Fall Armyworm-Resistant Maize
The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is a major pest in maize, causing significant yield losses and damaging various plant parts globally. The pest's ability to attack over 350 plant species makes it a formidable threat. Traditional chemical control methods, including insecticide use, have proven ineffective and are associated with resistance and environmental pollution. As a result, there is growing interest in alternative management strategies, including the role of plant nutrition and endophytes. Nutrients, both macro and micronutrients, influence a maize plant's resistance to pests, as balanced fertilization can enhance the plant's natural defense mechanisms. Additionally, endophytes-microorganisms residing within plant tissues-can boost resistance by triggering defense responses, such as the production of phytoalexins and defensive hormones like jasmonic acid. These microbial allies can also attract natural predators of the fall armyworm, aiding in pest control. Thus, understanding the impact of fall armyworm and exploring the nutritional and microbial factors contributing to maize resistance is crucial for developing sustainable pest management strategies.
Ancient Woods, Trees and Forests
From antiquity until today, trees and woods have inspired artists, writers and scientists; they have shaped cultures and reverberated through belief systems. Yet worldwide forest cover has declined dramatically over the last 1,000 years. Now, primeval forests are only to be found at a few sites unreachable by humans, and even then they are affected by climate change, atmospheric pollution and species extinctions. Nonetheless, ancient woods, trees and forests are at the core of many global landscapes. Understanding the vital resources that they provide requires genuinely multidisciplinary research. With contributions from major authorities in the field such as Oliver Rackham, Frans Vera, Elisabeth Johann, George Peterken and Melvyn Jones among others, this timely volume reflects on the importance of our oldest trees from a range of perspectives and varied geographical locations. Individual chapters consider eco-cultural heritage, the archaeology of trees, landscape history, forest rights, tree management, saproxylic insects, the importance of deadwood, practical conservation and monitoring, biodiversity, wood-pasture and more. Fresh insights are provided from across Europe as far as Turkey. Given the urgent need to understand, conserve and restore ancient woodlands and trees, this book will do much raise awareness, foster enthusiasm and inspire wonder.
The Good, The Bad and The Deadly
Natural toxins are commonly used to subdue or incapacitate potential prey organisms but may also act as a defence against predators or parasites. Additionally, these compounds may act to give their producers an advantage when competing for food and other natural resources. Competing organisms may also deploy their own counteractive chemical measures in a form of biological warfare.Because of their enormous range of bioactive properties, many natural toxins have been isolated and refined for human use, where the difference between beneficial and detrimental effects is a matter of dose. These conflicting roles have played a critical role in the history of natural toxins including their refinement as pharmaceuticals, but also for their nefarious use as deliberate poisons. In many instances this history goes back several hundred or even thousands of years. Natural toxins have, therefore played a prominent part in human folklore (including some fiction). The history of these compounds and related folk tales, therefore, represent a major theme of the book.
Directions For Collecting And Preserving Insects
Unlock the secrets of the insect world with "Directions for Collecting and Preserving Insects" by Charles V. Riley, a timeless masterpiece that has captivated entomologists and nature enthusiasts for generations. Once lost to the sands of time, this invaluable guide has been out of print for decades and is now lovingly republished by Alpha Editions. Restored to its original glory, this edition is not just a reprint it's a collector's item and a cultural treasure, ready to inspire today's and future generations. Dive into Riley's expert insights and meticulous techniques for collecting and preserving insects, presented with clarity and passion. Whether you're a casual reader, a budding naturalist, or a seasoned collector of classic literature, this book offers a unique glimpse into the fascinating world of entomology. Its engaging narrative and practical advice make it an essential addition to any library. Embrace the opportunity to own a piece of history and enrich your understanding of the natural world with this beautifully restored classic. Let "Directions for Collecting and Preserving Insects" be your guide to the wonders of nature, a testament to the enduring legacy of Charles V. Riley.
Elements Of Structural And Systematic Botany; For High Schools And Elementary College Courses
Unlock the secrets of the plant kingdom with "Elements of Structural and Systematic Botany" by Douglas Houghton Campbell, a timeless masterpiece that has been out of print for decades and is now beautifully republished by Alpha Editions. This collector's item is not just a reprint; it's a cultural treasure, meticulously restored for today's and future generations. Dive into the fascinating world of botany with Campbell's expert guidance, as he unravels the intricate structures and systems of plants with clarity and passion. This book is a unique blend of scientific insight and accessible language, making it an invaluable resource for both budding botanists and seasoned scholars. Its engaging narrative and detailed illustrations bring the wonders of plant life to your fingertips, offering a fresh perspective on the natural world. Whether you're a casual reader with a curiosity for nature or a collector of classic literature, this edition promises to inspire and educate. Rediscover the beauty and complexity of plants with a book that stands the test of time, now available for you to cherish and explore.
The Neural Farmer
This book explores the application of deep learning, specifically Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), for the automated detection and classification of potato leaf diseases such as early blight and late blight. It provides a comprehensive overview of traditional diagnostic methods, the fundamentals of CNNs, dataset preparation, model architecture, training strategies, and evaluation metrics. With an emphasis on practical applications, the book also addresses limitations like dataset bias, image quality, and model interpretability. Designed for researchers, students, and agricultural practitioners, this work contributes to the growing field of AI-driven precision agriculture, promoting sustainable and intelligent farming solutions.
Fungus to Fortune
Are you ready to turn your passion for mushrooms into a thriving, income-generating business? How to Start a Profitable Mushroom Farming Business is your complete, step-by-step guide to growing, marketing, and selling gourmet and medicinal mushrooms. Whether you're a backyard hobbyist, a small-scale farmer, or an aspiring entrepreneur, this book provides the practical knowledge and inspiration you need to launch and scale a successful mushroom operation. Inside, you'll learn: Why mushroom farming is one of the most sustainable and profitable agricultural businesses today How to choose the right mushroom varieties for your goals and climate What tools, substrates, and systems you need to set up your grow space Techniques for inoculation, incubation, fruiting, harvesting, and pest control Strategies for selling locally, building a brand, and setting up online and subscription sales Real-world case studies and lessons from growers who turned small-scale grows into full-time income Tips on recordkeeping, licensing, budgeting, and writing your own business plan With actionable advice, real-life stories, and expert insights, this book takes the guesswork out of mushroom farming and replaces it with clarity, confidence, and proven strategies for success. Whether you're growing oyster mushrooms in your garage or dreaming of running a commercial farm, this book is your trusted companion on the path to a profitable mushroom business.
CURRENT ADVANCES IN Bacillus thuringiensis
Bacillus thuringiensis (B.t.) is a gram-positive soil bacterium used as one of the entomopathogen to manage lepidopteran pests in field as well as in horticultural crop pests. The various formulation of B.t. were successfully used to protect the environment and foods from the contamination of chemical pesticide residues in pest management. The discovery of B.t. toxins with novel insecticidal activity against pests and the development of genetically modified plants opened a new era of pest management. Transgenic B.t. crops, including maize, cotton and soya bean, have now been produced and commercialized to protect crops against about 30 major coleopteran and lepidopteran pests, greatly benefiting the environment and the economy. However, with the long-term cultivation of B.t. crops, some target pests have gradually developed resistance. Numerous studies have indicated that mutations in genes for toxins activation, toxin-binding and insect immunization are important sources in B.t. resistance. An in-depth exploration of the corresponding B.t. resistance mechanisms will aid in the design of new strategies to prevent and management of pests.
Green Medicine
The book explores the remarkable healing potential of Cissus quadrangularis, a medicinal plant long revered in traditional medicine. It provides a comprehensive overview of its botanical background, highlighting its unique structure and growth habits. The text delves into its rich phytochemical profile, detailing bioactive compounds responsible for its therapeutic effects. Traditional uses across various cultures are discussed, alongside modern pharmacological findings that support its roles in bone healing, anti-inflammatory action, weight management, and overall wellness. This work bridges ancient wisdom with contemporary science to showcase Cissus quadrangularis as a green medicine for the future.
Weathering the Storm
Weathering the Storm: Farmer Resilience and Strategies for Crop Losses provides a vital exploration of these issues, offering insights into the struggles and resilience of farmers in the wake of devastating crop losses.
Hydroponic Farming - A Modern Agriculture Technique
In a world where traditional farming faces increasing challenges such as water scarcity, land degradation, and climate change, hydroponic farming offers a sustainable and innovative solution. Hydroponic Farming - A Modern Agriculture Technique explores the cutting-edge practices that are revolutionizing agriculture, enabling farmers to grow fresh produce with less water, land, and pesticides. This book provides a comprehensive guide to hydroponic farming, offering practical insights into various systems, nutrient management, environmental control, and crop selection. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced grower, it provides valuable tips for maximizing yields while minimizing environmental impact.
Gardener's Companion to Pests and Diseases
Discover simple and effective solutions for over 80 common garden pests and diseases from the global experts at the UK's leading botanic garden, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. From aphids to ants, the ever-persistent snails, leaf spot, fruit rot, and much more, dealing with garden pests and diseases is a problem that all gardeners struggle with. As we have become aware of the harm that traditional pesticides can cause to the wider environment, as well as the importance of biodiversity, it has become more complex than ever. How do we protect and care for our plants while also gardening in an environmentally-friendly way? In this fully-illustrated guide, the experts from Kew share their simple tips and techniques for prevention as well as clear advice for treating established problems. Written with the benefit of your whole garden in mind, this book focuses on practical ways to work with nature so that you can create and maintain a thriving backyard. Covering some 88 problems, the experts at Kew introduce each pest and disease, explain the conditions in which they occur, how to catch them at early stages, and how to react when it takes hold. Start your journey to better plant health and a thriving yard today with this comprehensive reference - essential reading for every gardener.
In Botanical Time
How do some plants live for thousands of years? Which adaptations and evolutionary strategies allow them to thrive in some of the harshest places on the planet for so long--and so well? Renowned plantsman, author, and longtime botanical garden designer Christopher Woods takes readers on a popular science exploration of twenty-three of the world's most amazing species, seeking answers to these questions by explaining their incredible survival mechanisms. Woods emphasizes how human cultures have interacted with plants over time and what we may, critically, be able to learn from them about sustainability in extreme climates. Some species will be familiar to readers, while some are outright surprising--such as the aptly named Welwitschia mirabilis, which lives happily in the Namib Desert for up to two thousand years, although many of those years receive zero precipitation. With over two hundred color images and lively, accessible text, In Botanical Time highlights fascinating facts about each charismatic plant, encouraging conservation for these species and leading us toward larger lessons about the rapidity with which humans have caused--and are causing--species to adapt. "Woods' compassion for these trees, shrubs, and herbaceous wonders shines on every page."--AHS American Gardener Magazine
Joseph Francis Rock (1884-1962). Travel Diaries of a Botanist and Ethnographer from Lanzhou to Koko Nor (Qinghai) 1925 and from Chone to Songpan 1927 (Eastern Tibet / West China)
Joseph Francis Rock (1884-1962), indefatigable traveler, explorer, botanist and ethnographer, was not only a very successful plant hunter but also a celebrated expert on the Naxi culture in Yunnan, Southwest China. He published the results of his studies in a number of articles, both for a larger audience, e.g. in the National Geographic Magazine with stunning color photographs, and in extensive monographs for the academic community. In addition, he documented his travels in field diaries, which were not meant for publication but to supplement his books and articles in the form of vivid travelogues. Hartmut Walravens has already published a number of Rock's materials, a phytogeography of SW China, correspondence with other scholars and several field diaries. These travel diaries contain descriptions of two trips Rock undertook as part of his expedition to Southwest China from 1924 to 1926 on behalf of the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, which he organized from Chone in Gansu Province (famous for printing of the Chone Kanjur, a corpus of the Lamaist Canon in Tibetan). Both travelogues are of great interest - the first, which led from Gansu via Xining to Qinghai (Kuku Nor, "Blue Lake") largely through desert-like country, was successful not for the dendrologist but for the geographer and the ornithologist (Rock collected also for Harvard's Museum of Comparative Zoology). The second trip describes the hasty travel from Chone to Shanghai, when foreigners were advised to leave China for security reasons; the circumstances were adventurous and did not offer many opportunities for collecting. Nevertheless, the expedition was able to recover around 20,000 botanical specimens and 1,000 bird skins. With maps and index.
The Flowers of Good
A hypnotizing investigation with decolonial undertones that aims to destigmatize marijuana from a scientific and cultural perspective Cannabis's recent history has been marked by politically motivated prohibition, despite centuries of cultivation. How did we get here and what can we do about it? In The Flowers of Good, neuroscientist Sidarta Ribeiro offers a brief history of the ancient herb and describes how collective human achievements domesticated this incredibly versatile plant and how racism and conservatism conspired to demonize it. Presented as an urgent debate that seeks to break down prejudices and engender dialogue, The Flowers of Good draws on history, culture, personal testimonies, memoir, and scientific rigor to combat misinformation about cannabis and reveal its potential. In accessible, engaging prose, Ribeiro explains the science behind marijuana's remarkable ability to treat everybody from children with epilepsy to seniors with dementia. With the medicinal use of marijuana is no longer questioned by science, the rest of culture is finally starting to catch up. The Flowers of Good explores this new chapter in humanity's history with marijuana, going beyond the scientific aspects of the substance to examine its use in connection with sport, work, study, sex, sleep, and religion--all aimed at improving quality of life.
The Book of Garden Flowers
Christopher Stocks feeds our affection for flowers by revealing the fascinating stories behind some of the most familiar and unusual plants to be found in creative gardens today. Designed in a similar format to The Book of Wild Flowers, The Book of Garden Flowers focuses on nineteen of artist Angie Lewin's favorite garden flowers, and includes reproductions of her paintings and illustrations, many of them created especially for the book. Tips for care and cultivation are also included. The Book of Garden Flowers will appeal to anyone who loves flowers, as well as fans of Angie Lewin, who is widely admired for her alluring images of the natural world.
Instant Insights: Controlled Environment Agriculture
This book provides a comprehensive overview of the recent advances in controlled environment agriculture, focussing on those implemented within plant factories with artificial lighting (PFALs), indoor vertical farms, soilless culture systems and screenhouses.
Cereal Crops
This book compiles information on genetic resources and genomics to facilitate the identification of specific germplasms, trait mapping, cropping systems, and genome engineering needed for more effective development of biotic and abiotic stress resistant cereals. It presents practical approaches for enhancing crop production in a sustainable way.
