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Ethnobotany includes the traditional use of plants in different fields like medicine and agriculture. This book incorporates important studies based on ethnobotany of different geographic zones. The book covers medicinaland aromatic plants, ethnopharmacology, bioactive molecules, plants used in cancer, hypertension, disorders of the central nervous system, and also as antipsoriatic, antibacterial, antioxidant, antiurolithiatic. The book will be useful for a diverse group of readers including plant scientists, pharmacologists, clinicians, herbalists, natural therapy experts, chemists, microbiologists, NGOs and those who are interested in traditional therapies.

Ethnobotany: Local Knowledge and Traditions discusses various plants that have actually been used in traditional medicine for a specific ailment. It desribes the biological effectiveness (activities) related to each'sickness'which have been scientifically verified. This book will also discuss the bioactivities established/determined that are promising and have potential. Finally, this book will be an appropriate consultation tool for scientists/professionals/experts such as ethnobotanists, botanists, cell/molecular biologists, chemists, pharmacists, pharmacologists, environmentalists/ecologists.

Soil Management and Climate Change: Effects on Organic Carbon, Nitrogen Dynamics, and Greenhouse Gas Emissions provides a state of the art overview of recent findings and future research challenges regarding physical, chemical and biological processes controlling soil carbon, nitrogen dynamic and greenhouse gas emissions from soils. This book is for students and academics in soil science and environmental science, land managers, public administrators and legislators, and will increase understanding of organic matter preservation in soil and mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions. Given the central role soil plays on the global carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycles and its impact on greenhouse gas emissions, there is an urgent need to increase our common understanding about sources, mechanisms and processes that regulate organic matter mineralization and stabilization, and to identify those management practices and processes which mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, helping increase organic matter stabilization with suitable supplies of available N. - Provides the latest findings about soil organic matter stabilization and greenhouse gas emissions - Covers the effect of practices and management on soil organic matter stabilization - Includes information for readers to select the most suitable management practices to increase soil organic matter stabilization

Esta obra se ordena esencialmente a facilitar la identificación de las plantas vasculares autóctonas o naturalizadas en la península ibérica e islas Baleares. Este tomo IX está dedicado a las Rhamnaceae-Polygalaceae y en él se describen 19 familias, 36 géneros y 167 especies.

The first and so far only Plant Geography of Chile was written about 100 years ago, since when many things have changed: plants have been renamed and reclassified; taxonomy and systematics have experienced deep changes as have biology, geography, and biogeography. The time is therefore ripe for a new look at Chile's plants and their distribution.Focusing on three key issues – botany/systematics, geography and biogeographical analysis – this book presents a thoroughly updated synthesis both of Chilean plant geography and of the different approaches to studying it. Because of its range – from the neotropics to the temperate sub-Antarctic – Chile's flora provides a critical insight into evolutionary patterns, particularly in relation to the distribution along the latitudinal profiles and the global geographical relationships of the country's genera. The consequences of these relations for the evolution of the Chilean Flora are discussed.This book will provide a valuable resource for both graduate students and researchers in botany, plant taxonomy and systematics, biogeography, evolutionary biology and plant conservation.

This volume provides lab-oriented protocols to deal the various plant microbiome engineering approaches in a lucid and simple manner. Chapters are divided into four section detailing plant associated microbiomes, single cell genomics, whole community metagenomics, metabolic network monitoring and advanced methods in plant microbiome engineering. Written in the format of the Methods and Protocols in Food Science series, the chapters include an introduction to the respective topic, list necessary materials and reagents, detail well-established and validated methods for readily reproducible laboratory protocols and contain notes on how to avoid or solve typical problems. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Plant Microbiome Engineering aims to provide well-established protocols and procedures largely used by both academics and industrials.

This open access book provides a comprehensive exploration of the relationship between fungi and grapevines, covering contemporary mycological classifications, pathogens, the mycobiome, endophytes, and mycorrhizae. Inspired by the French book'La Vigne, Maladies Fongiques'by the same authors, which won first prize at the 2015 OIV book competition (Organisation Internationale de la Vigne et du Vin, Dijon), this work aims to extend and update that foundational text. The introduction delves into the origins and adaptability of grapevines in response to evolving fungal diseases, alongside an overview of their biology, epidemiology, and control measures. The second chapter covers the systematics of the genus Vitis, the developmental stages of the vine, the anatomy of various organs, the history and breeding of resistant varieties, and the natural defense mechanisms of grapevines against fungal infections. A significant portion of the book provides the latest insights into mycology, including chapters on fungal systematics and taxonomy, as well as the concepts of holobiome, microbiome, and mycobiome in relation to grapevines. The third part focuses on fungal diseases affecting green organs, wood, and roots, illustrated at macroscopic, microscopic, and ultrastructural levels, and includes discussions on disease cycles and epidemiology. Additionally, there is a chapter dedicated to grafting systems and the specificity of fungi in nurseries. The final chapter addresses the control of fungal diseases, from historical perspectives to modern chemical groups of active ingredients, natural fungicides, and comprehensive disease management strategies. This includes application techniques, calibration of spraying equipment, drift reduction, and proper storage and handling of fungicides. This open access book serves as a key reference on the complex interactions between fungi and grapevines for scientists, students, and winegrowers, offering extensive practical knowledge and a rich scientific background based on over thirteen years of research by the authors.

Contains more than hundred of psychoactive plants species with phytoconstituents. Unique tool for extraction, isolation and standardisation of phytochemicals. Recent information of medicinal plants for maternal healthcare and cardiovascular activities. Illustrative figures, chemical structures and preclinical techniques for the evaluation of psychoactive plants are included. Unique basic guidelines to researchers and scientific reporting.

Food Security and Nutrition: Utilizing Undervalued Food Plants explores the potential of underutilized and indigenous food plants to enhance food and nutrition security amid global challenges, such as climate change, water scarcity, and population growth. It emphasizes the importance of dietary diversification to reduce dependency on major staple crops, highlighting the nutritional and health benefits of lesser-known crops, such as fonio, pigeonpea, finger millet, and a wide array of wild vegetables and mushrooms. The book reviews innovative farming techniques, like the organic medium–enclosed trough system and hydroponics, which improve crop yield and nutrient content while conserving resources. Additionally, it addresses the commercialization potential of indigenous fruits and wild herbal teas, emphasizing their market value and health benefits. The book also discusses the reduction of goitrogenic compounds in certain crops to mitigate health risks.By examining the unique nutritional profiles and local adaptability of these crops, the book advocates for their broader use to build a more resilient and sustainable food system. Through a combination of scientific research, practical farming methods, and market strategies, the book aims to promote food diversity, improve health outcomes, and support sustainable agricultural practices.Key Features Highlights the critical role of dietary diversification in reducing dependency on major staple crops, advocating for the inclusion of lesser-known, nutrient-rich plants to improve overall health and nutrition. Introduces cutting-edge farming methods, such as the organic medium–enclosed trough system and hydroponics. Explores the market value and health benefits of indigenous fruits and wild herbal teas, offering strategies for their commercialization to boost local economies and food security. Addresses the reduction of harmful compounds, and provides practical solutions to mitigate associated health risks and enhance the safety of food consumption.

Developing climate-smart crops is vital to securing food security around the world. This new book discusses the state-of-the-art technologies that can help to mitigate plant abiotic stresses in cultivated crops. It covers the current aspects of climate-resilience agriculture, including the crucial physiological, biochemical, and molecular aspects of cultivated crops under stress conditions, which play a pivotal role in developing climate-smart crops. The volume explores breeding, omics, genetic engineering, bioengineering of metabolic pathways, artificial intelligence, and more.Key features: Addresses the current and future challenges of climate changes on food security Details the impact of different biotic, abiotic stresses, along with their interactions and effect on crop plants in climate-changing scenarios Gives a comprehensive account of molecular mechanisms associated with different stresses in crop plants Discusses advances in breeding and biotechnological techniques to tackle the different stresses in challenging climatic fluctuations Highlights various emerging approaches and technologies currently being used in developing climate-smart crops Provides success stories of crop improvement against the different stresses.

This open access book is a compilation of advances in sweetpotato genomics, which have been used to improve our understanding of the evolution of sweetpotato, increase our knowledge of crop growth and development, and provided critical information required for genomic-assisted breeding in sweetpotato. Sweetpotato is a critical food staple for millions of people in the developing world that has long been considered an under-resourced, orphan crop. However, this perception is changing, and significantly, more resources have been devoted to the improvement of sweetpotato in both the private and public sectors around the world during the last decade. Its twelve chapters review the changing food security and commercial food product landscape of sweetpotato in the developed and developing world, global wild and cultivated genome sequencing efforts in sweetpotato, the evolution of molecular markers and the development of novel polyploid linkage mapping, quantitative trait loci and genomic selection strategies required for gene discovery in this complex crop, and the use of these new tool in sweetpotato crop improvement programs around the globe. This book is useful to students, teachers, and scientists in universities, research institutes, and private companies.

The book places a strong emphasis on the significance of synthesizing nanomaterials and explores various methods of achieving this, with particular attention given to the production of environmentally friendly or'green'nanomaterials. This book illustrates the current gaps in the agriculture and food industry, and explores the potential applications of nanomaterials within this field. The integration of nanotechnology into the fields of biology and biochemistry holds the potential to exert a significant impact on the food industry in the future. This book comprehensively explores the various facets of design, utilization, and implementation of green nanomaterials within the agriculture and food industry. It delves into their applications in areas such as fertilizers, sensors, food processing, food packaging, and sustainable agricultural practices. Additionally, this book explores the current limitations and potential solutions in the field of green nanomaterials, highlighting their role in fostering a sustainable economy.Features: Addressing the global food crisis and presenting a picture of depleting food reserves Importance of nanomaterials and their efficient utilization Green synthesis of nanomaterials Utilization of green nanomaterials for development of smart and sustainable agriculture Emergence and growing application of green nanomaterials in the food industry Green nanomaterials towards a sustainable economy Existing challenges and limitations, with future prospects of using green nanomaterials in food and agricultural conversion devices

Plant‑based medicines and aromatics are increasingly in demand in the healthcare sector all over the globe where they are used, not only for the treatment of various diseases, but also for maintaining good human health. Plants as Medicine and Aromatics: Uses of Botanicals reviews modern uses of ancient botanicals as medicine and aromatics, including chapters on both traditional usage and modern drug discovery development, as well as clinical research and development in ancient medicinal herbs.Features: Assesses the status of aromatics and medicinal plants as well as their modern uses. Elucidates the uses of plants within traditional culture practices for the prevention and treatment of diseases. Examines contemporary approaches being used to explore medicinal botany. A volume in the Exploring Medicinal Plants series, Plants as Medicine and Aromatics: Uses of Botanicals presents a comprehensive understanding in terms of modern uses of botanicals of medicinal and aromatic plants. It is useful to researchers, teachers, cultivators, students, and for those interested in herbal medicine.

Genetic Diversity of Fruits and Nuts: Sustainable Utilization presents an account of the diversity and possible exploitation of such variability in the improvement of varied fruits and nuts of the world. Expert authors in the field have addressed the significance of fruit and nut crops'genetic variability for their sustainable exploitation to develop new cultivars that can cater to growers'needs, adapt to climate change, and address the rising need for food.

Mosses are special and ancient terrestrial plants. Due to their small size and limited taxonomic traits, many moss taxa are still taxonomically problematic. Macromitrium Brid. (Orthotrichaceae, Bryopsida), the third largest moss genus with almost a thousand species names, is a representative genus of taxonomically challenging taxa. The genus is most species-rich around the Pacific Ocean with a typical pan-tropical distribution. The present monograph is basically a type specimen-based systematic summary, mainly based on our taxonomical revisions on the genus in the past 20 years, partially on regional revisions of other bryologists. The book provides detailed and comprehensive information on 271 confirmed species, most with illustrations and some with color photos. This book brings together the latest findings of the genus Macromitrium and valuable reference for professionals and amateurs.

This book aims to present the latest advances in the application of plant biotechnology and molecular biology in disease management. Among these, molecular techniques can be used to accelerate the detection and identification of pests and pathogens in plants. Also, the identification of resistance genes, characterization of desired resistance genes, and transfer of resistance gene(s) into plants have been performed by applying molecular techniques. The book will collect chapters exploring emerging areas of plant biotechnology including RNAi technology, genetic engineering, GWAS, CRISPR, and nanobiotechnology, and their applications in plant disease management and provides the latest concepts and advances in the field of plant pathology, including detection, identification, characterization, classification and diagnosis, host resistance, disease forecasting, management of plant pests and pathogens, and plant biotechnological approaches. This book offers a valuable reference for educators, students, and researchers in all disciplines of the agricultural sciences, life sciences, and biotechnology at universities, research institutions, and biotechnology companies.

With one volume each year, this series keeps scientists and advanced students informed of the latest developments and results in all areas of the plant sciences. This latest volume includes reviews on plant physiology, biochemistry, genetics and genomics, forests, and ecosystems.

Plant virus infections are estimated to cost billions of dollars in economic losses. Despite intensive efforts to manage and prevent plant viruses and their potential vectors in crop production processes, the threat posed by newly emerging or re-emerging viruses is becoming more common and poses potential threats even in previously uninfected areas. In this new volume, the editors review the progress made and the challenges ahead to address the hidden world of plant viruses, their impact on agriculture and food security, and the need for new detection systems and management strategies.

This book discusses indigenous practices and obstacles faced by farmers conducting shifting cultivation (jhum) in North-east India and suggests methods of soil fertility improvement through e.g. microbial-mediated rejuvenation of forest fallows as a sustainable approach for mitigating deteriorating jhum lands and enhancing their productivity. Shifting cultivation has experienced a decline in crop productivity due to high population density and shortened fallow length that has impacted upon farmers'socio-economic status, and raised concerns regarding food security and environmental conservation. As shifting cultivation is conducted in moist tropical forests globally supporting millions of people, there is the potential to benefit many populations. This book is suitable for researchers, policy makers, development agencies, NGOs and farmers to formulate strategies that conserve the biodiversity, environment, soil health and traditions of tribal farming communities.

The edited volume deals with the origin, evolution, genetic diversity, commercial, and cultural aspects of selected tree species such as Rubber, Pine, Poplar, Almond, Cashew, Teak, Olive, Eucalyptus, Mango, Jack, Fig, Sandalwood and Ashoka. It covers major aspects of the altered gene pool of each tree species, its impact on biodiversity, the current scenario, and the strategies to protect and conserve the wild progenitors of these trees. Human interventions in the evolution and development of these economically important trees began at least four thousand years ago. Over these years, significant improvements in the traits of economic value were achieved for most of these tree species. However, the long history of domestication and the selective breeding pressure applied to their wild progenitors accelerated the loss of biodiversity, resulting in reduced genetic diversity and shrunken germplasm resources of these domesticated species. The book portrays the novel dimensions of the propitiousness of tree domestication and the interesting history behind it, which is interlaced with the development of civilizations, religions, local traditions, medicine and cuisine. This book is of interest to teachers, researchers, biodiversity experts, and policymakers. It can be used as additional reading material for undergraduate and graduate students of forestry, ecology, genetics, and environmental sciences. The book also serves as an interesting and useful read for national and international agricultural scientists, as well as historians and the general public.

Nature is the most potent source of cure and care. With the advent of the ‘herbal renaissance,'the dependence on medicinal plants has increased in all spheres ranging from their use as raw material for medicinal, nutraceutical, cosmetic preparations, and food. The tissue culture technique has proven to be extremely advantageous not only for large-scale propagation of medicinal plants in a limited space and time, but also for conservation, storage for prolonged use, genetic improvement, and metabolite production. This book describes in detail the different methods of plant tissue culture that have been employed for the mass production of medicinal plants. The chapters on methods of organogenesis, embryogenesis, haploid plant production, virus-free medicinal plant production, and so forth will be of interest to a wide range of readers. Dedicated chapters on the tissue culture of high-altitude medicinal plants, cannabis and so on are some of the book's highlights. The book also discusses the implementation of advanced biotechnological interventions such as the production of phytochemicals, cryopreservation, nanotechnology, and bioinformatics in medicinal plant studies. With contributions from world-leading specialists in plant tissue culture, the knowledge presented in this book will aid in the translation of plant tissue culture techniques for the production and improvement of medicinal plants. The information presented has the potential to be utilized for commercial production and formulations.Key features: Comprehensive guide for tissue culture systems as potential methods for the production of clones, new varieties, improved germplasms, haploids, and in vitro preservation of medicinal plants Elaborates on standardization of in vitro systems for propagation and transplantation of important medicinal plants and enhanced secondary metabolite production Enriches the understanding of advanced technologies like cryopreservation, bioinformatics, and nanotechnology in medicinal plants tissue culture

From ancient acorns to future forests, the story of how oaks evolved and the many ways they shape our world. An oak begins its life with the precarious journey of a pollen grain, then an acorn, then a seedling. A mature tree may shed millions of acorns, but only a handful will grow. One oak may then live 100 years, 250 years, or even 13,000 years. But the long life of an individual is only a part of these trees'story. With naturalist and leading researcher Andrew L. Hipp as our guide, Oak Origins takes us through a sweeping evolutionary history, stretching back to a population of trees that lived more than 50 million years ago. We travel to the ancient tropical Earth to see the ancestors of the oaks evolving side by side with the dinosaurs. We journey from the oaks'childhood in the once-warm forests of the Arctic to the montane cloud forests of Mexico and the broad-leaved evergreen forests of Southeast Asia. We dive into current research on oak genomes to see how scientists study genes'movement between species and how oaks evolve over generations—spanning tens of millions of years. Finally, we learn how oak evolutionary history shapes the forests we know today, and how it may even shape the forests of the future. Oaks are familiar to almost everyone, and beloved. They are embedded in our mythology. They have fed us, housed us, provided wood for our ships and wine barrels and homes and halls, planked our roads, and kept us warm. Every oak also has the potential to feed thousands of birds, squirrels, and mice and host countless insects, mosses, fungi, and lichens. But as Oak Origins makes clear, the story of the oaks'evolution is not just the story of one important tree. It is the story of the Tree of Life, connecting all organisms that have ever lived on Earth, from oaks'last common ancestor to us.

Research in recent years has increasingly shifted away from purely academic research, and into applied aspects of the discipline, including climate change research, conservation, and sustainable development. It has by now widely been recognized that “traditional” knowledge is always in flux and adapting to a quickly changing environment. Trends of globalization, especially the globalization of plant markets, have greatly influenced how plant resources are managed nowadays. While ethnobotanical studies are now available from many regions of the world, no comprehensive encyclopedic series focusing on the worlds mountain regions is available in the market. Scholars in plant sciences worldwide will be interested in this dynamic content. 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. Various societies of such professionals include the Society for Economic Botany, the International Society of Ethnopharmacology, the Society of Ethnobiology, the International Society for Ethnobiology, and many regional and national societies in the field that currently have thousands of members. Growth has been most robust in BRIC countries.The objective of this new MRW on Ethnobotany of Mountain Regions is to take advantage of the increasing international interest and scholarship in the field of mountain research. We anticipate including the best and latest research on a full range of descriptive, methodological, theoretical, and applied research on the most important plants for each region. Each contribution will be scientifically rigorous and contribute to the overall field of study.

In this book, overall plant and soil system are examined exclusively in terms of gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) exposure. Au-NPs influence plant growth and yield performance. They also affect plant and soil system interactions. Au-NPs responses are primarily depends on the concentration, plant species or cultivars, exposure time, shape and size of NPs. Investigation have shown that the lower concentrations of Au-NPs increase seed germination, beneficial biochemical components, rate of photosynthesis, and overall growth, however, at higher concentrations, all these responses are declined in different plant species. At higher concentration, Au-NPs induce stress in plant, create phytotoxicity and produce reactive oxygen species which leads to the disruption of cellular metabolism. Further, at higher concentration, Au-NPs hampered the physico-chemical process of plant and soil system. Moreover, the molecular and physiological performance showed that the exposure of Au-NPs resulted in oxidative stress and induced antioxidative and defense responses. The energy production related to metabolic pathways were also influenced by Au-NPs exposure. Au-NPs exposure accelerated the number of chromosomal aberrations, micronuclei, and decreased the mitotic index in plant root tip cells. Proteomic study has shown that the exposure Au-NPs resulted in an accumulation of protein precursors, indicative of the dissipation of a proton motive force. Au ions were noticed in roots and shoots, while Au-NPs were absorbed only in the plant root tissues. Au-NPs exposure also influence flowering process and seed germination. Beside the terrestrial plants, these particles have also influenced the growth of some wetland and aquatic plants. It was also noticed that the addition of Au-NPs into the culture medium had also influence the in vitro development and multiplication of plants. Studies have begun to examine how arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi might affect the uptake of specific nanoparticles include Au and how these particles might influence the plant-mycorrhizal relationships. The impact of Au-NPs on the size and structure of microbial communities in soil; and soil enzymatic activities for β-glucosidase, urease, alkaline phosphatase, and dehydrogenase has been examined. In the present book, environmental safety, and ethical issues related to use of Au-NPs in plant and soil system has been also explored. Overall, this book is provide an up to date, most important and selected information associated with the plant response to Au-NPs. This book will be a good resource for upper-level students, faculty, scientists, and researchers working specially on plant biology, plant nanobiotechnology, plant biochemistry, plant microbiology, agricultural and other allied subjects and or science.

This book covers all aspects of smart-breeding technologies in creating novel crop architecture to meet future rice demand. Several advanced crop breeding technologies like, marker-assisted backcross breeding, marker-assisted recurrent selection, genomic assisted breeding, haplotype breeding and genome editing technologies have been introduced and employed for rice productivity improvement. Use of artificial intelligence and machine learning in crop phenotype prediction is paving the way for climate-smart breeding. Chapters in this volume cover all these relevant topics. The global rice demand is estimated to rise to 555 and 827.86 million tons in 2035 for milled rice and paddy, respectively. Enhancing high-nutrition rice production under the pressure of global climate change conditions is a hard task for breeders. Changing climatic scenarios and extreme weather conditions have increased the incidence of various biotic and abiotic stresses. Also, every degree rise in global mean temperature causes 3.2% reduction in rice yield globally. This creates an urgent need for developing high-yielding rice varieties to tackle the aggravated issue of food security. This book is meant for scientists, professionals, researchers, and students working on enhancing rice production through advanced plant-breeding technologies.

This book provides an overview on plant innate immunity triggered by peptide elicitors. It explains how peptide signals provide protection against phytopathogens and can act as an eco-friendly crop protectant. The chapters in the book deal with identification and characterization of plant elicitor peptides and their receptors, understanding the process of defense activation conferred by peptide signals, methods of isolation and application. Various new techniques and future strategies are discussed for utilization of these immunity inducers. Molecular and functional characterization of the elicitors will be useful in the development of elicitation-based technology, including large scale production and commercialization. This book serves as an essential resource for researchers and industries working in the field of physiology and biotic stress management of crop plants.

This book offers a comprehensive understanding of the natural history of the Japanese Archipelago (Yaponesia), employing cutting-edge genomic research to provide insights into the prehistory in this region. It provides an in-depth exploration of the genetic makeup of domesticated plants and animals in the Japanese Archipelago, including their relationships with neighboring regions in Asia. The book is unique in its comprehensive approach, weaving together the latest genomic research, historical records, and linguistic analysis to provide a detailed understanding of the past. The book covers the development of Japanese society and culture from the Jomon era to the present day. It discusses the animal and plant diversity of the country, including their distribution, evolution, and interaction with human society and culture. The linguistic distributions of related terms are also explored. Using the latest genomic research, the book offers a fresh perspective on the past and present of the Japanese Archipelago, providing a comprehensive understanding of the natural and cultural history of the Japanese Archipelago. It is a valuable resource for professionals and academics in genomics, archaeology, and linguistics, as well as general readers interested in Japanese history, culture, and the environment.

This book brings together the molecular aspects of the pathogenesis of entomopathogenic fungi, various aspects of mycoinsecticide development, and regulatory aspects to highlight the immense contribution of the agricultural sector. The chapters address aspects of entomopathogenic fungi, including host-pathogen interactions (susceptibility and resistance), fungus-insect and fungus-fungus dual interactions, phylogeny and taxonomy, biochemistry, and molecular basis of enteropathogenesis, market potential of entomopathogens, regulatory aspects, bioprospecting of fungi, fungi as crop bodyguards and in disease suppression, and consortia for the control of insect pests and pathogens in single crop systems. Written by experts in academia and industry from Algeria, Brazil, Hungary, India, Italy, Malaysia, Oman, Pakistan, and the United States, the book overviews entomopathogenic fungi used as biological control agents against insect pests and other arthropods, their mode of action, pathogenesis, bioactive metabolites, mycotoxins involved, their mass production, limitations, and agricultural- and environment-related issues. It also includes developing various biopesticide products, with special references to formulations and prospects. In agriculture, crop protection and production depend on insect pests controlled by entomopathogenic fungi. Understanding the pathogenicity, mechanism of action, formulations, and applications of a wide array of entomopathogenic fungi as biopesticides is a valid eco-friendly approach. The book provides advances in pathogenicity, biochemistry, virulence, and interaction that facilitate the application of Beauveria, Metarhizium, and other entomopathogens as potential biopesticides against major insect pests. Developments in bioactive compounds, secondary metabolites, enzymes, and toxins of entomopathogenic fungi have facilitated precise applications and management to target insect pests. Further advances in molecular aspects, the formulation of nanobiopesticides, and biofabricated technology paved the way for insect pest control. This book will be a helpful resource for students, teachers, researchers, scientists, and professionals in the industry working on biological sciences, applied entomology, mycology, zoology, forestry, biochemistry, molecular biology, and nanotechnology.

Aquaculture is expanding along with the increase in demand for animal protein and hence significantly contributes to food security and socioeconomic livelihood. This book gathers current principles of aquaculture that are applied and practiced globally. It covers crucial topics including site selection, breeding and husbandry techniques, nutrition, health management, biosecurity, and sustainability. Furthermore, aquaculture's impact on food production and the economic values generated by the industry are also explored. While emphasizing the significance of environmental sustainability, this book encourages practices that minimize negative impacts on the ecosystem and preserve the health of our oceans. As a collection of reviews on the current practices in aquaculture, this book is a resource for individuals working in or interested in the industry. It also serves as a reference and guideline for students, researchers, and aquaculture operators.

This book addresses sustainable solutions to problems in various environments using microorganisms dwelling in the soil and sustainable approaches applicable now and in the future. It focuses on the role of the soil microbiome—a rich community of beneficial bacteria and fungi—in green technology for a safe environment. This volume delves into the dynamics between the soil ecosystem and microorganisms; their interrelationships; and man's role in maintaining soil health and quality. The chapters cover topics such as pollution control, enhancing soil fertility, climate change mitigation, biocontrol of pathogens, and nanotechnology applications. The authors provide an expert analysis of how these microbial communities contribute to green technological sustainability. Readers will find contributions by renowned scholars who explore these themes through empirical research and practical case studies. The book highlights how these microorganisms can be major players in nature-based solutions while shifting perceptions from harmful to beneficial roles. Soil Microbiome in Green Technology Sustainability is essential reading for researchers, scholars, practitioners, students at all levels, and anyone interested in environmental science or biotechnology. It offers valuable insights into using microbial capabilities for sustainable development across various industrial sectors. This volume is particularly relevant for those involved in renewable energy, recycling, carbon capturing, storage technologies, or any field seeking eco-friendly solutions to global challenges.

This volume presents three chapters discussing a range of topics. Chapter 1 deals with the development of efficient methods for compound dereplication that have been critical in the re-emergence of research on natural products as a source of new drug leads. It describes the main methods of dereplication, which rely on the combined use of large natural product databases and spectral libraries, alongside the information obtained from chromatographic, UV-Vis, MS, and NMR spectroscopic analyses of the samples of interest. Chapter 2 describes 989 plant natural products and their ecological functions in plant-herbivore, plant-microorganism, and plant-plant interactions. These compounds include alkaloids, phenols, terpenoids, and other structural types. The information presented should provide the basis for in-depth research on these plant natural products and their natural functions, and also for their further development and utilization. Chapter 3 focuses on lichens, with each constituting a symbiotic association composed of a primary mycobiont and one or more photobionts living mutualistically. Covered are lichens and their bionts, taxonomic identification, and their chemical constituents as exemplified by what is found in lichen biomes, especially those endemic to North America. Extraction and isolation procedures, as well as updates on dereplication methods using mass spectrometric GNPS and NMR spectroscopic spin network fingerprint procedures, and marker-based techniques to identify lichens are discussed. The isolation and structure elucidation of secondary metabolites of an endolichenic Penicillium species that produces bioactive compounds is described in detail.

Phytoconstituents are a valuable source of new lead compounds due to their structural variety.The accelerated rate of human ageing brought about by the 21st century's longer life expectancy seems to be one of the major problems facing varied cultures worldwide. Ageing and the onset of chronic diseases appear to be significantly influenced by the type of food consumption pattern that people follow throughout their lives. There is strong evidence that Mediterranean diets are linked to a lower risk of brain disorders. A greater proportion of rural communities in the Mediterranean basin eat a diet high in plant-based foods daily. Stressors like reactive oxygen and reactive nitrogen species have a major negative influence on the brain in addition to the cardiovascular system.Foods, particularly those derived from plants, are a great source of vitamins, antioxidants, polyphenols, and vital fatty acids, according to a growing body of epidemiological research. Studies indicate the effect of antioxidant vitamins on brain health, including ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol. Polyphenols and other plant-derived bioactivities influence how animal and human brains operate by reducing the amount of oxidative stress and controlling different signal transduction pathways, according to a large body of experimental evidence.The present volume provides a collation of recent developments in the field with special reference to various types of plant-based phytoconstituents. The book's content is relevant and interesting to a wide range of audiences from the backgrounds of plant sciences, pharmacy, biochemistry, and molecular biology. Apart from being a good reference material source, the book is relevant to plant biotechnologists and students/researchers in the field.

This book offers a comprehensive perspective of herbal medicine phytochemistry and explores the application of plant extracts as bioactive compounds in disease prevention and treatment in modern or traditional medicine. The book starts with an introduction to the history and value of herbal medicine, followed by 3 parts covering the main phytochemical components and metabolites in herbal medicine, different uses and practices in herbal medicine, including a region-wise analysis of methods and practices and an overview of regulations and policies for herbal medicinal practitioners, and the advances and challenges in quality assessment of herbal medicine. Plants generally have the tendency to bioaccumulate trace metals from the environment and they are easily contaminated by microorganisms from water sources and poor hygiene practices of the herbalist. Quality assessment and assurance is, thus, a pertinent challenge in herbal medicine practice (i.e., in remedy formulation and application), and this book offers an authoritative perspective on this topic, covering aspects such as quality control strategies, preparation techniques, chemical quantification in phytomedicine, and the efficacy and safety of herbal remedies. Moreover, in this book, readers will find valuable insights into the latest trends and developments in the field, and a critical review of the application of medicinal plants to treat cardiovascular, digestive, respiratory neurological and reproductive diseases. Particular attention is given to the advances and trends in the field, and readers will learn about the latest biotechnological approaches, the use of nanotechnology in herbal medicine, metabolomic analysis of medicinal plants, big data application in herbal medicine, and the value of herbal medicine towards sustainability. Given its breadth, this book is aimed at researchers, academics, practitioners and professionals working in the fields of natural, life, health, clinical, and biomedical sciences, and interested in herbal remedies, pharmacology, pharmacognosy, human nutrition and dietetics, plant biology, and biotechnology/microbiology.

This book covers the fundamental and applied characteristics of opportunistic (OP) fungi, plant parasitic nematodes (PPN), and plant interactions. Fungal behavior and cultivation, physiological and molecular changes in relation to hosts and pathogens, and the mechanistic aspects of their management strategies are also covered in this volume. In the diverse agro-climatic conditions of the world, PPN has been identified as the most damaging pest to a variety of commercial and agro-important crop plants. Various chemical nematicides have been widely employed to treat nematode infection in recent decades, but use of these chemicals has been restricted due to widespread concerns about human health and environmental safety. In this regard, rhizospheric microorganisms can act as a first line of defense against pathogen attacks on the root and play a critical role in the management of plant diseases caused by PPN. The OP might directly parasitize the PPN by secreting metabolic chemicals that affect the viability of one or more phases of the nematode's life cycle. This book is of interest and useful to teachers, researchers, and professionals working on plant nematology, pathology, ecology, soil science, host-plant interactions, microbial ecology, and industries. Aside from that, this book also serves as additional reading material for undergraduate and graduate students all over the globe, as well as agricultural scientists and policymakers.

Nanotechnology and Plant Disease Management explores the intersection of nanotechnology and agriculture. This book serves as a comprehensive exploration of the current state and future potential of nanoparticles in revolutionizing plant disease management within the realm of agriculture. This book elucidates the synthesis, characterization and judicious application of nanoparticles, providing a clear and accessible explanation of what nanomaterials are, how they are characterized, and their pivotal role in reshaping the plant disease management systems. It scrutinizes innovative strategies that influence the unique properties of nanoparticles to identify and monitor the presence of pathogens at early stages. The book also examines the limitations inherent in the use of nanomaterials for disease management in plants by critically evaluating both sides of the spectrum. This aims to provide a candid overview of the hurdles that must be overcome to unlock the full benefits of nanotechnology in this field. By pinpointing and understanding these obstacles, the current work aims to pave the way for effective strategies and solutions, ensuring the responsible and optimized application of nanomaterials for enhanced plant disease management. This in-depth examination serves as a cornerstone, providing readers with a profound understanding of the intricate processes involved in synthesis, characterization and utilizing nanomaterials for disease control. Nanotechnology and Plant Disease Management is a testament to the transformative potential of nanotechnology in agriculture. The authors invite readers to embark on this enlightening journey, exploring the intricate world of nanomaterials and their application in safeguarding the health and vitality of plants.

This book comprehensively covers critically investigated information on medicinal plants prioritized for their anti-allergy properties. It offers insights into strategies related to the distribution, mechanism of action, and assessment of antiallergic medicinal plants, and also delves into crucial aspects of modern biotechnological tools, addressing their implementation challenges, presenting innovative approaches through case studies, and exploring opportunities for nanotechnologies. These elaborated discussions aim to raise awareness and bridge the gap between human health and the biodiversity of antiallergic medicinal plants. As the book navigates the uncertainties of plant-based medicines in the post-COVID-19 era, it provides real-world applications showcasing the specific utility of medicinal plants through advanced biotechnological insights. This book covers several medicinal plants associated with antiallergy, exploring their modes of action, available secondary metabolites,and estimation methods. It also emphasizes all modern biotechnological interventions aimed at propagating, multiplying, and conserving this unique treasure trove of medicinal plants. The World Health Organization estimated that 80% of the populations of developing countries rely on traditional medicines, mostly plant drugs, for their primary health care needs. Increasing demand in both developing and developed countries resulted in the expanding trade of medicinal plants and has serious implications for the survival of several plant species, with many under threat of becoming extinct. This book describes various approaches to conserving these genetic resources. It discusses the whole spectrum of biotechnological tools from micro-propagation for large-scale multiplication and cell-culture techniques to the biosynthesis and enhancement of pharmaceutical compounds in plants. It also discusses the genetic transformation as well as short- to long-term conservation of plant genetic resources via synthetic seed production and cryopreservation, respectively. This reference book is useful for researchers in the pharmaceutical and biotechnological industries, medicinal chemists, biochemists, botanists, molecular biologists, academicians, students as well as allergic patients, traditional medicine practitioners, scientists in medicinal and aromatic plants, and other traditional medical practitioners.

The effects of climate change on food safety and plant health represent a relatively new area of study. However, evidence from recent studies is clear: climate change contributes to increased and new food safety & plant health risks as one of several global change factors. This volume analyzes the scientific understanding of the relationship between climate change, food safety, plant pests, plant diseases, and trade. It identifies and discusses four key areas for future policy consideration: risk assessment, SPS capacity in developing countries, climate change resilience, and basic research challenges. We must effectively communicate the impacts of climate change on plant health and build the capacity of national plant protection organizations. More importantly, we need to mobilize resources that will help build stronger national phytosanitary systems that can prevent the spread of plant pests, thereby protecting our food sources and environment, and facilitating safe trade.The present volume is an asset for plant quarantine personnel working in the field, agricultural university students, plant health workers, farmers doing agriculture, plant & seed traders, and all those who use agricultural produce and products. The book is a useful resource for students and professional plant pathologists, entomologists, and plant breeders because it summarizes current knowledge and suggests new research directions. It is also suitable for ecologists & researchers working on crop protection, climate change, and pest control.

This edited volume is an inclusive collection of information on crop holobiome, their function and diversity, the plausible role of soil microbes in crop growth, protection from pathogens and stresses, the use of resilient microbiomes for changing climate, and the use of new technologies to study plant-insect-microbe molecular interactions in agricultural systems. Holobiomes provide information about both plants and their microbiomes, which gives a more comprehensive insight, particularly for changing climatic scenarios. By optimizing the crop holobime function crop productivity and plant health can be enhanced manifold. This book deep dives into the numerous ways in which holobiome supports the improving plant health, nutrient uptake, disease control, and stress resistance in major food crops. It helps researchers, academicians, agri-entrepreneurs, and technologists understand the structure and function of holobiomes in crop growth, health, stress tolerance under climatic changes, and holobiome diversity and evolution. The book is also helpful in designing new dimensions in the holobiome research and development of new products and technologies. This volume is of interest and useful to agriculture scientists, microbiologists, ecologists, and is a valuable source of reference to researchers and students.

This book is fundamental for plant biotechnologists at this moment, due to the extensive use of in vitro culture. Although some books about somaclonal variation were published some years ago, the circumstances in this field have undergone a great change in the last years. Much progress has been achieved in plant in vitro culture: new technologies have been developed, previously used protocols have been modified with regard to optimization, and in vitro techniques have been applied to new species. Besides, tools for somaclonal variation analysis have also changed in the last years. The techniques and instruments have substantially improved, with the development of new molecular markers and the increased precision and sensitivity of some instruments. Furthermore, novel knowledge about the basic mechanisms underlying somaclonal variation has been obtained recently, which can be very useful for explaining the variability found in different experimental systems.Therefore, it is evident that information about basic and practical aspects of somaclonal variation requires updating and the proposed book is a very good means for this purpose.

This book discusses how plant functional trait selection can help researchers to understand the plant-environment relationship, identify desirable traits, modulate plant resilience according to the changing climate, optimize resource use efficiency, and enhance genetic improvement. The plant functional traits-based approach provides a framework for improving crop productivity in agricultural systems with high precision. It enables researchers to develop crop varieties with desirable traits by focusing on the fundamental characteristics influencing growth, development, and response. Climate change and environmental variability pose significant agricultural challenges. The plant functional traits-based approach can help address these challenges by selecting and breeding traits that enhance resilience and adaptability capacity of the plant. This approach also contributes to sustainable agriculture, by focusing on increased food production, and resilience in extreme environmental conditions. This book provides guidance to the researchers and breeders to develop crop varieties with desirable traits. It is also a reference book for graduate and postgraduate students studying botany and agriculture.

Industrial crops offer farmers new market opportunities to increase their revenue by producing high-value products, focusing on fiber, forest, and energy crops, industrial oilseeds, rubber and resins, pharmaceuticals, and more. Technological innovations in agriculture have facilitated higher yields, but conserving crop genetic resources and diversity remains crucial for sustainable agricultural production. This poses a challenge that can be addressed through modern tools of biotechnology and genomics, utilizing the wealth of sequenced plant genomes. This book addresses the need for knowledge in managing the risks and conservation of genetic diversity associated with advanced technology. It provides comprehensive coverage of plant genomics and biotechnology, catering to post-graduate students, researchers, employees of seed and biotechnology companies, as well as instructors in plant genetics, breeding, and biotechnology fields.

This book explores the interaction between climate change phenomena and the soil–plant–atmosphere continuum (SPAC), which inspects the crucial role of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions in modifying the net ecosystem response towards the modified environment. Increasing concentration of anthropogenic greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide) from massive deforestation, fossil fuel burning and rapid industrialization in the post-nineteenth century have led to adverse changes in our global climate system. The book evaluates the net impact of climate change on soil, plants and the atmosphere individually and in totality. Among the topics it covers are the impact of climate change on soil environment which encompasses soil processes, nutrient cycling, soil carbon sequestration, soil biota response and soil health management. Also included are the impact on plants with respect to the dry matter assimilation pattern, modification in resource use efficiency, rhizosphere interactions, management of biotic and abiotic stress factors, and regulatory mechanisms of biotic stress factors in modifying the net agroecosystem response towards climate change. Moreover, potential genetic engineering options for establishing C4 or Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) in C3 plants, heat–drought stress on pollen biology, breeding ideotype, ecological indicators and crop simulation modelling are considered. Lastly, the impact on the atmosphere takes into account greenhouse gas measurements, mitigation options, eddy covariance measurement of greenhouse gasses, satellite-based monitoring, ecosystem services, abiotic stress management options, air pollution and atmospheric modelling. This book is a valuable resource for researchers, students and policymakers in understanding climate change impacts on interaction processes among the atmosphere, soil and plants from the local to regional scales.

This book reviews all important aspects of plant genome editing to shed new light on these genome editing technologies together in crop improvement and sustainable agriculture. The book is divided into three areas: the first of which reinterprets plant genome studies from an overview perspective, examining the safety and risk assessment of plants as well as breeding-related outcomes. The second area discusses recent advances in the understanding of crop improvement. A wide range of plant stress tolerance in relation to plant genome editing is then addressed, before turning attention to specific species approaches including rice, maize, wheat, and soybean. The entire book is devoted to an updated knowledge of plant genome editing technologies from all aspects of plant biology and agronomy as we move toward advancements in sustainable life research. The book will be highly recommended for agriculture biologists, agronomists, plant pathologists, and all related research areas.

This book offers comprehensive coverage of all manifestations of resistance in combating infectious diseases and explores advances in antimicrobials in agriculture and their applications in the fight against microbes. According to the World Health Organization, antimicrobial resistance is a major threat to global health because the number of alternative antibiotics is very limited. Antimicrobial resistance is a slow, evolutionary process that has been accelerated by human activities in the health, environment, and agriculture sectors. Due to their wide application, antibiotics and their residues have been found in almost all food products and natural ecosystems. This book appraises the drivers, impact, and mitigation of antimicrobials, with a focus on methods and targets. In addition, it also provides a variety of photographs, diagrams, and tables to help illustrate the material. The novel strategies to combat antimicrobial resistance are also described, emphasizing collaborative measures of control. The underlying molecular mechanisms, which depend not only on the microbe but on the specific drug molecule, are highly diverse and are covered in detail.Students, researchers, scientists, practitioners, academicians, biologists, microbiologists, stakeholders, and policymakers can benefit from current trends in antimicrobials in agriculture that address microbiology, microbial biotechnology, ethnopharmacology, toxicology, natural medicinal plant products, secondary metabolites, and all disciplines related to antimicrobial research.Features of the book: Covers antimicrobials in agriculture with up-to-date research Recent references on plausible antimicrobials in agriculture Public health impact of the use of antibiotics in agriculture Antimicrobial efficacy of medicinal plants Role of phytoalexins in agriculture Nanoparticles as antimicrobial agents Presents cutting-edge research on microbiology, nanotechnology, and emergent antimicrobial technologies

Nanotechnology is an emerging, pivotal platform for enhancing plant health. On one hand, nanomaterials serve as crucial nutrients and nanofertilizers, while on the other, they have demonstrated their potential for diagnosing plant diseases, delivering fungicides and pesticides, and providing therapeutic solutions against diseases caused by pathogens and parasites.The book Nanotechnology in Plant Health explores the significance of nanomaterials in plant nutrition, nanofertilizers, and their role in managing plant pathogens, including the most formidable ones like quarantined strains. This unique publication represents a global team of contributors and stands out for its comprehensive coverage of plant nanonutrients, nanofertilizers, and nano-plant protectors.

Ganoderma holds significant traditional importance in various ethnic cultures around the world, particularly in China, Japan, and Korea. Many indigenous traditions have incorporated Ganoderma into medicinal practices, being considered a symbol of longevity, vitality, and good health. At present, the taxon is believed to possess various health benefits and is used to treat ailments and promote overall well-being. In this context, the first volume of the book, titled Ganoderma: Cultivation, Chemistry and Medicinal Applications, aims to comprehensively cover the taxonomy, morphological features, domestication strategies, structures of secondary metabolites, and therapeutic prospects of Ganoderma. It may serve as a definite resource for students, researchers, healthcare professionals, traditional medicine practitioners, and enthusiasts.FEATURES Provides a comprehensive classification system for Ganoderma species, highlighting their taxonomy and distinguishing characteristics Delves into the techniques and practices involved in cultivating Ganoderma, offering detailed guidance for individuals interested in growing this valuable fungus Explores the cultural and traditional significance of Ganoderma in various ethnic cultures intertwined with customs, beliefs, rituals, myths, and folklore around the world Investigates the secondary metabolites of Ganoderma, highlighting their implications Examines diverse bioactivities associated with Ganoderma, including antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, prebiotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritis, anticancer, hypolipidemic, and cholesterol-lowering effects This book includes relevant illustrations, diagrams, and images to enhance the understanding of concepts associated with Ganoderma.

With one volume each year, this series keeps scientists and advanced students informed of the latest developments and results in all areas of the plant sciences. This latest volume includes reviews on plant physiology, biochemistry, genetics and genomics, forests, and ecosystems.

Advances in Agronomy, Volume 186, the latest release in this leading reference on agronomy, contains a variety of updates and highlights new advances in the field, each written by an international board of authors. - Includes numerous, timely, state-of-the-art reviews on the latest advancements in agronomy - Features distinguished, well recognized authors from around the world - Builds upon this venerable and iconic review series - Covers the extensive variety and breadth of subject matter in the crop and soil sciences

Advances in Agronomy, Volume 185, the latest release in this leading reference on agronomy, contains a variety of updates and highlights new advances in the field, each written by an international board of authors. - Includes numerous, timely, state-of-the-art reviews on the latest advancements in agronomy - Features distinguished, well recognized authors from around the world - Builds upon this venerable and iconic review series - Covers the extensive variety and breadth of subject matter in the crop and soil sciences