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The book provides currently available information on the changing climate and its impact on functional and adaptive features of plants. The book also cover cutting edge research on key determinants of plant growththat provides a direction towards execution of programs and practices that will assist resilience of crop production systems to the changing climate. This book will represent the updated scientific information regarding soil and plant productivity under changing climate which will be beneficial to academics and researchers working on climate change, agronomy, stress physiology, biotechnology. It provides an in-depth discussion on the latest techniques to enhance plant responses to new environmental conditions that can be directly applied on field.

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.

This edited book highlights the multifunctional role of the ubiquitous molecule, melatonin in crop plants. The major focus of this edition is to provide a comprehensive insight into the key focus is on Melatonin mediated alleviation of abiotic stresses and pathogens infection. The inception of melatonin as an animal hormone and the subsequent discovery of its multifaceted function in the animal system has revolutionized the research on this penial hormone. During the last decade, the discovery, quantification and functional studies of melatonin as phytohormone has emerged at a rapid pace. Recently, this phyto-protectant has become an integral component of lab and field-based research on the mitigation of adverse effects of climate-driven abiotic stresses and postharvest biology and technology.The book explores melatonin mediated management of various abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, heat and cold temperature. The book also focuses on role of melatonin in heavy metal stress, viral, bacterial, and fungal diseases, and, also contains chapter on melatonin facilitated nutrient use efficiency in plants. This book is of interest to postharvest industries, horticulturists, scientists, researchers, and students.

This edited book presents recent developments in the field of plant biotechnology involving highly efficient micropropagation for the commercial exploitation of nanomaterials (such as silver, cobalt, copper, zinc, magnesium, silicon, iron, nickel, manganese, and selenium nanoparticles, etc.). The book covers the concept, preparation, and synthesis of metallic and non-metallic nanoparticles, as well as their application in plant cell, tissue, and organ culture. Metal nanoparticles have gained significant attention in various fields, including plant cell, tissue, and organ culture. Their unique physical, chemical, and biological properties make them attractive candidates for applications in plant science. Nanomaterials are applied as plant growth regulators to improve plantlet quality by enhancing the quality of in vitro shoots, their growth, and development at both in vitro and ex vitro stages. Since then, the application of nanomaterials in micropropagation has paved the way for replacing previous culture mediums with new nanoparticle mediums, bringing better efficiency and simplicity to plant propagation operations. The book discusses mechanisms, explant surface disinfection, media sterilization, abnormal phenomena, morphogenesis, physiological-biochemical processes, and the accumulation of economically valuable crop compounds in culture mediums supplemented or replaced by metal ions with metal nanoparticles. This book will interest teachers, researchers, scientists, capacity builders, and policymakers. Additionally, it serves as additional reading for undergraduate and graduate students in agriculture, forestry, ecology, soil science, and environmental science.

This edited book focuses on ROS synthesis, potential applications, toxicity, and preservations. It explores the recently proposed hormonal response and biomolecules targeted in regulation of ROS. Chapters cover resistance and susceptibility to plant pathogen, strategies involving phytoprotectants, and life span of nematode affected by ROS. This book includes a compilation of recently written, integrated, and illustrated reviews describing latest information on ROS. Chapters incorporate both theoretical and practical aspects of plant ROS. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are key signaling molecules involved in the redox equilibrium and biological processes. In plants, ROS play an important role in biotic and abiotic stress sensing, integration of diverse environmental signals, and commencement of stress-response networks, thus contributing to the establishment of defense mechanisms and plant resilience. Critical amount of ROS is required by plants for regular operation of vital physiological mechanisms. This book brings together a compilation of latest research work on reactive oxygen species and their emerging importance. The book is a useful read for students, researchers, and scientists in the field of agri-life sciences.

This book is an inclusive collection of topics on research on UVB for its impact on plants with a focus on its use as an emerging technology for crop growth and protection. This book covers role of UV-B on biological systems, and its transformation from generic stressor to specific regulator. It also explores the past research in UVB studies and the changing mind-sets regarding UV-B in recent time with respect to the plant growth. It also explores the discovery of specific UV-B photoreceptor, UVR8 and UVR8 mediated plants responses. This book is of interest to teachers, researchers, agriculture scientists and plant physiologists. Also the book serves as additional reading material for undergraduate and graduate students of agriculture, forestry, ecology, soil science, and environmental sciences

This book highlights the multifunctional role of the ubiquitous molecule, melatonin, in crop plants. The major focus of this edition is to provide detailed insights into morphophysiological, biochemical, and molecular responses of melatonin in the growth and development of the plant. The inception of melatonin as an animal hormone and the subsequent discovery of its multifaceted function in the animal system has triggered the research on this pineal gland hormone. During the last decade, the discovery, quantification and functional studies of melatonin as phytohormone has emerged at a rapid pace. Recently, this phyto-protectant has become an integral component of lab and field-based research on the mitigation of adverse effects of climate-driven abiotic stresses and postharvest biology and technology.The book explores various biosynthetic pathways and detection of melatonin covering its role in flowering, fruit development, photosynthesis, respiration, hormonal crosstalk, post-harvest biology and reactive oxygen species and nitrogen cycles. This book is of high interest to postharvest industries, horticulturists, scientists, researchers, and students.

This book aims to describe the role of silicon in the environment from the biogeochemical cycle of terrestrial ecosystems, uptake to cellular and tissue bioaccumulation and its effects in mitigating abiotic and biotic stresses. From an agronomic point of view, this knowledge is essential to boost agricultural production and improve its quality and the sustainability of crops in the face of the growing pressure of different stresses on crop systems of different natures. Si is the only multi-stress mitigator in plant nutrition. It plays an important role in mitigating nutritional deficiency by increasing nutrient use efficiency, something that will be very important in the future: producing more with less nutrient accumulated in the plant. The book focuses on the effects of Si on plant mineral nutrition, exploring nutritional deficiencies and toxicity of Al and potentially toxic heavy metals such as Cd, as well as important stresses such as salinity, water deficit and high temperature. The book will also discuss the Si extractors in the soil and criteria for recommending Si in crops and the sources of the element for its application in soil and leaves, as well as the role of Si in the activity of microorganisms and in plant diseases and pests. São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP)(2022/10092-9).

This book is a comprehensive collection of information on the role of plant phenolics in stress management in plants. The main focus of this book is to address the abiotic stress management in plants by plant phenolics under varied environments. Plant metabolic networks contribute significantly to the plasticity of plant metabolism, which is required to afford the sessile lifestyle of a land plant under changing environmental conditions. In natural systems, plants face a plethora of antagonists and thus possess a myriad of defenses and have evolved multiple defense mechanisms by which they can cope with various kinds of stresses for adaptation. Plant phenolics being ubiquitous have been extracted from every plant part such as roots, stem, leaves, flowers, fruits, and seeds and thus plays important role in adapting the plants to the varied environment. The book will provide readers with an up-to-date review of this dynamic field and sets the direction for future research. This book is of interest and use to a diverse range of topics of regulation of abiotic stress in plants. Bringing together work from leading international researchers, it is also a valuable reading material for plant and agricultural scientists, academics, researchers, students, and teachers wanting to gain insights into the role of plant phenolics in stress management in plants for sustainable agriculture.

Abiotic stressors, such as drought, extreme temperatures, heavy metals, or high salinity, are causing huge crop losses worldwide. These abiotic stressors are expected to become more extreme, less predictable, and more widespread in the near future. The harm of abiotic stresses includes the disruption of cellular redox homeostasis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and oxidative stress in the plant. Plants have different mechanisms to fight stress, and these mechanisms are responsible for maintaining the required homeostasis in plants. Research on gasotransmitters is rapidly expanding and knowledge regarding the potential of gasotransmitters in biology and medicine is accumulating. Over the past few decades, the roles of these signaling molecules, especially NO and H2S, have been extensively studied for their application in plants. Recently, the emissions of endogenous gasotransmitters in plants have been widely studied and analyzed, thereby providing information to facilitate our understanding of new gasotransmitters signaling pathways. Given the multidimensional role of these signaling molecules, research over the past decades in mitigating abiotic stresses in plant biology and from an agriculture point of view, we intend to bring forth a comprehensive volume “Gasotransmitters Signaling in Plants under Challenging Environment'. We are hopeful that this comprehensive volume will furnish the requisite of all those who are working or have an interest in the proposed topic

This book summarizes the physiological effects of bicarbonate in plants and systematically introduces readers to a bidirectional isotope labeling tracer technique used to quantify the contribution of root-derived bicarbonate to total photosynthetic inorganic carbon assimilation in plants. This method helps to shed light on the role of dissolved inorganic carbon from the soil in overall photosynthesis, an aspect that has been underestimated or neglected entirely in the past. The book quantifies the capacity for root-derived bicarbonate assimilation in certain plant species and illustrates the coupling relationship between karstification and photosynthesis. Further, it demonstrates that root-derived bicarbonate utilization is as important as stomatal-derived inorganic carbon assimilation in biological evolution and plant adaptation to the environment. Using numerous models, it also illustrates carbon isotopic mixtures in complex inorganic carbon utilization and supplements the results with numerical calculations presented as tables and figures. In short, the book offers a strikingly new perspective on photosynthesis.

The cadmium (Cd) contamination has raised increasingly global concern on food safety. The book was composed to bring comprehensive and valuable thoughts about the food safety management against heavy metal contamination. In this book, current status of cadmium contamination in agricultural soils and crops is systematically summarized. In order to reduce the risk of Cd pollution in crops, Cd pollution-safe cultivar (Cd-PSC) strategy, i.e. identifying, breeding and applying the cultivars with particularly low Cd accumulation capacity in edible parts even when grown in Cd contaminated soil, is proposed as a most effective, low-cost and environmental-friendly method for minimizing Cd pollution in crops. To describe the framework of the Cd-PSC strategy, a series research results on water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica Forsk) are summarized as a typical case. The latest findings about the Cd-PSCs of water spinach, including cultivar variation in shoot Cd accumulation, identification and verification of low- and high-Cd accumulating cultivars, stability of Cd accumulation capacity at the cultivar level, biochemical and molecular mechanisms of the cultivar-dependent Cd uptake, transfer and accumulation, breeding methods for improving Cd-PSCs, and so on, have been covered. This book will provide valuable theoretical and practical understandings for controlling Cd pollution in crops grown on agricultural soils with known or unknown risk of Cd contamination.

This book on potassium in abiotic stress tolerance deals with the ongoing trend in increasing abiotic stresses and interlinked issues food security. As mineral nutrient potassium holds an important place in agriculture and is involved in various physiological and biochemical processes. It takes part in protein synthesis, carbohydrate metabolism, enzyme activation, cation-anion balance, osmoregulation, water movement, energy transfer, and regulates stomata and photosynthesis. Potassium plays an important role as abiotic stress buster. This book will deal with potassium relevance to plant functions and adaptations, range of its biological functions, role of potassium in abiotic stress tolerance, analyses of mechanisms responsible for perception and signal transduction of potassium under abiotic stress, critical evaluation of and cross-talks on nutrients and phytohormones signaling pathways under optimal and stressful conditions, and interaction of potassium with other nutrients for abiotic stress tolerance. This book will be of interest to teachers, researchers, scientists working on abiotic stresses. Also the book serves as additional reading material for undergraduate and graduate students of agriculture, forestry, ecology, and environmental sciences. National and international agricultural scientists, policy makers will also find this to be a useful read.

This 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.

This book presents the state of the skill of understanding brassinosteroids (BRs) signaling plus crosstalk with phytohormone and their association in plant adaptation to abiotic stresses comprising physiological, biochemical, and molecular developments. Due to progressively adverse environmental conditions and scarce natural resources, high-efficient crops have become more important than ever. For the successful improvement of stress-tolerant plants, it is vital to understand the precise signaling appliances that plants practice to abide stresses as well as how much these mechanisms are convinced by phytohormone. However, it is also debatable on which step plants can attain brassinosteroids (BRs) signaling from an evolutionary viewpoint. BRs are involved in modulating a large array of important functions throughout a plant's life cycles. BRs are considered as one of the most important plant steroidal hormones that show a varied role in observing a wide range of developmental practices in plants. Our grip on brassinosteroids signaling has quickly extended over the past two decades, owing in part to the isolation of the constituents intricate in the signal transduction trail. The book proposes a useful guide for plant researchers and graduate students in connected areas.

This edited book highlights the molecular basis of various enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, defense mechanisms and adaptation strategies employed by plants to avoid the stressful conditions. Special focus is given to gene expression, omics and other latest technologies such as CRISPR-Cas mediated genome editing applications for defense related studies in plants. Environmental stresses such as drought, salinity or floods etc. induce the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which causes severe damage to cell membrane integrity by accelerating lipid peroxidation. To counteract the detrimental effect of ROS, plants are inherited with an intricate and vibrant antioxidant defense system, comprised of enzymatic (catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, glutathione S-transferase, guaiacol peroxidase, monodehydroascorbate reductase, dehydroascorbate reductase etc.), and non-enzymatic (glutathione, ascorbate, α-tocopherol, carotenoids, flavonoids etc.) antioxidants, which scavenge and/or reduce excess ROS and improve plant tolerance to various stresses. Stress tolerance in most crop plants is positively correlated with an efficient antioxidant system. Therefore, studying the efficiency of antioxidant defense systems in plants is necessary for facilitating the plant's nature of adaptation against challenging environments. This book is of interest to teachers, researchers and academic experts. Also, the book serves as additional reading material for undergraduate and graduate students of biotechnology and molecular biology of plants.

This edited book highlights the plant and cell/organ culture systems, and environmental and genetic transformation-based modulation of biochemical pathways. Special focus is given to microRNA-based technology, heterologous systems expression of enzymes and pathways leading to products of interest, as well as applications using both model and non-model plant species. Metabolic engineering is usually defined as the re-routing of one or more enzymatic reactions to generate new compounds, increase the production of existing compounds, or facilitate the degradation of compounds. Plants are the foundation of numerous compounds which are synthesized via assimilated complex biosynthetic routes. Plants have evolved an incredible arrangement of metabolic pathways leading to molecules/compounds capable of responding promptly and effectively to stress situations imposed by biotic and abiotic factors, some of which supply the ever-growing needs of humankind for natural chemicals, such as pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, agrochemicals, food and chemical additives, biofuels, and biomass. However, in foreseeable future we will be forced to think about the accessibility of resources for the generations to come. For these reasons, the book proposes alternative options of food/food supplement, medicines and other essential items, by using plant metabolic engineering approach. This book is of interest to teachers, researchers and academic experts. Also, the book serves as additional reading material for undergraduate and graduate students of biotechnology and molecular biology of plants.

This book has a broad scope and provides a comprehensive overview of the most up-to-date knowledge of the plant genus Baccharis. The book is organized into four major topics encompassing the evolution, ecology, chemistry, as well as environmental and medical applications of the genus. This publication is a major reference for an audience of practising researchers, academics, PhD students, and other scientists in a wide-ranging collection of fields, from Sociology to Medicine to bioeconomy.

This contributed volume explores how plant growth-promoting rhizobacterias (PGPR) provide a wide range of benefits to the plant. Further, it discusses the key roles PGPR play in nutrient acquisition and assimilation, improved soil texture, secreting, and modulating extracellular molecules. The book outlines how plant secondary metabolites are natural sources of biologically active compounds used in a wide range of applications, and surveys the significant role of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in plant communication by mediating above- and below-ground interactions between plants and the surrounding organisms.This volume compiles research from leading scientists from across the globe, linking the translation of basic knowledge to innovative applied research. The book focuses on the following three categories: 1) understanding the secondary metabolites produced by PGPR, the signaling mechanisms and how they affect plant growth, 2) the plausible role ofvolatile organic compounds produced by PGPR, their role and the signaling mechanism for plant growth promotion, and 3) Applications of VOCs and secondary metabolites of PGPR for seed germination, plant growth promotion; stress tolerance and in-plant health and immunity.

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.

This book collates various aspects of stress tolerance in crop plants. It primarily focuses on the heat and temperature related stress, starting from the severity of the problem on quantity and quality of yield under the threat of global climate change. The content also explores other mechanistic dimensions such as physiochemical and molecular mechanism underlying thermotolerance, signaling mechanism under heat stress, role of heat shock proteins in modulating thermotolerance, omics approach for development of climate smart-crop. Chapters discuss different approaches used in the past to develop heat stress tolerant crop plants, list of developed thermotolerant agriculturally important crop plants, redox homeostasis under heat stress, nutrient uptake and use efficiency in plants under heat stress and much more. The book is a useful compilation for researchers working in the area of abiotic stress tolerance in crop plants, as well as for students of plant physiology and agricultural sciences.

Plant hormones have pivotal roles in the regulation of plant growth, development, and reproduction. Their signaling pathways are interconnected in a complex network, which provides plants with an enormous regulatory potential to rapidly adapt to their environment and to utilize their limited resources for growth and survival in a cost-efficient manner. Auxin is a hormone molecule whose activity levels are most important for its regulatory roles during plant cell, organ, and tissue development. Therefore, the precise regulation of auxin levels is an essential mechanism to fine-tune the activity of this powerful hormone during plant growth and development. Likewise, cytokinins exhibit a wide range of physiological functions, including regulation of shoot and root apical meristems, stimulation of branching, vascular development, chloroplast differentiation, stabilization of the structure and function of the photosynthetic machinery, delay of senescence, stomata opening, and elevation of the sink strength and nutritional signaling. Moreover, gibberellins also regulate many aspects of plant growth and development including seed germination, stem elongation, leaf expansion, and flower and fruit development. The broad implication of gibberellins in plant development is strictly associated with tight regulation of their metabolism by multiple environmental and endogenous factors, ranging from light and temperature to other hormones including feedback control. Understanding the significant roles of these phytohormones in plant biology, the current subject has attracted the attention of scientists from across the globe. This comprehensive volume “Auxins, Cytokinins and Gibberellins Signaling in Plants” highlights the various prospects involved in the current scenario. The book comprises the chapters from diverse areas dealing with biotechnology, molecular biology, proteomics, genomics, metabolomics, etc.

This book focuses on the effects of genotoxic agents causing oxidative stress in plants. The book explores different kind of chemicals which induces genotoxicity, their mechanism of action and effects on plant health. Impacts at the physiological and molecular levels are discussed. The book is of interest to teachers, researchers and plant scientists. Also the book serves as additional reading material for undergraduate and graduate students of agriculture, forestry, ecology, soil science, and environmental sciences. National and international agricultural scientists will also find this to be a useful read.

This book is intended to cover all known abiotic stresses and their effects on the various aspects physiological processes in plants. The first chapter deals with introduction and the introductory remarks on abiotic stress and overall effects of different factors on crop. Second chapter deals with aspects of seed germination, seedling growth and root development under stressful condition for different factors of abiotic stress. Third chapter is a contributory chapter and deals with different aspects of biological nitrogen fixation under abiotic stress. Fourth chapter deals with growth, development and phenology of crop plants under environmental stress condition. Various aspects of photosynthesis under abiotic stress have been discussed in the fifth chapter. Mineral nutrition under abiotic stress condition and roles of different nutrient to overcome abiotic stress has been discussed in Sixth chapter. Seventh chapter discussions have been provided regarding transgenic approach to enhance drought tolerance and it is a contributory chapter. Eighth chapter is about the effects of different factors of abiotic stress on respiration processes of plant have been discussed. These review chapters addresses how knowledge of the physiological mechanisms of crops can improve crop yield. The study of crop physiology can assist cereal breeding by: i) improving our understanding of the factors that determine crop yield and adaptation through the syncretic concept of ideotype and, consequently, improve crop simulation models; ii) defining particular secondary traits to select (analytical breeding) when choosing: iii) indicating the kind of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) with potential for development and how to test them; and iv) phenotyping associated with marker-assisted selection.

Demand for agricultural crops and nutritional requirement continues to escalate in response to increasing population. Also, climate change exerts adverse effects on agriculture crop productivity. Plant researchers have, therefore, focused to identify the scientific approaches that minimize the negative impacts of climate change on agricultural crops. Thus, it is the need of the hour to expedite the process for improving stress tolerance mechanisms in agricultural crops against various environmental factors, in order to fulfil the world's food demand. Among the various applied approaches, the application of phytohormones has gained significant attention in inducing stress tolerance mechanisms.Jasmonates are phytohormones with ubiquitous distribution among plants and generally considered to modulate many physiological events in higher plants such as defence responses, flowering and senescence. Also, jasmonates mediate plant responses to many biotic and abiotic stresses by triggering a transcriptional reprogramming that allows cells to cope with pathogens and stresses. Likewise, salicylates are important signal molecules for modulating plant responses to environmental stresses. Salicylic acid influences a range of diverse processes in plants, including seed germination, stomatal closure, ion uptake and transport, membrane permeability and photosynthetic and growth rate.Understanding the significant roles of these phytohormones in plant biology and from agriculture point of view, the current subject has recently attracted the attention of scientists from across the globe. Therefore, we bring forth a comprehensive book “Jasmonates and Salicylates Signalling in Plants” highlighting the various prospects involved in the current scenario. The book comprises chapters from diverse areas dealing with biotechnology, molecular biology, proteomics, genomics, metabolomics, etc. We are hopeful that this comprehensive book furnishes the requisite of all those who are working or have interest in this topic.

The book is intended as a guide for molecular biology students, equipping them to successfully study plants. It pursues a holistic approach, viewing the whole plant as an integrated operating organism, and is written in a straightforward manner, making it appealing to anyone interested in plants. Further, it reflects the latest findings for scientists and students in the fields of plant sciences, biology, agriculture, forestry, ecology, vascular medicine and cancer, discussing e.g. how hormonal signals induce and regulate simple and complex patterns in plants vascular tissues, their adaptation and evolution. • written by a world-renowned expert who has worked in the field for 50 years • covers the field from the initial studies conducted more than a century ago up to recent studies with up-to-date explanations• describes in details the structure, development, physiology and basic molecular biology of plants'vascular tissues, their function, regeneration and environmental adaptation• explores the controlling mechanisms of plant vascular differentiation by continuously moving hormonal signals and their precursors• discusses the regulation of stem cells and cambium, control of gradients in vascular cell size along the plant, juvenile-adult transition and rejuvenation, grafting, mechanisms of recovery from bending by reaction wood, evolution of vessels and fibers from tracheids, regulation of ring-porous wood evolution, protecting mechanisms against insects and pathogens, parasitism, plant cancer, and more• helps readers understand the scope and breadth of plant vascular systems in 20 detailed, high-quality chapters• includes a wealth of outstanding original color photographs and illustrations documenting the formation of vascular tissues• provides an in-depth understanding of plant biology by studying their vascular tissues

This book covers the current research on the plant-based tropane alkaloids (TA) and TA-bearing plants. The first part includes an overview of “tropane alkaloids in context to diversity, biosynthesis and significance. The second part covers aspects of in-vitro and allied interventions in these alkaloids. TAs belong to one of the world's oldest phytomedicines with their valuable ethno-pharmacological applications. The book compiles scientific ideas, perspectives and challenges in this area. Further, the book attempts to investigate the loopholes in existing methodologies, challenges and possible solutions through well thought-out scientific discussions from various eminent research groups. This book is of high interest to students and researchers in biotechnology, plant biology and pharmacology. As the TAs are of high commercial medicinal value, this book is also a relevant collection of articles for industry experts.

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.

This edited book is focused on antioxidant compounds and their biosynthesis, up-regulation, mechanism of action for selective bioactivity, targeted role and the advancement of their bioactive potential during plant-microbe interaction and other stress conditions. This book also emphasizes on the role of antioxidants in recruiting beneficial microbes in plant surroundings. Antioxidants have multiple biological roles in plants especially in the signalling pathway. These compounds are secondary metabolites produced besides the primary biosynthetic pathway and are associated with growth and development. Besides they also have special role to play during oxidative stress produced via abiotic stimulants or pathogen attack. This understanding of the biosynthesis, signaling and function of antioxidant compounds in plants during stress condition is helpful in restoring plant ecosystem productivity and improve plant responses to a wide range of stress conditions. This book is a useful compilation for researchers and academicians in botany, plant physiology, plant biochemistry and stress physiology. Also the book serves as reading material for undergraduate and graduate students of environmental sciences, agricultural sciences and other plant science courses.

This book presents the results of comprehensive research of an inadequately studied class of secondary plant metabolites: phytoecdysteroids, which are structural analogs of the hormones of molting and metamorphosis of arthropods. The chemical structures of ecdysteroids isolated from plants of the genera Ajuga, Rhaponticum, and Silene have been established. Data on the physicochemical characteristics, reactivity, metabolism, and biological activity of these compounds are presented in this book. Considerations of the role of ecdysteroids in plants are expressed and data on their pharmacological properties are also given. Issues regarding the use of phytoecdysteroids in practical medicine and, accordingly, the technological aspects of deriving drugs on their basis and biologically active food additives of a fortifying type of action are considered as well.The book is intended for specialists in the fields of bioorganic and organic chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology, and pharmacology. It is also relevant to scientists of various profiles and teachers and students interested in the problems of the chemistry of natural and physiologically active substances.

This book offers a comprehensive guide to the identification, detection, characterization, classification and management of plant pathogens and other beneficial microbes in agriculture. The science of plant pathology is a dynamic field and, given the growing interest in sustainable agricultural practices, plant disease management has also gained importance. Further, there has been a shift from traditional chemical-based methods to eco-friendly integrated disease management strategies with a greater focus on bio-control and other eco-friendly technologies. This book provides a comprehensive and timely account of latest concepts and advances in the field of plant pathology, including detection and diagnosis, host resistance, disease forecasting and plant biotechnological approaches. Accordingly, it will be of great interest to academics and all stakeholders working in the fields of plant pathology, microbiology, biotechnology, plant breeding, and other life sciences.

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

Microbial biotechnology is an emerging field with applications in a broad range of sectors involving food security, human nutrition, plant protection and overall basic research in the agricultural sciences. The environment has been sustaining the burden of mankind from time immemorial, and our indiscriminate use of its resources has led to the degradation of the climate, loss of soil fertility, and the need for sustainable strategies. The major focus in the coming decades will be on achieving a green and clean environment by utilizing soil and plant-associated beneficial microbial communities. Plant-microbe interactions include the association of microbes with plant systems: epiphytic, endophytic and rhizospheric. The microbes associated with plant ecosystems play an important role in plant growth, development, and soil health. Moreover, soil and plant microbiomes help to promote plant growth, either directly or indirectly by means of plant growth-promoting mechanisms, e.g.the release of plant growth regulators; solubilization of phosphorus, potassium and zinc; biological nitrogen fixation; or by producing siderophores, ammonia, HCN and other secondary metabolites. These beneficial microbial communities represent a novel and promising solution for agro-environmental sustainability by providing biofertilizers, bioprotectants, and biostimulants, in addition to mitigating various types of abiotic stress in plants. This book focuses on plant-microbe interactions; the biodiversity of soil and plant microbiomes; and their role in plant growth and soil health. Accordingly, it will be immensely useful to readers working in the biological sciences, especially microbiologists, biochemists and microbial biotechnologists.

The ever-rising increase in the consumption of medicinal herbs and its products and its exposure in the human population have generated concerns about the potential neurotoxicity of several new and existing botanicals. This book offers an accurate, relevant, and comprehensive coverage of a wide variety of medicinal herbs and fungi affecting the central and peripheral nervous system. It includes review articles that thoroughly describe the benefits and adverse effects of some of the most commonly used medicinal herbs and fungi, and the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying them. The book provides an all-inclusive overview of the diverse aspects of medicinal herbs and fungi related to neurotoxicity and/or neuroprotection, ranging from discussions of cellular and molecular processes and pathology to clinical aspects. The rich compilation brings together thorough and extensive research updates on the advances in the field. The chapters have been contributed by the experienced and eminent academicians, researchers, and scientists working in the field across the globe.

Genetic transformation is a key technology, in which genes are transferred from one organism to another in order to improve agronomic traits and ultimately help humans. However, there is apprehension in some quarters that genetically modified crops may disturb the ecosystem. A number of non-governmental organizations continue to protest against GM crops and foods, despite the fact that many organisms are genetically modified naturally in the course of evolution. In this context, there is a need to educate the public about the importance of GM crops in terms of food and nutritional security. This book provides an overview of various crop plants where genetic transformation has been successfully implemented to improve their agronomically useful traits. It includes information on the gene(s) transferred, the method of gene transfer and the beneficial effects of these gene transfers and agronomic improvements compared to the wild plants. Further, it discusses the commercial prospects of these GM crops as well as the associated challenges. Given its scope, this book is a valuable resource for agricultural and horticultural scientists/experts wanting to explain to the public, politicians and non-governmental organizations the details of GM crops and how they can improve crops and the lives of farmers.

Potassium (K+) is an essential mineral macronutrient abundantly present in the cytosol which, unlike other macronutrients, is not metabolized and does not integrate into macromolecules. Compared to animal cells, K+ is more abundantly present in plant cells. Overall performance of the plant, and operation of metabolic machinery depends upon intracellular K+ homeostasis (K+ uptake and efflux) via K+ channels and transporters acting as mediators of cellular responses during plant development. Unlike animals, plants lack sodium/K+ exchangers; plant cells have developed unique transport systems for K+ accumulation and release. In Arabidopsis thaliana, 71 K+ channels and transporters have been identified and categorized into six families. Plant adaptive responses to several abiotic and biotic stresses are mediated by regulation of intracellular K+ homeostasis. In this report, we highlight the role of K+ in abiotic and biotic stresses, features of channels and transporters responsible for its homeostasis along with its evolutionary relationship, perception and sensing mechanisms, and K+ deficiency triggering different signaling cascades. Overall, this book covers the role of K+ in plants would be significantly helpful to research, academic community as well as students to understand the one of the major attributes of plant biology.

Plant growth and development is closely dependent on the plant environment, including the wide-spread presence of organic and inorganic xenobiotics and pollutants. Currently, heavy metals are the most common inorganic environmental pollutants and they have pronounced effects and consequences not only for plants, but also for the ecosystem in which the plants form an integral component. It has been suggested that these contaminants accumulate in agricultural crops, thus entering the food chain and posing a significant health risk. Plants growing in polluted sites exhibit altered metabolism, reduced growth, and decreased biomass production. These pollutants adhere to plant roots and exert physical or chemical toxicity and subsequently cell death in plants. Yet, plants have developed various defence mechanisms to counteract the toxicity induced by heavy metals. Only detailed study of the processes and mechanisms would allow researchers and students to understand the interactions, responses, and adaptations of plants to these pollutants; however, there are several unresolved issues and challenges regarding the interaction and biological effects of heavy metals. Therefore, this volume provides relevant, state-of-the-art findings on environmental phytotoxicity and the mechanisms of such interactions at the cellular and molecular levels. This volume consists of chapters on relevant topics contributed by different experts or group of experts so as to make available a comprehensive treatise designed to provide an in-depth analysis of heavy metals phytotoxicity. This book may serve as a reference to scientists, researchers and students in the fields of toxicology, environmental toxicology, phytotoxicology, plant biology, plant physiology, plant biochemistry and plant molecular biology, and especially those interested in heavy metals toxicology.

Techniques related to various physiological phenomenon are subject of tremendous interest and importance to plant physiologist, agronomist, horticulturist, ecologist, and biochemists. This book is intended to provide recognized methods related various plant processes in a comprehensive form. Techniques on crop physiology such as hydroponics and plant nutrition, test for various stresses, water potential and water flow in plants, canopy gas measurements (Photosynthesis, Respiration and Transpiration), basic equations for growth studies and methods for estimations of plant products, microclimate. Efforts were also made to incorporate the topic like Climate Change and theory of phytotron as well as rhizotron in this book. The book will make the reader familiar with latest procedure to elucidate the problems. The validity of the results based on fundamentals principles of physics. This book is meant to be used in conjunction with a standard text of plant physiology though elementary principles relating to the techniques are briefed. The subjects on hormones, tissue culture and seed technology are useful for students. Hope this book shall serve the need of students, teachers and researchers.

Plants produce a vast number of bioactive compounds with different chemical scaffolds, which modulate a diverse range of molecular targets and are used as drugs for treating numerous diseases. Most present-day medicines are derived either from plant compounds or their derivatives, and plant compounds continue to offer limitless reserves for the discovery of new medicines. While different classes of plant compounds, like phenolics, flavonoids, saponins and alkaloids, and their potential pharmacological applications are currently being explored, their curative mechanisms are yet to be understood in detail. This book is divided into 2 volumes and offers detailed information on plant-derived bioactive compounds, including recent research findings. Volume 1, “Plant-derived Bioactives: Chemistry and Mode of Action” discusses the chemistry of highly valued plant bioactive compounds and their mode of actions at the molecular level. Volume 2, “Plant-derived Bioactives: Production, Properties and Therapeutic Applications” explores the sources, biosynthesis, production, biological properties and therapeutic applications of plant bioactives. Given their scope, these books are valuable resources for members of the scientific community wishing to further explore various medicinal plants and the therapeutic applications of their bioactive compounds. They appeal to scholars, teachers and scientists involved in plant product research, and facilitate the development of new drugs.

Surface bio-contamination has become a severe problem that contributes to outbreaks of community acquired and nosocomial infections through contiguous fomite transmission of diseases. Every year, thousands of patients die due to nosocomial infections by pathogens. It is therefore essential to develop novel strategies to prevent or improve the treatment of biomaterial concomitant infections. The concept of antimicrobial materials is becoming increasingly important not only in the hospital and healthcare environments, but also for laboratories, home appliances, and certain industrial applications. Materials are now being developed to prevent the buildup, spread and transfer of harmful microbes, and to dynamically deactivate them. Drawing on research and examples from around the world, this book highlights the latest advances in, and applications of, antibacterial biomaterials for biomedical devices, and focuses on metals with antibacterial coatings/surfaces, antibacterial stainless steels and other commonly used antibacterial materials. It also discusses the role of innovative approaches and provides a comprehensive overview of cutting-edge research on the processing, properties and technologies involved in the development of antimicrobial applications. Given its scope, the book will be of interest to researchers and policymakers, as well as undergraduate and graduate students of biochemistry, microbiology, and environmental chemistry

The latest and most commonly used methods of assay of important enzymes associated with carbon, nitrogen, protein and lipid metabolism. Estimation of various plant pigments and micro and macro elements. Quantification of plant hormones like IAA, ABA, GA and Ethylene. Techniques of DNA and RNA estimation, Slab Gel Electrophoresis and Western Blot analysis of plant proteins. Methods to study plant biomass and plant-water relationship. Methods to measure photosynthesis and respiration. Method for preparation of common buffe Working principles and operation techniques of a few analytical equipments like Infra-Red Gas Analyzer (IRGA), Gas Liquid Chromatograph (GLC), Psychrometer, Pressure bomb/pressure chamber, flame photometer, atomic absorption spectrophotometer, Leaf Area Meter and Oxygen electrode. This book is useful for students in botany, plant physiology, biochemistry, horticulture, agronomy and other cognate disciplines and other research workers.

This book illustrates the currently available strategies for managing phytonematodes. It discusses the latest findings on plant-pathogen-microbiome interactions and their impacts on ecosystems, and provides extensive information on the application of microorganisms in the sustainable management of phytonematodes. This is followed by an in-depth discussion of the application of potential strains of biocontrol fungi, endophytes and actinomycetes to enhance plants'ability to fend off phytonematode attacks, leading to improved plant health. In conclusion, the book addresses new aspects like the biofabrication of nanoparticles and their application in plant disease management, and presents an extensive list for further reading.

Food security and the medicinal needs of billions of people around the world are pressing global issues, and the biodiversity and sustainable utilization of plants is of great significance in this context. Further, ethnobotanical studies are vital in the discovery of new drugs from indigenous medicinal plants, and plants with industrially important metabolites need to be cultivated to meet the growing market demand. In addition, the production of plant metabolites under in vitro conditions also has tremendous possibilities. The totipotency of plant cells plays a valuable role in the sustainable utilization of plant resources through cell, tissue and organ culture. At the same time, production can be enhanced using productive cell lines, treatment with elicitors, changing nutritional parameters and metabolic engineering. This book provides state-of-the-art information on biodiversity, conservation, ethnobotany, various aspects of In vitro secondarymetabolite production, bioprospecting from various plant groups and drug discovery. It also discusses methods of extracting and characterizing drug leads from plant sources.​

Plant biotechnology has now become a key tool in improving crop productivity and enhancing commercial value of plant products. The book complies various methods of in vitro propagation and genetic manipulation of important aromatic and medicinal plants. It puts together latest techniques and innovations in the field of plant biotechnology such as effective protocols of genetic manipulation, isolation of secondary metabolites, use of somaclonal variation, stress management in plants. It also explores the role of various physiological and biochemical factors affecting the genetic stability of in-vitro cultured plants. These themes are of interest to both graduate and postgraduate students. Further this book will be useful for to researchers, academicians and industrialist to review latest progress and future prospects of these technologies.

This book provides all aspects of the physiology, stress responses and tolerance to abiotic stresses of the Brassicaceae plants. Different plant families have been providing food, fodder, fuel, medicine and other basic needs for the human and animal since the ancient time. Among the plant families, Brassicaceae has special importance for their agri-horticultural importance and multifarious uses apart from the basic needs. Interest understanding the response of Brassicaceae plants toward abiotic stresses is growing considering the economic importance and the special adaptive mechanisms. The knowledge needs to be translated into improved elite lines that can contribute to achieve food security. The physiological and molecular mechanisms acting on Brassicaceae introduced in this book are useful to students and researchers working on biology, physiology, environmental interactions and biotechnology of Brassicaceae plants.

This book focuses on the significance and implications of Calcium (Ca2+) transport machinery in the plant cell in generating alternating Ca2+ levels and impacting the cell's physiological, biochemical and developmental processes. In the following sections, the concept of Ca2+ homeostasis, Ca2+ signature, various Ca2+ transport protein families and conductance systems would be discussed in detail- elucidation of their functional characterization, structure, mechanism, sub-cellular localization and specific physiological roles in ensuring Ca2+ homeostasis. Also, the aspect of Ca2+ as a “signaling hub” –transducing distinct plant responses to diverse environmental stimuli, Ca2+ binding proteins, and the tools used in studying these proteins are explained in brief to paint a holistic picture of Ca2+ transport in plant systems. This has resulted in an elaborative literature account to serve as a staple by providing recent insights and advance knowledge surrounding genetic and molecular dissection of Ca2+homeostasis maintenance mechanisms and extant Ca2+ transport systems in plants.

This reference work provides a comprehensive review of cell and tissue differentiation and its role in the formation of specific secondary metabolites. Divided into five sections, this book covers the main cellular processes involved in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. Chapters from expert contributors offer specific case studies of cell and tissue differentiation, examines secondary metabolites in shoot and root cultures, and present new scientific insights and original technologies with applications in medicinal plants and in plant biotechnology. Students, scholars and researchers with an interest in the fields of botany, agriculture, pharmacy, biotechnology and phytochemistry will find this book an important account. This book will also engage professionals working in plant-based industry.

Plants produce a vast number of bioactive compounds with different chemical scaffolds, which modulate a diverse range of molecular targets and are used as drugs for treating numerous diseases. Most present-day medicines are derived either from plant compounds or their derivatives, and plant compounds continue to offer limitless reserves for the discovery of new medicines. While different classes of plant compounds, like phenolics, flavonoids, saponins and alkaloids, and their potential pharmacological applications are currently being explored, their curative mechanisms are yet to be understood in detail. This book is divided into 2 volumes and offers detailed information on plant-derived bioactive compounds, including recent research findings. Volume 1, Plant-derived Bioactives: Chemistry and Mode of Action, discusses the chemistry of highly valued plant bioactive compounds and their mode of actions at the molecular level. Volume 2, Plant-derived Bioactives: Production, Properties and Therapeutic Applications, explores the sources, biosynthesis, production, biological properties and therapeutic applications of plant bioactives. Given their scope, these books are valuable resources for members of the scientific community wishing to further explore various medicinal plants and the therapeutic applications of their bioactive compounds. They appeal to scholars, teachers and scientists involved in plant product research, and facilitate the development of innovative new drugs.

This book summarizes the latest studies on plant reproduction and multiple aspects of signaling in reproductive development. It also presents the most advanced processes in CrRLK1L receptor and RALF peptide studies during plant development. Focusing on signaling in pollen tube integrity and sperm release regulation, it provides significant insights into the BUPS-ANX receptor complex and the corresponding ligands RALF4/19 to promote pollen tube growth with proper cell integrity. It also proposes a working model of female tissue-derived RALF34 competing with RALF4/19 from the BUPS-ANX to trigger pollen tube rupture and sperm release. Offering a detailed overview of the spatiotemporal regulation mechanism underlying the control of pollen tube integrity and sperm release, the book fills a major gap in our understanding of plant reproductive processes, and as such is a valuable resource for those working in the area of plant signaling.

This third edition of the Handbook of Poisonous and Injurious Plants is designed to assist the clinician in the initial response to the needs of a child or adult exposed to a poisonous or injurious plant. It highlights common and important plants that lead to the adverse effects upon exposure, and it describes the mechanisms of action of the implicated toxin, clinical manifestations, and specific therapeutics, as available, for each. This truly comprehensive resource is botanically rigorous with insights from both the pharmacognosy and medical literature. At the same time, it is also for those who are interested in growing and enjoying the plants in their environment, filling in a not-often-discussed botanical and horticultural niche that goes beyond their beautiful physical appearance. Plants contain many useful chemicals that humans have used for millennia as botanical curatives. This book will help the reader understand the fine balance between a medication and a poison, why plants contain these natural substances, and their impact on the human body. With its thorough references and full-color photos of hundreds of potentially toxic and injurious plants inside and outside the home, this book is useful for identifying and addressing concerns about cultivated species and those found in the wild. This book will be of interest to botanists, horticulturists, clinicians, and naturalists as well as hikers, gardeners, and all those who simply enjoy the wonders of nature and the great outdoors.