E-Resources

"It is important that scientists think about and know their history - where they came from, what they have accomplished, and how these may affect the future. Weed scientists, similar to scientists in many technological disciplines, have not sought historical reflection. The technological world asks for results and for progress. Achievement is important not, in general, the road that leads to achievement. What was new yesterday is routine today, and what is described as revolutionary today may be considered antiquated tomorrow. Weed science has been strongly influenced by technology developed by supporting industries, subsequently employed in research and, ultimately, used by farmers and crop growers. The science has focused on results and progress. Scientists have been--and the majority remain--problem solvers whose solutions have evolved as rapidly as have the new weed problems needing solutions. In a more formal sense, weed scientists have been adherents of the instrumental ideology of modern science. That is an analysis of their work, and their orientation reveals the strong emphasis on practical, useful knowledge; on know how. The opposite, and frequently complementary orientation, that has been missing from weed science is an emphasis on contemplative knowledge; that is, knowing why. This book expands on and analyzes how these orientations have affected weed sciences development. Key Features. The first analytical history of weed science to be written. Compares the development of weed science, entomology and plant pathology. Identifies the primary founders of weed science and describes their role"

"Breeding Oilseed Crops for Sustainable Production: Opportunities and Constraints presents key insights into accelerating the breeding of sustainable and superior varieties. The book explores the genetic engineering/biotechnology that has played a vital role in transforming economically important traits from distant/wild species to cultivated varieties, enhancing the quality and quantity of oil and seed yield production. Integrated nutrient management, efficient water management, and forecasting models for pests diseases outbreaks and integrated pest and pest management have also added new dimensions in breeding for sustainable production. With the rise in demand, the scientific community has responded positively by directing a greater amount of research towards sustainable production both for edible and industrial uses. Covering the latest information on various major world oil crops including rapeseed mustard, sunflower, groundnut, sesame, oilpalm, cotton, linseed/flax, castor and olive, this book brings the latest advances together in a single volume for researchers and advanced level students. Key Features. Describes various methods and systems to achieve sustainable production in all major oilseed crops. Addresses breeding, biology and utilization aspects simultaneously including those species whose information is not available elsewhere. Includes information on modern biotechnological and molecular techniques and production technologies. Relevant for international government, industrial and academic programs in research and development"

"Materials from renewable resources are receiving increased attention, as leading industries and manufacturers attempt to replace declining petrochemical-based feedstocks with products derived from natural biomass, such as cereal straws. Cereal straws are expected to play an important role in the shift toward a sustainable economy, and a basic knowledge of the composition and structure of cereal straw is the key to using it wisely. Cereal Straw as a Resource for Sustainable Biomaterials and Biofuels: Chemistry, Extractives, Lignins, Hemicelluloses and Cellulose provides an introduction to straw chemistry. Topics discussed include the structure, ultrastructure, and chemical composition of straw; the structure and isolation of extractives from the straw; the three main components of straw: cellulose, hemicelluloses, and lignins; and chemical modifications of straw for industrial applications. This book will be helpful to scientists interested in the areas of natural resource management, environmental chemistry, plant chemistry, material science, polysaccharide chemistry, and lignin chemistry. It will also be of interest to academic and industrial scientists/researchers interested in novel applications of agricultural residues for industrial and/or recycling technologies. Key Features. Provides the basics of straw composition and the structure of its cell walls. Details the procedures required to fractionate straw components to produce chemical derivatives from straw cellulose, hemicelluloses, and lignins. Elucidates new techniques for the production of biodegradable materials for the energy sector, chemical industry, and pulp and paper business"

"Corn and grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor subsp. bicolor L) are among the top cereal crops world wide, and both are key for global food security. Similarities between the two crops, particularly their adaptation for warm-season grain production, pose an opportunity for comparisons to inform appropriate cropping decisions. This book provides a comprehensive review of the similarities and differences between corn and grain sorghum. It compares corn and sorghum crops in areas such as morphology, physiology, phenology, yield, resource use and efficiency, and impact of both crops in different cropping systems. Producers, researchers and extension agents in search of reliable scientific information will find this in-depth comparison of crops with potential fit in dryland and irrigations cropping systems particularly valuable. Key Features. Presents a wide range of points of comparison. Offers important insights for crop decision making"

"Food Plant Safety: UV Applications for Food and Non-Food Surfaces discusses the fundamental principles of ultraviolet (UV) light technology, and gives practical recommendations on UV processes and systems design for specific processing operations, as well as how microbial efficacy of UV light can improve the quality of existing product lines. Innovative research of ultraviolet light for food applications has been growing worldwide. With increased consumer demand for fresher, minimally processed but safe foods, comes the need for novel technologies to meet that demand. Ultraviolet technology has been taking its niche in food production as a non-chemical treatment to control and enhance safety of processing plants and storage facilities. This concise resource covers the fundamentals of this promising technology and its applications; it will benefit a broad audience of professionals in food engineering, processing, and product development, as well as graduate level students. Key Features. Focuses on plant processing operations in the food industry. Presents the benefits of UV light technology applications for air quality, and safety of non-food and food contact surfaces. Covers the cost benefits and energy and environmental advantages of using UV technologies"

"As tree nuts and peanuts become increasingly recognised for their health-promoting properties, the provision of safe, high quality nuts is a growing concern. Improving the safety and quality of nuts reviews key aspects of nut safety and quality management.Part one explores production and processing practices and their influence on nut contaminants. Chapters discuss agricultural practices to reduce microbial contamination of nuts, pest control in postharvest nuts, and the impact of nut postharvest handling, de-shelling, drying and storage on quality. Further chapters review the validation of processes for reducing the microbial load on nuts and integrating Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) and Statistical Process Control (SPC) for safer nut processing. Chapters in part two focus on improving nut quality and safety and highlight oxidative rancidity in nuts, the impact of roasting on nut quality, and advances in automated nut sorting. Final chapters explore the safety and quality of a variety of nuts including almonds, macadamia nuts, pecans, peanuts, pistachios and walnuts.Improving the safety and quality of nuts is a comprehensive resource for food safety, product development and QA professionals using nuts in foods, those involved in nut growing, nut handling and nut processing, and researchers in food science and horticulture departments interested in the area. Key Features. Reviews key aspects of nut safety and quality management and addresses the influences of production and processing practices on nut safety. Analyses particular nut contaminants, safety management in nut processing and significant nut quality issues, such as oxidative rancidity. Places focus on quality and safety in the production and processing of selected types of nuts"

"Integrated Pest Management: Current Concepts and Ecological Perspective presents an overview of alternative measures to traditional pest management practices using biological control and biotechnology. The removal of some highly effective broad-spectrum chemicals, caused by concerns over environmental health and public safety, has resulted in the development of alternative, reduced risk crop protection products. These products, less toxic to the environment and easily integrated into biological control systems, target specific life stages or pest species. Predation recognized as a suitable, long-term strategy effectively suppresses pests in biotechnological control systems. Integrated Pest Management covers these topics and more. It explores the current ecological approaches in alternative solutions, such as biological control agents, parasites and predators, pathogenic microorganisms, pheromones and natural products as well as ecological approaches for managing invasive pests, rats, suppression of weeds, safety of pollinators, role of taxonomy and remote sensing in IPM and future projections of IPM. This book is a useful resource to entomologists, agronomists, horticulturists, and environmental scientists. Key Features. Fills a gap in the literature by providing critical analysis of different management strategies that have a bearing on agriculture, sustainability and environmental protection. Synthesizes research and practice on integrated pest management. Emphasizes an overview of management strategies, with critical evaluation of each in the larger context of ecologically based pest management"

"Molecular Microbial Diagnostic Methods: Pathways to Implementation for the Food and Water Industry was developed by recognized and experienced highlevel scientists. Its a comprehensive and detailed reference that uncovers industry needs for the use of molecular methods by providing a brief history of water and food analysis for the pathogens of concern. It also describes the potential impact of current and cutting-edge molecular methods. This book discusses the advantages of the implementation of molecular methods, describes information on when and how to use specific methods, and presents why one should utilize them for pathogen detection in the routine laboratory. The content is also pertinent for anyone carrying out microbiological analysis at the research level, and for scientists developing methods, as it focuses on the requirements of end-users. Key Features. Includes information on how to introduce and implement molecular methods for routine monitoring in food and water laboratories. Discusses the importance of robust validation of molecular methods as alternatives to existing standard methods to help ensure the production of defendable results. Highlights potential issues with respect to successful implementation of these methods"

"rigin and Phylogeny of Rices provides an evolutionary understanding of the origin, spread, and extent of genetic diversity in rice. This single volume is the first to review and synthesize the significant work done in this area in the last 30 years.Rice is the most important food crop of humankind. It provides more energy and also forms the staple food for more humans than any other food plant. This book assesses multiple aspects of this crucial crop in chapters devoted to rice's history and spread, phylogeny of the genus Oryza, Oryza species and their interrelationships, and the origins of west African and Asian rice. Key Features. Offers an interpretive review of the latest research on this vital crop. Guides further research and understanding with an extensive list of references. Enhances the presentation of concepts via illustrations throughout"

"While products such as bananas, pineapples, kiwifruit and citrus have long been available to consumers in temperate zones, new fruits such as lychee, longan, carambola, and mangosteen are now also entering the market. Confirmation of the health benefits of tropical and subtropical fruit may also promote consumption further. Tropical and subtropical fruits are particularly vulnerable to postharvest losses, and are also transported long distances for sale. Therefore maximising their quality postharvest is essential and there have been many recent advances in this area. Many tropical fruits are processed further into purees, juices and other value-added products, so quality optimization of processed products is also important. The books cover current state-of-the-art and emerging post-harvest and processing technologies. Volume 1 contains chapters on particular production stages and issues, whereas Volumes 2, 3 and 4 contain chapters focused on particular fruit. Chapters in Volume 2 review the factors affecting the quality of different tropical and subtropical fruits from aai to citrus fruits. Important issues relevant to each product are discussed, including means of maintaining quality and minimizing losses postharvest, recommended storage and transport conditions and processing methods, among other topics. With its distinguished editor and international team of contributors, Volume 2 of Postharvest biology and technology of tropical and subtropical fruits, along with the other volumes in the collection, will be an essential reference both for professionals involved in the postharvest handling and processing of tropical and subtropical fruits and for academics and researchers working in the area. Key Features. Along with the other volumes in the collection, Volume 2 is an essential reference for professionals involved in the postharvest handling and processing of tropical and subtropical fruits and for academics and researchers working in the area. Reviews the factors affecting the quality of different tropical and subtropical fruits from aai to citrus fruits. Important issues relevant to each particular fruit are discussed, including means of maintaining quality and minimising losses postharvest, recommended storage and transport conditions"

"While products such as bananas, pineapples, kiwifruit and citrus have long been available to consumers in temperate zones, new fruits such as lychee, longan, carambola, and mangosteen are now also entering the market. Confirmation of the health benefits of tropical and subtropical fruit may also promote consumption further. Tropical and subtropical fruits are particularly vulnerable to postharvest losses, and are also transported long distances for sale. Therefore maximising their quality postharvest is essential and there have been many recent advances in this area. Many tropical fruits are processed further into purees, juices and other value-added products, so quality optimisation of processed products is also important. The books cover current state-of-the-art and emerging post-harvest and processing technologies. Volume 1 contains chapters on particular production stages and issues, whereas Volumes 2, 3 and 4 contain chapters focused on particular fruit. Chapters in Volume 4 review the factors affecting the quality of different tropical and subtropical fruits from mangosteen to white sapote. Important issues relevant to each product are discussed, including means of maintaining quality and minimising losses postharvest, recommended storage and transport conditions and processing methods, among other topics. With its distinguished editor and international team of contributors, Volume 4 of Postharvest biology and technology of tropical and subtropical fruits, along with the other volumes in the collection, are essential references both for professionals involved in the postharvest handling and processing of tropical and subtropical fruits and for academics and researchers working in the area. Key Features. Along with the other volumes in the collection, Volume 4 is an essential reference for professionals involved in the postharvest handling and processing of tropical and subtropical fruits and for academics and researchers working in the area. Reviews factors affecting the quality of different tropical and subtropical fruits, concentrating on postharvest biology and technology. Important issues relevant to each particular fruit are discussed, such as postharvest physiology, preharvest factors affecting postharvest quality and pests and diseases"

"Written by a diverse group of research professionals, Postharvest Decay: Control Strategies is aimed at a wide audience, including researchers involved in the study of postharvest handling of agricultural commodities, and undergraduate and graduate students researching postharvest topics. Growers, managers, and operators working at packinghouses and storage, retail, and wholesale facilities can also benefit from this book. The information in this book covers a wide range of topics related to selected fungi, such as taxonomy, infection processes, economic importance, causes of infection, the influence of pre-harvest agronomic practices and the environment, the effect of handling operations, and the strategic controls for each host-pathogen, including traditional and non-traditional alternatives. Key Features. Includes eleven postharvest fungi causing serious rots in numerous fruits and vegetables. Offers selected microorganisms including pathogens of commercially important tropical, subtropical and temperate crops worldwide, such as tomatoes, pears, apples, peaches, citrus, banana, papaya, and mango, among others. Presents content developed by recognized and experienced high-level scientists, working in the postharvest pathology area worldwide. Provides basic information about each fungus, pre- and postharvest factors that contribute to infection and control measurements, including the use of chemicals and non-traditional methods"

"Pulses are nutritionally diverse crops that can be successfully utilized as a food ingredient or a base for new product development. They provide a natural food grade ingredient that is rich in lysine, dietary fiber, complex carbohydrates, protein and B-vitamins suggesting that pulses can provide a variety of health benefits such as reducing heart disease and diabetes. Interest in the use of pulses and their ingredients in food formulations is growing and several factors are contributing to this drive. Pulse Foods: Processing, Quality and Nutraceutical Applications is the first book to provide up-to-date information on novel and emerging technologies for the processing of whole pulses, techniques for fractionating pulses into ingredients, their functional and nutritional properties, as well as their potential applications, so that the food industry can use this knowledge to incorporate pulses into new food products. Key Features. First reference bringing together essential information on the processing technology of pulses. Addresses processing challenges relevant to legume and pulse grain processors. Delivers insights into the current state-of-art and emerging processing technologies. In depth coverage of developments in nutraceutical applications of pulse protein and carbohydrate based foods"