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Plant and Human Health, Volume 1: Ethnobotany and Physiology
by Khalid Rehman Hakeem Munir OzturkEarly anthropological evidence for plant use as medicine is 60,000 years old as reported from the Neanderthal grave in Iraq. The importance of plants as medicine is further supported by archeological evidence from Asia and the Middle East. Today, around 1.4 billion people in South Asia alone have no access to modern health care, and rely instead on traditional medicine to alleviate various symptoms. On a global basis, approximately 50 to 80 thousand plant species are used either natively or as pharmaceutical derivatives for life-threatening conditions that include diabetes, hypertension and cancers. As the demand for plant-based medicine rises, there is an unmet need to investigate the quality, safety and efficacy of these herbals by the “scientific methods”. Current research on drug discovery from medicinal plants involves a multifaceted approach combining botanical, phytochemical, analytical, and molecular techniques. For instance, high throughput robotic screens have been developed by industry; it is now possible to carry out 50,000 tests per day in the search for compounds, which act on a key enzyme or a subset of receptors. This and other bioassays thus offer hope that one may eventually identify compounds for treating a variety of diseases or conditions. However, drug development from natural products is not without its problems. Frequent challenges encountered include the procurement of raw materials, the selection and implementation of appropriate high-throughput bioassays, and the scaling-up of preparative procedures. Research scientists should therefore arm themselves with the right tools and knowledge in order to harness the vast potentials of plant-based therapeutics. The main objective of Plant and Human Health is to serve as a comprehensive guide for this endeavor. Volume 1 highlights how humans from specific areas or cultures use indigenous plants. Despite technological developments, herbal drugs still occupy a preferential place in a majority of the population in the third world and have slowly taken roots as alternative medicine in the West. The integration of modern science with traditional uses of herbal drugs is important for our understanding of this ethnobotanical relationship. Volume 2 deals with the phytochemical and molecular characterization of herbal medicine. Specifically, it focuess on the secondary metabolic compounds, which afford protection against diseases. Lastly, Volume 3 discusses the physiological mechanisms by which the active ingredients of medicinal plants serve to improve human health. Together this three-volume collection intends to bridge the gap for herbalists, traditional and modern medical practitioners, and students and researchers in botany and horticulture.
Plant and Nanoparticles
by Jen-Tsung ChenThis book explores the interactions between nanomaterials/nanoparticles and plants and unveils potential applications. The chapters emphasize the implications of nanoparticles in cross-discipline approaches, including agricultural science, plant physiology, plant biotechnology, material science, environmental science, food chemistry, biomedical science, etc. It presents recent advances in experimental and theoretical studies and gives in-depth insights into the interaction between nanoparticles and plant cells. In addition, it discusses the potential applications and concerns of nanoparticles comprehensively. The research field of plant nanotechnology has great potential within plant sciences and agriculture and the related research is getting increased at present. The study of plant nanotechnology receives an advantage from the great progress of nanotechnology in biomedical sciences particularly the well-development of a variety of biocompatible nanoparticles (NPs) and advanced analytical techniques. Nowadays, although some NPs have been applied in the studies of plant and agronomic sciences, the knowledge regarding physiology and underlying mechanisms within the plant cell remains limited. This book offers a critical reference for students, teachers, professionals, and a wide array of researchers in plant science, plant physiology, plant biotechnology, material science, environmental science, food chemistry, nanotechnology, and biomedical science. It could also benefit the related field of plant nanotechnology for designing and organizing future research.
Plant and Soil Science: Fundamentals and Applications
by Rick ParkerThis book combines the basic knowledge of plant and soil science, in an easy to read and teach format, and provides practical real world application for information learned. Organized into twenty-eight chapters, each chapter features learning objectives, key terms, tables, charts, illustrations and color photographs to aid the learning and teaching process.
Plant, Soil and Microbes
by Khalid Rehman Hakeem Mohd Sayeed AkhtarThe interactions between the plant, soil, and microbes are very complex in nature and may be antagonistic, mutualistic, or synergistic, depending upon the types of microorganisms and their association with the plant and soil. The multi-trophictactics are involved in these types of interactions to nourish the plants in various habitats and conditions. Understanding the mechanisms of these interactions is highly desired to utilize the knowledge in such an eco-friendly and sustainable way, which may not only resolve the upcoming food security issues but also make the environment green by reducing the chemical inputs. Plant, Soil and Microbes: Mechanisms and Molecular Interactions, along with the recently published Plant, Soil and Microbes: Implications in Crop Science, provide detailed accounts of the exquisite and delicate balance between the three critical components of agronomy. Specifically, these two titles focus on the basis of nutrient exchange between the microorganisms and the host plants, the mechanism of disease protection and the recent molecular details emerged from studying this multitropic interaction. Together they provide a solid foundation for the students, teachers, and researchers interested in soil microbiology, plant pathology, ecology and agronomy.
Plant, Soil and Microbes
by Khalid Rehman Hakeem Mohd Sayeed Akhtar Siti Nor Akmar AbdullahThe interactions between the plant, soil and microbes are complex in nature. Events may be antagonistic, mutualistic or synergistic, depending upon the types of microorganisms and their association with the plant and soil in question. Multi-trophic tactics can therefore be employed to nourish plants in various habitats and growth conditions. Understanding the mechanisms of these interactions is thus highly desired in order to utilize the knowledge in an ecofriendly and sustainable way. This holistic approach to crop improvement may not only resolve the upcoming food security issues, but also make the environment greener by reducing the chemical inputs. Plant, soil and microbe, Volume 1: Implications in Crop Science, along with the forthcoming Volume 2: Mechanisms and Molecular Interactions, provide detailed accounts of the exquisite and delicate balance between the three critical components of agronomy. Specifically, these two titles focus on the basis of nutrient exchange between the microorganisms and the host plants, the mechanism of disease protection and the recent molecular details emerged from studying this multi-tropic interaction. Together they aim to provide a solid foundation for the students, teachers, and researchers interested in soil microbiology, plant pathology, ecology and agronomy.
Plant, Soil and Microbes in Tropical Ecosystems (Rhizosphere Biology)
by Satish Kumar Verma Suresh Kumar DubeyThis book describes the multitude of interactions between plant, soil, and micro-organisms. It emphasizes on how growth and development in plants, starting from seed germination, is heavily influenced by the soil type. It describes the interactions established by plants with soil and inhabitant microbial community. The chapters describe how plants selectively promote certain microorganisms in the rhizospheric ecozone to derive multifarious benefits such as nutrient acquisition and protection from diseases. The diversity of these rhizospheric microbes and their interactions with plants largely depend on plant genotype, soils attributes, and several abiotic and biotic factors. Most of the studies concerned with plant–microbe interaction are focused on temperate regions, even though the tropical ecosystems are more diverse and need more attention. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how soil type and climatic conditions influence the plant–soil–microbes interaction in the tropics. Considering the significance of the subject, the present volume is designed to cover the most relevant aspects of rhizospheric microbial interactions in tropical ecosystems. Chapters include aspects related to the diversity of rhizospheric microbes, as well as modern tools and techniques to assess the rhizospheric microbiomes and their functional roles. The book also covers applications of rhizospheric microbes and evaluation of prospects improving agricultural practice and productivity through the use of microbiome technologies. This book will be extremely interesting to microbiologists, plant biologists, and ecologists.
Plant-Based Foods: Ingredients, Technology and Health Aspects
by Alev Yüksel AydarThe plant-based food industry has flourished in recent years, with a steady stream of exciting product launches reaching the worldwide market. Consumers have become interested in a plant-based diet that includes grains, legumes, seeds, nuts, fruits and vegetables. There are a number of factors involved in this trend, including consumer opposition to harming animals, health problems such as lactose intolerance, desire for a healthier lifestyle and environmental awareness. Several books related to plant-based diets and cookbooks have been published for vegans and vegetarians, however there is no research work related to plant-based production, technology, ingredients and their qualitative and nutritional properties based on the results of scientific studies. Future Food: Plant-Based Products is the first book where the comparison of plant-based products with other alternatives are explored in detail. Novel plant-based product formulations, production and results of recent studies are examined in detail in this book. Plant-based products are mainly alternatives to dairy and meat products, and this text includes comprehensive chapters on meat substitutes and plant-based non-dairy products. In the opening chapter the main ingredients and raw materials used to produce a variety of plant-based products are covered along with their qualitative and nutritional properties. Further chapters focus on the health effects of plant-based products and microbiological and safety issues. For researchers seeking a full, up-to-date overview of plant-based product alternatives and their production, health affects and safety aspects, this book meets your needs.
Plant-Based Nanoparticle Synthesis for Sustainable Agriculture
by Naga Raju Maddela Kondakindi Venkateswar Reddy Ranjit Pabbati Kalyani ChepuriThe use of nanotechnology in agriculture has created many concerns related to toxicity and environmental implications. Green synthesis techniques for producing nanomaterials utilizing plants, microorganisms, and other natural resources have been developed in response to the demand for green chemistry and nanotechnology. This book provides in-depth information on the plant-based synthesis of nanoparticles and how it promotes sustainable agriculture. It critically reviews nanomaterials synthesized from plants and their potential applications, including nanoscale insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, fertilizers, and sensors, which can help to study and manage plant health and soil fertility.The features of this volume include: A comprehensive resource on plant-based nanoparticle synthesis and its usage in gene transformation; Strategies and limitations of plants that are genetically engineered using nanotechnology; Explanation of the design and use of nanofertilizers and nonopesticides for environmental sustainability; Discussions around the toxicity levels of nanoparticles in plants; Aids for professionals and scholars to learn advanced techniques to monitor soil and plant systems using nanotechnology. This is an excellent reference for researchers, academics, students, and professionals in nanotechnology, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, biotechnology, environmental engineering, agricultural sciences, and plant sciences.
Plant-Based Proteins: Production, Physicochemical, Functional, and Sensory Properties (Methods and Protocols in Food Science)
by Yonghui LiThis volumes provides a comprehensive guide to the research and development of plant-based proteins. Chapters coversprotocols and guidelines needed for plant-based protein research and development, from sourcing and processing to the analysis of the physical, chemical, functional, and sensory properties of these proteins. 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-based Proteins: Production, Physicochemical, Functional, and Sensory Properties aims to be a valuable resource for researchers, graduate students, product developers, and food industry professionals working in the field.
Plant-Based Remediation Processes
by Dharmendra Kumar GuptaPhytoremediation is an emerging technology that employs higher plants for the clean-up of contaminated environments. Basic and applied research have unequivocally demonstrated that selected plant species possess the genetic potential to accumulate, degrade, metabolize and immobilize a wide range of contaminants. The main focus of this volume is on the recent advances of technologies using green plants for remediation of various metals and metalloids. Topics include biomonitoring of heavy metal pollution, amendments of higher uptake of toxic metals, transport of heavy metals in plants, and toxicity mechanisms. Further chapters discuss agro-technological methods for minimizing pollution while improving soil quality, transgenic approaches to heavy metal remediation and present protocols for metal remediation via in vitro root cultures.
Plant-Based Therapeutics, Volume 1: Cannabis sativa
by Ivan A. RossBy examining historical applications of the compounds found in plants, this five-volume series serves as a reference for quality assurance, research, product development, and regulatory guidance of the compounds found in plant-based medicines. This work supports the growing consumers' interest in herbal medicine for wellness and health. Plant-Based Therapeutics, Volume 1: Cannabis sativa, the first in the series, covers a unique plant species and provides the framework to integrate its evidence-based scientific discoveries with healthcare therapies. Cannabis has been used in religious ceremonies and medical purposes for thousands of years. Cannabidiol (CBD), the main non-psychoactive component of Cannabis, was isolated in the 1940s, and its structure was established in the 1960s. In 1964 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component, was isolated. Cannabis has more than 500 components, of which 104 cannabinoids have been identified. Two of them, THC and CBD, have been the primary components of scientific investigations. They were approved by the FDA for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in 1985; for appetite stimulation in wasting conditions, such as AIDS, in 1992, and in 2018 for treating two forms of pediatric epilepsy, Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Beyond the indications for which cannabinoids are FDA-approved, the evidence reveals that cannabinoid receptors are present throughout the body, embedded in cell membranes, and are believed to be more numerous than any other receptor system. When cannabinoid receptors are stimulated, a variety of physiologic processes ensue. Thus, other constituents of Cannabis are extremely promising either as individual compounds or their potential synergistic or entourage effects in the treatment of numerous medical conditions.
Plant-Based Therapeutics, Volume 2: The Brassicaceae Family
by Ivan A. RossFor 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.
Plant-Environment Interactions
by Bingru HuangWith contributions from experts in various specialties, Plant-Environment Interactions discusses recent advances in cellular and molecular regulation of stress tolerance. This third edition reviews new research in stress signal perception, cellular mechanisms, and genetic manipulation of stress tolerance for each individual stress. It addresses how to evaluate the level of plant tolerance to stress as well as how to link mechanisms identified through analysis of plant-environment interaction to producing stress-tolerant germplasm through biotechnology and traditional breeding. It also examines environmental stresses limiting plant productivity in agriculture, horticulture, and forestry.
Plant-Fire Interactions: Applying Ecophysiology to Wildfire Management (Managing Forest Ecosystems #36)
by Víctor Resco de DiosThis book provides a unique exploration of the inter-relationships between the science of plant environmental responses and the understanding and management of forest fires. It bridges the gap between plant ecologists, interested in the functional and evolutionary consequences of fire in ecosystems, with foresters and fire managers, interested in effectively reducing fire hazard and damage.This innovation in this study lies in its focus on the physiological responses of plants that are of relevance for predicting forest fire risk, behaviour and management. It covers the evolutionary trade-offs in the resistance of plants to fire and drought, and its implications for predicting fuel moisture and fire risk; the importance of floristics and plant traits, in interaction with landform and atmospheric conditions, to successfully predict fire behaviour, and provides recommendations for pre- and post- fire management, in relation with the functional composition of the community. The book will be particularly focused on examples from Mediterranean environments, but the underlying principles will be of broader utility.
Plant-Metal Interactions
by Penna Suprasanna Sudhakar Srivastava Ashish K. SrivastavaMetal toxicity and deficiency are both common abiotic problems faced by plants. While metal contamination around the world is a critical issue, the bioavailability of some essential metals like zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se) can be seriously low in other locations. The list of metals spread in high concentrations in soil, water and air includes several toxic as well as essential elements, such as arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), aluminum (Al), and selenium (Se). The problems for some metals are geographically confined, while for others, they are widespread. For instance, arsenic is an important toxic metalloid whose contamination in Southeast Asia and other parts of world is well documented. Its threats to human health via food consumption have generated immense interest in understanding plants’ responses to arsenic stress. Metals constitute crucial components of key enzymes and proteins in plants. They are important for the proper growth and development of plants. In turn, plants serve as sources of essential elements for humans and animals. Studies of their physiological effects on plants metabolism have led to the identification of crucial genes and proteins controlling metal uptake and transport, as well as the sensing and signaling of metal stresses. Plant-Metal Interactions sheds light on the latest development and research in analytical biology with respect to plant physiology. More importantly, it showcases the positive and negative impacts of metals on crop plants growth and productivity.
Plant-Microbe Dynamics: Recent Advances for Sustainable Agriculture
by Tanveer Bilal PirzadahPlants and microbes have co-evolved and interacted with each other in nature. Understanding the complex nature of the plant-microbe interface can pave the way for novel strategies to improve plant productivity in an eco-friendly manner. The microbes associated with plants, often called plant microbiota, are an integral part of plant life. The significance of the plant microbiome is a reliable approach toward sustainability to meet future food crises and rejuvenate soil health. Profiling plant-associate microbiomes (genome assemblies of all microbes) is an emerging concept in understanding plant-microbe interactions. Microbiota extends the plant capacity to acclimatize fluctuating environmental conditions through several mechanisms. Thus, unraveling the mystery of plant-microbe dynamics through latest technologies to better understand the role of metabolites and signal pathway mechanisms is very important. This book shares the latest insight on omics technologies to unravel plant-microbe dynamic interactions and other novel phytotechnologies for cleaning contaminated soils. Besides, it also provides brief insight on the recently discovered clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats CRISPR-Cas9, which is a genome editing tool to explore plant-microbe interactions and how this genome editing tool helps to improve the ability of microbes/plants to combat abiotic/biotic stresses.
Plant-Microbe Interaction under Xenobiotic Exposure
by Swarnendu Roy Vivekananda MandalThis book presents the impact of a wide array of xenobiotic compounds on the physio-biochemical and molecular parameters in an integrative format. It highlights recent advances in bioremediation strategies, including the use of novel microorganisms, rhizosphere engineering, microbial enzymes, and nanotechnology. By exploring the effects of xenobiotic exposure on plants and microbes holistically, this book aims to boost sustainable agriculture for the future. Key concepts include the mechanisms and strategies plants employ for detoxifying xenobiotics, microbial mitigation of plant stress, and the role of nanobiosensors in environmental monitoring. Chapters delve into topics such as the ecological impacts of emerging pollutants, plant-microbe interactions under environmental stress, and innovative bioremediation techniques. This comprehensive analysis makes the book a must-read for understanding the challenges and solutions in managing xenobiotic impacts. Researchers, scholars, and scientists in Plant Sciences, Agriculture, and related fields will find this book invaluable. With illustrative schemes and sketches, the book effectively communicates complex ideas, drawing attention to the critical challenges of future food production and environmental issues. It is particularly relevant for academics, practitioners, and policymakers seeking to understand and address the impacts of xenobiotics on ecosystems. By providing a detailed exploration of current research and innovative solutions, the book serves as a vital resource for those committed to fostering a sustainable future.
Plant-Microbe Interaction: An Approach to Sustainable Agriculture
by Narendra Tuteja Ajit Varma Devendra K. ChoudharyThe book addresses current public concern about the adverse effect of agrochemicals and their effect on the agro-ecosystem. This book also aims to satisfy and contribute to the increasing interest in understanding the co-operative activities among microbial populations and their interaction with plants. It contains chapters on a variety of interrelated aspects of plant-microbe interactions with a single theme of stress management and sustainable agriculture. The book will be very useful for students, academicians, researcher working on plant-microbe interaction and also for policy makers involved in food security and sustainable agriculture.
Plant-Microbe Interactions for Environmental and Agricultural Sustainability
by Ajar Nath Yadav Ashutosh Pandey Kamlesh Choure Mostafa El-SheekhThis book provides an understanding of the intricate structure of the plant-microbe interface for increasing plant performance in an environmentally sustainable way. Plant microbiomes, often known as the bacteria associated with plants such as rhizospheric, phyllosphere, and entophytic, are essential components of plant life. Importance of plant microbiomes is a trustworthy strategy for sustainability to handle upcoming food shortages and restore soil health. Understanding the relationships between plants and microorganisms is advancing with the concept of profiling plant-associated microbiomes (genome assemblies of all bacteria). Through a number of ways, the microbiota increases the plant's ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions. Therefore, it is crucial to solving the riddle of plant-microbe dynamics using cutting-edge technologies to comprehend the function of metabolites and signal route mechanisms. Recent developments in omics technologies for unravelling plant-microbe dynamic interactions and other novel phytotechnologies for soil health improvement are discussed at length in this volume, as well as novel methods for improved agricultural and environmental sustainability. Teachers, academics, plant biologists, and researchers will all find this book interesting. Students studying agriculture, microbiology, biotechnology, ecology, soil science, and environmental sciences at the undergraduate and graduate levels can also use the book as supplemental reading material.
Plant-Microbe Interactions in Agro-Ecological Perspectives
by Harikesh Bahadur Singh Dhananjaya Pratap Singh Ratna PrabhaThis books presents an updated compilation on fundamental interaction mechanisms of microbial communities with the plant roots and rhizosphere (belowground) and leaves and aerial parts (aboveground). Plant rhizopshere recruits its own microbial composition that survive there and help plants grow and develop better under biotic and abiotic conditions. Similar is the case with the beneficial microorganisms which are applied as inoculants with characteristic functions. The mechanism of plant-microbe interactions is interesting phenomenon in biological perspectives with numerous implications in the fields. The First volume focuses on the basic and fundamental mechanisms that have been worked out by the scientific communities taking into account different plant-microbe systems. This includes methods that decipher mechanisms at cellular, physiological, biochemical and molecular levels and the functions that are the final outcome of any beneficial or non-beneficial interactions in crop plants and microbes. Recent advances in this research area is covered in different book chapters that reflect the impact of microbial interactions on soil and plant health, dynamics of rhizosphere microbial communities, interaction mechanisms of microbes with multiple functional attributes, microbiome of contrasting crop production systems (organic vs conventional), mechanisms behind symbiotic and pathogenic interactions, endophytic (bacterial and fungal) interaction and benefits, rhizoplane and endosphere associations, signalling cascades and determinants in rhizosphere, quorum sensing in bacteria and impact on interaction, mycorrhizal interaction mechanisms, induced disease resistance and plant immunization, interaction mechanisms that suppress disease and belowground microbial crosstalk with plant rhizosphere. Methods based on multiphasic and multi-omics approaches were discussed in detail by the authors. Content-wise, the book offers an advanced account on various aspects of plant-microbe interactions and valuable implications in agro-ecological perspectives.
Plant-Microbes-Engineered Nano-particles: Understanding the Interaction of Plant, Microbes and Engineered Nano-particles (ENPS) (Advances in Science, Technology & Innovation)
by Ajay Kumar Pardeep Singh Rishikesh Singh Pramit Verma Rahul Bhadouria Mahima KaushikThis book presents a collection of cross-disciplinary research, with contributions addressing all key features of the plant/microbe/ENP nexus in agro-ecosystems. The uptake, transport and transformation of nanoparticles in plants have attracted more and more attention in the past several years. Especially, the impact of Engineered Nanoparticles (ENPs) on bioprocesses; low-, medium- and high-level dose responses in the microbial community of soil; and long-, medium- and short-term exposure responses, particularly microbial nitrogen transformations, are just a few of the aspects involved. Since ENPs are used in many industries, including cosmetics, agriculture, medicine, food technology and waste management, their transport through biogeochemical cycles is an important focus of many studies today.Specifically, ENP–microbe interaction has been analysed with regard to disease treatment for plants; it plays a vital role in disease inhibition by releasing metal ions that act through many pathways – e.g. reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, DNA transformation and disruption of the cell cycle – to stop cell growth in the pathogen. Due to these properties, ENPs are also used as slow release or delayed release pesticides and fungicides, and as carrier systems for growth-promoting hormones. Despite their multiple uses in various industries, the negative effects of ENPs are still a major concern for the scientific community and consumers alike. For example, their transport to various food chains has been reported to have adverse effects. This raises a degree of doubt concerning a rapidly growing scientific field with major applications in many industries.From a sustainable development perspective and particularly to ensure food security in light of the uncertainty accompanying climate change, it is imperative to address this divergence by focusing on the plant/microbe/ENP nexus.
Plant-Microbial Interactions and Smart Agricultural Biotechnology (Microbial Biotechnology for Food, Health, and the Environment)
by Swati Tyagi, Robin Kumar, Baljeet Singh Saharan, and Ashok Kumar NaddaConsidering the ever-increasing global population and finite arable land, technology and sustainable agricultural practices are required to improve crop yield. This book examines the interaction between plants and microbes and considers the use of advanced techniques such as genetic engineering, revolutionary gene editing technologies, and their applications to understand how plants and microbes help or harm each other at the molecular level. Understanding plant-microbe interactions and related gene editing technologies will provide new possibilities for sustainable agriculture. The book will be extremely useful for researchers working in the fields of plant science, molecular plant biology, plant-microbe interactions, plant engineering technology, agricultural microbiology, and related fields. It will be useful for upper-level students and instructors specifically in the field of biotechnology, microbiology, biochemistry, and agricultural science. Features: Examines the most advanced approaches for genetic engineering of agriculture (CRISPR, TALAN, ZFN, etc.). Discusses the microbiological control of various plant diseases. Explores future perspectives for research in microbiological plant science. Plant-Microbial Interactions and Smart Agricultural Biotechnology will serve as a useful source of cutting-edge information for researchers and innovative professionals, as well as upper-level undergraduate and graduate students taking related agriculture and environmental science courses.
Plant-Plant Allelopathic Interactions III: Partitioning and Seedling Effects of Phenolic Acids as Related to their Physicochemical and Conditional Properties
by Udo BlumThis volume continues the retrospective analyses of Volumes I and II, but goes beyond that in an attempt to understand how phenolic acids are partitioned in seedling-solution and seedling-microbe-soil-sand culture systems and how phenolic acid effects on seedlings may be related to the actual and/or conditional physicochemical properties (e.g., solubility, hydrophobicity, pKa, molecular structure and soil sorption/desorption) of simple phenolic acids. Specifically, it explores the quantitative partitioning (i.e., source-sink relationships) of benzoic and cinnamic acids in cucumber seedling-solution and cucumber seedling-microbe-soil-sand systems and how that partitioning may influence phenolic acid effects on cucumber seedlings. Regressions, correlations and conceptual and hypothetical models are used to achieve these objectives. Cucumber seedlings are used as a surrogate for phenolic acid sensitive herbaceous dicotyledonous weed seedlings. This volume was written specifically for researchers and their students interested in understanding how a range of simple phenolic acids and potentially other putative allelopathic compounds released from living plants and their litter and residues may modify soil chemistry, soil and rhizosphere microbial biology, seedling physiology and seedling growth. In addition, this volume describes the potential relationships, where they may exist, for direct transfer of organic compounds between plants, plant communication and plant-plant allelopathic interactions and addresses the following questions: Can physicochemical properties of phenolic acids be used as tools to help understand the complex behavior of phenolic acids and the ultimate effects of phenolic acids on sensitive seedlings? What insights do laboratory bioassays and the conceptual and hypothetical models of laboratory systems provide us concerning the potential behavior and effects of phenolic acids in field systems? What potential role may phenolic acids play in broadleaf-weed seedling emergence in wheat debris cover crop no-till systems?
Plant-Plant Allelopathic Interactions: Phenolic Acids, Cover Crops and Weed Emergence
by Udo BlumIn an effort to implement conservation measures farmers have used a variety of production methods, including the use of reduced or zero tillage and cover crops. One benefit of these production methods has been early season weed control. The literature suggests that a variety of mechanisms may be involved, among them the allelopathic effects of phenolic acids. This retrospective analysis addresses the following: How likely are phenolic acid concentrations and environmental conditions in wheat no-till cropping systems for the inhibition of annual broadleaf weed emergence? and Do phenolic acids have a dominant role or are they just one component of a larger promoter/modifier/inhibitor complex? The book covers allelopathic plant-plant interactions, laboratory and field experiments, and future research. It uses a journal format, provides justifications for procedures used, if-then hypotheses, and cons and pros so that readers can reach their own conclusions.
Plant-Soil Slope Interaction
by Charles Wang Ng Anthony Leung Junjun NiThis inter-disciplinary book provides the latest advanced knowledge of plant effects on vegetated soil properties such as water retention capability, water permeability function, shear strength, slope hydrology, movements and failure mechanisms, and applies this knowledge to the solution of slope stability problems. It is the first book to cover in detail not only the mechanical effects of root reinforcement but more importantly the hydrological effects of plant transpiration on soil suction, soil shear strength, and water permeability. The book also offers a fundamental understanding of soil-plant-water interaction. Analytical equations are provided for predicting the combined hydrological and mechanical effects of plant roots on slope stability. A novel method is also given for simulating transpiration-induced suction in a geotechnical centrifuge. Application of this method to the study of the failure mechanisms of vegetated slopes reinforced by roots with different architectures is discussed. This book is essential reading for senior undergraduate and postgraduate students as well as researchers in civil engineering, geo-environmental engineering, plant ecology, agricultural science, hydrology and water resources. It also provides advanced knowledge for civil engineers seeking "green" engineering solutions to combat the negative impact of climate change on the long-term engineering sustainability of infrastructure slopes. Professionals other than civil engineers, such as ecologists, agriculturists, botanists, environmentalists, and hydrologists, would also find the book relevant and useful.