights from laboratory research to field application - Presents perspectives from agriculture, biotechnology, molecular biology, pharmaceutical, pharmacological, and clinical trials - Highlights the cost-effective and eco-friendly technologies for sustainable, agricultural developments in antidiabetic plants

This new book, Plant Diseases and Their Management: A Sustainable Approach, studies the most modern methods in control and management of plant diseases. It covers a wide range of themes on the biological, cultural, chemical, and genome engineering controls for plant diseases brought on by viruses, bacteria, phytoplasma, and fungi.This book details how natural materials, organic disease control, and new-generation fungicides can all be utilized to thwart or stop plant pathogen activity in an effective manner. The book also delves into methods for increasing the shelf life of produce, presents approaches to plant disease management in organic as well as conventional farming, and considers molecular approaches to disease detection and identification in plants.The book looks at viral, bacterial, and fungal diseases in different plants and their management. It also discusses several pathogens and how diseases caused by these can be managed effectively. It also covers diseases in specific crops, such as rice, pulses, fruits, and vegetables, including apples, berries, and capsicum. A novel approach of genome engineering to develop resilience in plants against various diseases and future challenges is considered as well.Key features: Presents management approaches to fungal, phytoplasmal, viral, and bacterial plant diseases Discusses the protection of fruits, vegetables, and crops from various diseases for prolonged shelf-life Looks at genome engineering as a novel approach for fungal, bacterial, and viral disease management Considers both traditional and modern methods in the management of viruses infecting plants Covering new methods for the sustainable control of plant diseases, this volume will be valuable to plant and crop specialists, agriculture-based industries, and faculty and students in the agricultural sciences.

This book provides scientific reports on the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants using animal models and provides information on the beneficial role of medicinal plants on human diseases. It looks at a number of medicinal plants and examines the medicinal properties and activities of the plants for a variety of health issues, such as for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disease, organ dysfunctions, cancer, labor and postpartum issues, and more. The therapeutic mechanisms of some phytoconstituents are also discussed.

Oxylipins are an important class of signaling molecules in plants, which play an important role in plant defence and innate immunity. Oxylipins have critical roles in plant growth and plant responses to physical damage caused by herbivores, insects, and pathogenic microbes. Over the last decade, our understanding of oxylipin production, metabolism, and function, particularly jasmonates, has advanced considerably. Jasmonates have provided further mechanistic insights into enzyme function and signalling cascades. Other oxylipins, such as hydroxy fatty acids, have recently been shown to exhibit individual signaling features and crosstalk with other phytohormones.There is scant literature on plant oxylipins and their relevance to our understanding and therefore, understanding oxylipin production, metabolism, and function is pivotal. As a result, researchers, students, professors, and other book readers will have a thorough understanding of plant oxylipin biosynthesis, structure, and function, assisting in the improvement of plant science.Plant oxylipins: metabolism, physiological roles, and profiling techniques address the mechanism, metabolism, and roles of oxylipins in plant resistance to various biotic and abiotic stimuli in detail. This book covers fundamental ideas in oxylipin production, metabolism, structural biochemistry, and signaling pathways. It also discusses cutting-edge methodologies for oxylipin metabolic profiling, with an emphasis on computing applications. This book is an excellent resource for plant scientists, plant biochemists, biotechnologists, botanists, phytochemists, toxicologists, chemical ecologists, taxonomists, and other scholars in those subjects. The book is written by a global team of professionals. Features Presents concrete and extensive information about a basic and applied aspect of plant oxylipins as well as expanded coverage of signaling mechanisms. Highlights the fundamental concepts of the biosynthesis, metabolism, structural biochemistry, and signaling pathway of oxylipins. Details the state-of-the-art methods and techniques in metabolic profiling of oxylipins in plants. Presents insights on computational applications in the evaluation and study of oxylipins in plants.

Phytochemicals have been present in human diet and life since the birth of mankind, including the consuming of plant foods and the application of herbal treatments. This coevolutionary interaction of plants and people has resulted in humans'reliance on food and medicinal plants as sources of macronutrients, micronutrients, and bioactive phytochemicals. Phytochemicals can be used as adjuvant agents and sensitizers in traditional antibiotic and anticancer therapy, reducing the potential of selecting resistant microbial strains and cancer cells. Recent Frontiers of Phytochemicals addresses the many processes of potential phytochemical evaluation of known sources, with a focus on phytochemical and pharmacological evaluations, and computational research into the structures and pharmacological mechanisms of natural products and their applications in medicine, food and biotech. - Novel extraction, characterization, and application method for phytochemicals in food, pharmacology, and biotechnology - Colour illustrations and extensive tables with state-of-art information - Covers potential sources of phytochemicals, their extraction and characterization techniques

This book creates a multidisciplinary forum of discussion on Ficus carica with particular emphasis on its horticulture, post-harvest, marketability, phytochemistry, extraction protocols, biochemistry, nutritional value, functionality, health-promoting properties, ethnomedicinal applications, technology and processing. The impact of traditional and innovative processing on the recovery of high-added value compounds from Ficus carica byproducts is extensively reported. Also, the text discusses the potential applications of Ficus carica in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products. Fig (Ficus carica): Production, Processing, and Properties illustrates a diversity of developments in food science and horticultural research including:Production, processing, chemistry, and functional properties of Ficus carica.Ficus carica phytochemicals and its health-promoting effects.Food, non-food and technological applications of Ficus carica.Recent research focuses on studying the bioactive compounds and therapeutic traits and investigating the mode of action and toxicological impacts of medical plant extracts and bioactive phytochemicals. Ficus carica is of significant importance due to its widespread food, industrial and medicinal applications. Although Ficus carica products are already commercially available in the international market, it is hard to find a reference work covering the production, processing, chemistry and properties of Ficus carica. This book will be the first publication focusing specifically on this important topic.

This book offers a range of environmentally benign molecular mechanisms which are safer alternative strategies for effective insect pest management. In modern era of biotechnology, there has been much advancement in the field of molecular biology, where many more techniques have evolved which can be helpful in the field of pest management too. Plant resistance, development of transgenic plants, and many more techniques are being considered the panacea to pest problems. On the other hand, there are wide spread concerns of the safety of biotechnological interventions with nontarget organisms including humans. While the world stands divided on the ethical issues of these approaches and the many safety concerns, scientists believe that well thought of biotechnological interventions are probably the only safest ways possible for reducing pest attacks on crops. It explores various techniques and aspects related to molecular pathways for crop pest control. This book is a useful resource for postgraduate students and researchers of agriculture sciences, plant pathology and plant physiology. It is also useful for policy planners in agriculture.

A great deal of interest has been generated recently in the isolation, characterization, and biological activity of phytochemicals. Phytochemicals have the potential to enhance pharmaceuticals and drug discovery. As such, there is an urgent need for current research in the global scope of phytochemicals including the chemical and physical characteristics, analytical procedures, biological activity, safety, and industrial applications. The Handbook of Research on Advanced Phytochemicals and Plant-Based Drug Discovery examines the applications of bioactive molecules from a health perspective, examining the pharmacological aspects of medicinal plants, the phytochemical and biological activities of different natural products, and ethnobotany and medicinal properties. Moreover, it presents a novel dietary approach for human disease management. Covering topics such as computer-aided drug design, government regulation, and medicinal plant taxonomy, this major reference work is beneficial to pharmacists, medical practitioners, phytologists, hospital administrators, government officials, faculty and students of higher education, librarians, researchers, and academicians.

Due to polymorphism, apples have extraordinary diversity. Depending on variety, apple fruits can differ in color, shade or size; apples even can be oval or pear-shaped. There are more than 10,000 varieties of apple, which vary in taste, shape, juiciness, texture, color, firmness and other qualities. For these reasons, apples have been diversely studied, and many improvements have been made such as the introduction of high density cropping; rootstock breeding; or varietal development. Therefore it is important to understand and document the production methods adopted and implemented in recent times for harvesting maximum benefits of the crop. Apples: Preharvest and Postharvest Technology documents production practices along with detailed illustration on varieties, rootstocks, important cultural practices and post-harvest management. This book will serve as a complete guide for apple production from farm to fork and will help students, scholars, researchers and scientists working in this domain. The book will also help growers all over the world to understand best practices for apple production, to harvest maximum yields, and in turn, to increase their returns.

This book focuses on the current and potential applications of microalgae and cyanobacteria in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and cosmeceuticals. The book deals with the very recent and advanced techniques and technologies in algal cultivation and extraction for its application. The chapters discuss the biological importance, properties, and uses of algal metabolites and microalgae-based compounds in drug development, in food nutrition enhancement, and in the development of cosmetics with medicinal properties.The chapter authors cover a range of diverse topics on algal biological resources, such as: algae as a nutraceutical and functional food ingredient the extraction of food bioactive compounds from microalgae spirulina-derived nutraceuticals and their applications in the food industry anticancer compounds from freshwater microalgae cosmetic applications of microalgal and cyanobacterial pigments and more This unique book, Algal Genetic Resources: Cosmeceuticals, Nutraceuticals, and Pharmaceuticals from Algae, will enlighten readers on the vast usefulness of microalgae and cyanobacteria as an important resource for the cosmeceutical, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries for their broad biotechnological potential industrial applications. The volume will be a valuable reference for scientists and researchers in these areas as well as for advanced students and faculty in ecology, phycology, botany, agriculture, biotechnology, microbiology, environmental biotechnology, plant science, and life sciences.

Traditional Mediterranean fruits (i.e., be grapes, oranges, apples, pears, peaches, cherries, plums, figs, melons, watermelon and dates) are of major commercial and nutritional value to the region. Processing of such fruits, however, results in large amounts of bio-waste material. Efficient, inexpensive and environmentally friendly use of fruit industry waste is thus highly cost-effective and minimizes environmental impact. The natural antioxidants and bioactive compounds found in Mediterranean fruit bio-wastes could play a major role in the alleged health benefits of the Mediterranean diet, and could be used in pharmaceuticals as well as novel food applications. This book presents a multidisciplinary forum of discussion on the chemistry, functional properties and health-promoting effects of bioactive compounds in Mediterranean fruit bio-wastes, as well as novel food and non-food applications. The text provides the scientific fundamentals of the health-promoting benefitsand applications of Mediterranean fruit bio-wastes, reviews the relevant recovery issues and explores different techniques to develop new applications. With a diversity of perspectives, from food science to environmental chemistry and horticultural research, this volume provides comprehensive, up-to-date knowledge to researchers and industry professionals working in the areas of food waste valorization.

The Bambara groundnut (BGN) or Vigna subterranea is an extremely hardy grain legume. As it produces reasonable yields even under conditions of drought and low soil fertility, it is also a climate-smart crop. Previously underutilized, BGN is the subject of growing interest among researchers and consumers for its balanced nutritional profile. Indigenous consumers of BGN report medicinal benefits from the plant; however, such knowledge is at risk of being lost with the urbanization and changing lifestyles of younger generations. To date, there is no comprehensive resource on the Bambara groundnut, despite market demand for plant proteins around the globe. Authored by scientists who have researched and developed patents using BGN, Bambara Groundnut: Utilization and Future Prospects aims to fill this gap. The text provides in-depth coverage on breeding, food and feed utilization, medicinal benefits and future research prospects. Drawing on both indigenous knowledge and cutting-edge research, Bambara Groundnut is the first book to fully explore the potential of this remarkable crop.

This book discusses different fruit crops and provides first-hand information on the nutritional composition of commercially important, as well as unexplored fruits, which are grown in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. A detailed nutritional profile of each fruit is presented in the book. The potential health implications against cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, carcinoma, oxidative damage, asthma, aging and cognition are discussed and explained. Besides, nutritional composition and medicinal implications, origin, morphology, taxonomy and production scenarios of unexplored, as well as commercially important fruits, have also been highlighted in the book. This book will be of interest to students and researchers involved in agricultural sciences, food science, nutrition and the Indian medicine system.

During last couple of decades, a great deal of research has explored what exactly plants contain (bioactives) and how these molecules may interact with human physiology at the molecular level. It is extremely important to know what happens to plant bioactives or their biological activities when processed or isolated under various reaction conditions. Huge numbers of extraction or food manufacturing methodologies are adversely affecting the quality of these phytonutrients so there is a prompt need to highlight these processes/methods and replace them with more novel, efficient, green, or eco-friendly ones. A Centum of Valuable Plant Bioactives is a comprehensive resource on the top 100 plant bioactives available. Chapters are grouped together by bioactives, with sections on carotenes, xanthophylls, terpenoids, steroids, polyphenols and more. This is an essential guide for botanists, food technologists and chemists, nutritionists and pharmacists. - Highlights the top 100 plant bioactives, their biogenesis, distribution, extraction/purification, and metabolism - Contains the latest advances in botanic biology, analytical chemistry and food technology - Explores potential applications including food additives, digestion and health, chemoprevention and biotherapy

As food producers, plants are constantly under attack by insects. Over the course of evolution, plants have not only developed a sophisticated defense apparatus but have also refined biochemical defense mechanisms to protect themselves, thereby maintaining the ecological balance. Plant-pest interactions induce an elaborate array of reactions involving the release of volatile compounds, effector and signaling molecules, trans-membrane proteins, and a variety of enzymes and hormones. This book offers a comprehensive guide to the strategies that plants employ against insects and other pests to ensure their continued survival. Addressing an important gap in the literature, it shares the latest findings in the field of plant–pest interactions for a broad audience. Providing an overview of the current state of knowledge on plant-pest interactions and their role in the genetic improvement of crops, it offers an essential guide for researchers and professionals in the fields of agriculture, plant pathology, entomology, cell biology, molecular biology and genetics.

Globally stone fruits are emerging in the market due to the increased consumer's desire for health-promoting foods. Stone fruits attract research attention, mainly due to the cultural and commercial aspects of the array of varieties that are grown. Being grown in wide range of environments, it is very important to understand what factors influence the production and quality attributes of stone fruits. There is a lack of systematic scientific information on strategic approach for production technologies of such fruits. This book will be first of its kind focusing on technological aspects of stone fruits especially on latest developments in present day horticulture. It will be an essential reference for professionals including academicians, scholars, researchers and industries working in the said area. We hope that readers will find this book a useful resource for their research or studies, and it will be helpful in the development of high quality stone fruits in future which will improve the economic and social life of people. Besides, this book fulfills the needs of a number of horticultural courses of Universities and will serving as a pomological manual for all occasions.

Moringa oleifera is a widely cultivated and highly valuable tree belonging to the family Moringaceae, originating in India. This compilation explores its wide variety of uses, including in food, traditional herbal medicine, water purification and as an insecticide.

This volume is a compendium of selected plant species of ethnobotanical value to the highland communities of popular Southeast Asia. “Traditional” knowledge held by local communities on their resources is always in flux and adapting to a quickly changing environment. New plants find their entry into the local pharmacopoeias, while existing ones maybe removed. Likewise, various local communities might find the same plant useful for completely different purposes. While compiling information on the species, authors have taken great care to ensure that the dynamic nature of ethnobotanical knowledge is represented adequately. Special emphasis has also been given to cultural value of species to the local communities in the region. The field (and thus the market) of ethnobotany and ethnopharmacology has grown considerably in recent years. Student interest is on the rise, attendance at professional conferences has grown steadily, and the number of professionals calling themselves ethnobotanists has increased significantly (the various societies (Society for Economic Botany, International Society of Ethnopharmacology, Society of Ethnobiology, International Society for Ethnobiology, and many regional and national societies in the field currently have thousands of members). The objective of this new Major Reference Work on Ethnobotany of Mountain Regions of Southeast Asia is to take advantage of the increasing international interest and scholarship on highland landscapes and communities. While ethnobotanical studies are now available from many regions of the world, no comprehensive encyclopedic volume on the highlands of popular SE Asia is available in the market. We include the best and latest research on a full range of descriptive, methodological, theoretical, and applied research on the most important plants for the region. Scholars in plant sciences worldwide will also be interested in the dedicated website for this volume and its dynamic content.

This book highlights different natural products that are derived from the plants and microbes that have shown potential as the lead compounds against infectious diseases and cancer. Natural products represent an untapped source of strikingly diverse chemotypes with novel mechanisms of action and the potential to serve as anticancer and anti-infective agents. The book discusses a range of biotechnologically valuable bioactive compounds and secondary metabolites that have been derived from plant and microorganisms from various ecological niches. It also reviews the latest developments in the field of genomics, bioinformatics and industrial fermentation for harnessing the microbial products for commercial applications. In turn, the book's closing section reviews important biotechnological applications of various natural products. Combining the expertise of specialists in this field, the book's goal is to promote the further investigation of natural sources for the development of standardized, safe and effective therapies.

This new volume explores the importance of phytochemicals from plants in therapeutics, focusing on the extraction of bioactive compounds and their applications in human health. Natural products and their bioactive compounds are increasingly utilized in preventive and therapeutic medication as well as for the production of pharmaceutical supplements and, more recently, as food additives to increase the functionality of foods.The first section of the volume describes recent advances in the extraction of bioactive compounds from various sources. It looks at advanced extraction techniques such as enzyme-assisted, microwave-assisted, ultrasound-assisted, pressurized liquid extraction, and supercritical extraction techniques. Part 2, on bioactive compounds and health claims, covers the roles of different bioactive compounds and their health-promoting potential for lifestyle diseases. This section explains the botany, physical characteristics, uniqueness, uses, distribution, importance, phytochemistry, bioactivities, and future trends of different functional foods.

This reference work provides comprehensive information about the bioactive molecules presented in our daily food and their effect on the physical and mental state of our body. Although the concept of functional food is new, the consumption of selected food to attain a specific effect existed already in ancient civilizations, namely of China and India. Consumers are now more attentive to food quality, safety and health benefits, and the food industry is led to develop processed- and packaged-food, particularly in terms of calories, quality, nutritional value and bioactive molecules. This book covers the entire range of bioactive molecules presented in daily food, such as carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, isoflavonoids, carotenoids, vitamin C, polyphenols, bioactive molecules presented in wine, beer and cider. Concepts like French paradox, Mediterranean diet, healthy diet of eating fruits and vegetables, vegan and vegetarian diet, functional foods are described with suitable casestudies. Readers will also discover a very timely compilation of methods for bioactive molecules analysis. Written by highly renowned scientists of the field, this reference work appeals to a wide readership, from graduate students, scholars, researchers in the field of botany, agriculture, pharmacy, biotechnology and food industry to those involved in manufacturing, processing and marketing of value-added food products.

Modern plant science research currently integrates biochemistry and molecular biology. This book highlights recent trends in plant biotechnology and molecular genetics, serving as a working manual for scientists in academic, industrial, and federal laboratories. A wide variety of authors have contributed to this book, reflecting the thinking and expertise of active investigators who generate advances in technology. The authors were selected especially for their ability to create and/or implement novel research methods.

This book presents research on volatiles produced by microbes and plants along with their biotechnological implications for sustainable agriculture. A greater understanding of how plants and microbes live together and benefit each other can provide new strategies to improve plant productivity, while at the same time helping to protect the environment and maintain global biodiversity. To date, the use of chemicals to enhance plant growth or induced resistance in plants has been limited due to the negative effects and the difficulty in determining the optimal concentrations to benefit the plant. The book discusses extensive studies on biological alternatives that avoid these problems, and the research presented suggests that these compounds could offer an environmentally sound means to better grow and protect plants under greenhouse or field conditions. To understand the nature of VOCs and gene expression profiling of plant genes responding against these compounds can be conducted. Itis possible that VOCs produced by microbes while colonizing roots are generated at sufficient concentrations to trigger plant responses. In conclusion, positive or negative effects of VOCs on plant productivity will be dependent on upon specific VOCs microbial strain, plant genotype, and presence/absence of abiotic/biotic stresses

In the last decade, research on platelet-activating factor (PAF) has expanded exponentially. Previous conferences on PAF in Paris, 1983, and the subsequent conferences in Gatlinburg, Ten­ nessee, Tokyo, Snowbird, Utah, and Berlin, at three-yearly intervals, have chronicled the devel­ opments in the field ofPAF. This volume records the proceedings of the Fifth International Con­ gress on PAF and Related Lipid Mediators, held at the Free University Medical Hospital Ben­ jamin Franklin in Berlin, from September 12-16, 1995. We are very much indebted to Free Uni­ versity Berlin for providing tremendous facilities and financial support. It was a great pleasure to have positive and generous input from the German Science Council (DFG), Bonn, Germany, and British·Biotech, Oxford, United Kingdom. Their support was crucial in making the congress a scientific success. Twenty other organizations provided additional financial support, for which we extend our deepest appreciation. The editors would like to thank all of those who participated in this congress and the authors for their contributions. The organization and planning of the Berlin Congress were carried out by an organizing committee. We gratefully acknowledge the support and assistance of the organizing commit­ tee members, especially Renate Nigam and Renate Roux for their untiring efforts to make the congress successful. Many colleagues also supported the congress with dedication, hard work, and expert input. We are grateful to them. We also wish to acknowledge the support of G. Sravan Kumar and Louis Kock for their efforts in producing this volume.

The pharmacopoeias of most African countries are available and contain an impressive number of medicinal plants used for various therapeutic purposes. Many African scholars have distinguished themselves in the fields of organic chemistry, pharmacology, and pharmacognosy and other areas related to the study of plant medicinal plants. However, until now, there is no global standard book on the nature and specificity of chemicals isolated in African medicinal plants, as well as a book bringing together and discussing the main bioactive metabolites of these plants. This book explores the essence of natural substances from African medicinal plants and their pharmacological potential. In light of possible academic use, this book also scans the bulk of African medicinal plants extract having promising pharmacological activities. - The book contains data of biologically active plants of Africa, plant occurring compounds and synthesis pathways of secondary metabolites - This book explores the essence of natural substances from African medicinal plants and their pharmacological potential - The authors are world reknowned African Scientists

Research on the interaction between plants and microbes has attracted considerable attention in recent years. The use of modem genetic techniques has now made possible a detailed analysis both of plant and of microbial genes involved in phytopathogenic and beneficial interactions. At the biochemical level, signal molecules and their receptors, either of plant or of microbial origins, have been detected which act in signal transduction pathways or as co-regulators of gene expression. We begin to understand the molecular basis of classical concepts such as gene-for-gene relationships, hypersensitive response, induced resistance, to name just a few. We realize, and will soon exploit, the tremendous potential of the results of this research for practical application, in particular to protect crop plants against diseases and to increase crop yield and quality. This exclung field of research, which is also of truly interdisciplinary nature, is expanding rapidly. A Symposium series has been devoted to it which began in 1982. Recently, the 5th International Symposium on the Molecular Genetics of Plant-Microbe Interactions was held in Interlaken, Switzerland. It brought together 640 scientists from almost 30 different countries who reported their latest research progress in 47 lectures, 10 short oral presentations, and on over 400 high-quality posters. This book presents a collection of papers that comprehensively reflect the major areas under study, explain novel experimental approaches currently in use, highlight significant advances made over the last one or two years but also emphasize the obstacles still ahead of us.

When Franklin published her book on cyst nematodes in 1951, the cyst nematodes were already known as serious pests of brassicas, cereals, potatoes and sugar beets. However, at that time this group of nematode, with about 12 species, was considered tobe largely temperate in distribu­ tion. Now a total of 105 species (including those that are considered as synonyms or species inquirende by some or all) within six genera of cyst nematodes have been described from temperate, tropical, and subtropical regions and at least five species are important constraints to crop produc­ tion in tropical agriculture. The previous impression of localization of cyst nematodes in the temperate region was seemingly an artifact due to a greater concentration of nematologists in the temperate regions. Based on my own experience of working in several Asian and African countries, I believe that many more undescribed species are present in the tropical countries of Asia and Africa, and probably in other tropical regions. Most growers, extension workers, and research managers in these regions are still not aware of the possible harm of presence of these nematodes in their agricultural soils. The cyst nematodes are perhaps smaller than the smallest available computer chip but they are very well programmed to survive and pro­ pagate despite severe hardships. These nematodes are very selective in their choice of food; about 50% of known species are parasites of plants mainly in the families Poaceae and Fabaceae.

Thanks to the meticulous and enthusiastic work of insect collectors and taxonomists over the past hundred years and more, we have today a large amount of information on the feeding habits and life styles of sev­ eral hundred thousands of insect species. Insects that feed on plants during at least one of their life stages constitute about half of the three-quarters of a million described species. Their numbers both in terms of species and individuals together with their small but macroscopic sizes makes the insect-plant biological interface perhaps the most conspicuous, diverse and largest assemblage of intimate interspecies interactions in existence. It is also perhaps the most important biological interface be­ cause of the plants'role as primary producers upon which all other forms of earthly life depend, thereby bringing herbivorous insects occasionally into direct competition with human food and fiber production. Early enthusiasm revealed many remarkable specializations and associ­ ations between insects and plants, and occasionally assigned chemical me­ diators for them. However, the modern practices of large scale crop pro­ tection by synthetic pesticides and their attendant problems, particularly with resistance in'pests'and destruction of natural enemies, have been in large measure responsible for drawing our attention to the mechanisms whereby plants control insect populations and insects adapt to the plants'defenses. These practices have also brought home the importance of chemical mediators in practically all aspects of insect activities and, in parti­ cular, the importance of plant allelochemicals in maintaining and balan­ cing insect-plant associations.

This book continues as volume 2 of a multi-compendium on Edible Medicinal and Non-Medicinal Plants. It covers edible fruits/seeds used fresh or processed, as vegetables, spices, stimulants, pulses, edible oils and beverages. It encompasses species from the following families: Clusiaceae, Combretaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Dilleniaceae, Ebenaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Ericaceae and Fabaceae. This work will be of significant interest to scientists, researchers, medical practitioners, pharmacologists, ethnobotanists, horticulturists, food nutritionists, agriculturists, botanists, herbalogists, conservationists, teachers, lecturers, students and the general public. Topics covered include: taxonomy (botanical name and synonyms); common English and vernacular names; origin and distribution; agro-ecological requirements; edible plant part and uses; botany; nutritive and medicinal/pharmacological properties, medicinal uses and current research findings; non-edible uses; and selected/cited references.

Plant innate immunity is a collective term to describe a complex of interconnected mechanisms that plants use to withstand potential pathogens and herbivores. The last decade has seen a rapid advance in our understanding of the induction, signal transduction and expression of resistance responses to oomycetes, fungi, bacteria, viruses, nematodes and insects. This volume aims at providing an overview of these processes and mechanisms.Edited by Jean-Claude Kader and Michel Delseny and supported by an international Editorial Board, Advances in Botanical Research publishes in-depth and up-to-date reviews on a wide range of topics in plant sciences. - Multidisciplinary reviews written from a broad range of scientific perspectives - For over 40 years, series has enjoyed a reputation for excellence - Contributors internationally recognized authorities in their respective fields

Edited by J.A. Callow and supported by an international Editorial Board, Advances in Botanical Research publishes in-depth and up-to-date reviews on a wide range of topics in plant sciences. Currently in its 43rd volume, the series features a wide range of reviews by recognized experts on all aspects of plant genetics, biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, physiology and ecology. This eclectic volume features four reviews on cutting-edge topics of interest to post-graduates and researchers alike. - Includes such topics as defensive ecology of brown algae - Multidisciplinary reviews written from a broad range of scientific perspectives - Discusses opportunities for the control of brassicaceous weeds of cropping systems using mycoherbicides - For over 40 years, series has enjoyed a reputation for excellence - Contributors internationally recognized authorities in their respective fields

This book provides current information on synthesis of plant hormones, how their concentrations are regulated, and how they modulate various plant processes. It details how plants sense and tolerate such factors as drought, salinity, and cold temperature, factors that limit plant productivity on earth. It also explains how plants sense two other environmental signals, light and gravity, and modify their developmental patterns in response to those signals. This book takes the reader from basic concepts to the most up-to-date thinking on these topics.• Provides clear synthesis and review of hormonal and environmental regulation of plant growth and development• Contains more than 600 illustrations supplementary information on techniques and/or related topics of interest• Single-authored text provides uniformity of presentation and integration of the subject matter• References listed alphabetically in each section

Examine the most recent developments in molecular plant pathology!This comprehensive reference book describes the molecular biology of plant-pathogen interactions in depth. With Dr. Vidhyasekaran's keen insights and experienced critical viewpoint, Bacterial Disease Resistance in Plants: Molecular Biology and Biotechnological Applications not only presents reviews of current research but goes on to suggest future research strategies to exploit the studies in interventions with biotechnological, commercial, and field applications.This extraordinarily well-referenced book delivers in-depth examinations of: the molecular recognition process between plants and bacterial pathogens bacterial genes involved in the recognition process hrp, avr, dsp, and hsv genes the transcription of bacterial genes in plants signal transduction systems in bacteria and plants the functions of resistance genes and defense genes at the molecular level the elicitor molecules of bacterial pathogens and plants and their interactions plant and bacterial cell wall modifications and their role in triggering host defense mechanismsBacterial Disease Resistance in Plants also explores active oxygen species, inducible plant proteins and their signals and transcription mechanisms, inducible secondary metabolites, and more. It introduces novel strategies for bacterial disease management using genes from human beings, birds, crabs, insects, fungi, bacteria, and bacteriophages; and genetic engineering techniques that can be used to develop transgenic, disease-resistant plants. Generously illustrated with figures and tables that make the data more quickly understandable, Bacterial Disease Resistance in Plants will be an invaluable resource and textbook for plant pathologists, bacteriologists, botanists, plant physiologists, plant molecular biologists, microbiologists, biochemists, plant cell and applied biologists, genetic engineers, and graduate-level students in these disciplines.

Molecular Methods in Plant Pathology covers methods in phytopathology at the molecular level, including PCR techniques, electron microscopy, tissue culturing, and the cloning of disease-resistant genes. Phytopathologists, botanists, horticulturists, and anyone working in agriculture will find this a useful reference on biophysical, biochemical, biomolecular, and biotechnological methods.

The Biochemistry of Plants: A Comprehensive Treatise, Volume 4: Lipids: Structure and Function provides information pertinent to the fundamental aspects of plant lipid biochemistry. This book covers a variety of topics, including oxidative enzymes, glyoxylate cycle, lipoxygenases, ethylene biosynthesis, phospholipids, and carotenoids. Organized into 19 chapters, this volume begins with an overview of the different techniques for use in the analysis of plant lipids. This text then outlines the concepts of membrane lipid structure and discusses the relationship between membrane lipid structure and function. Other chapters consider the role that lipid structure plays in regulating physiological function. This book discusses as well the biochemical mechanism by which the double bond is introduced in the biosynthesis of ethylene. The final chapter deals with the results of studies on the biosynthesis of cyclopropanoid, cyclopropenoid, and cyclopentenyl fatty acids in higher plants. This book is a valuable resource for plant biochemists, neurobiochemists, molecular biologists, senior graduate students, and research workers.

Plants face a daunting array of creatures that eat them, bore into them, and otherwise use virtually every plant part for food, shelter, or both. But although plants cannot flee from their attackers, they are far from defenseless. In addition to adaptations like thorns, which may be produced in response to attack, plants actively alter their chemistry and physiology in response to damage. For instance, young potato plant leaves being eaten by potato beetles respond by producing chemicals that inhibit beetle digestive enzymes. Over the past fifteen years, research on these induced responses to herbivory has flourished, and here Richard Karban and Ian T. Baldwin present the first comprehensive evaluation and synthesis of this rapidly developing field. They provide state-of-the-discipline reviews and highlight areas where new research will be most productive. Their comprehensive overview will be welcomed by a wide variety of theoretical and applied researchers in ecology, evolutionary biology, plant biology, entomology, and agriculture.

This book was developed from the proceedings of the American Chemical Society, Division of Agricultural & Food Chemistry, subdivision of Natural Products Symposium'Biosynthesis and Metabolism of Secondary Natural Products'held in Atlanta, Georgia, April 1991. The objective of the conference was to bring together people from apparently diverse fields, ranging from biotechnology, metabolism, mechanistic organic chemistry, enzymology, fermentation, and biosynthesis, but who share a common interest in either the biosynthesis or the metabolism of natural products. It is our intention to help bridge the gap between the fields of mechanistic bio-organic chemistry and biotechnology. Our thanks go to Dr. Henry Yokoyama, co-organizer of the symposium, the authors who so kindly contributed chapters, the conference participants, and to those who assisted in the peer review process. We also thank the financial supporters of the symposium: ACS/AGFD, NIH General Medical Sciences, and the agricultural, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and chromatography companies. A full list of the supporting corporations and institutions is given on the following page. Pharma-Tech and P.C., Inc. are manufacturers of instrumentation for high-speed countercurrent chromatography. We thank the Agricultural Research Service and the U. S. Department of Agriculture for granting me permission to co-organize the conference and for us to complete the book. Richard J. Petroski Susan P. McCormick USDA, ARS, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research Peoria, IL 61604 June 10, 1992 vii CONTENTS ANTIBIOTICS Polyketide Synthetases: Enzyme Complexes and Multifunctional Proteins Directing the Biosynthesis of Bacterial Metabolites from Fatty Acids...............................3...........