Agricultural Applications

In this volume the relevance of fungi for agriculture is discussed in four sections. The first one 'Food and Fodder Production' concerns the application and potential of mushrooms, straw enrichment, and food or crop spoilage. The next section 'Mycotoxins and Detoxification' deals with the biosynthesis of mycotoxins and the use of fungi in organopollutant degradation. A large section entitled 'Disease Control, Diagnostic, and Management' covers various aspects of biological control (fungi, insects, and weeds), diagnostics with emphasis on the example of Magnaporthe grisea, and disease management with focus on the important fungal pathogens Phoma, Fusarium, rusts and powdery mildew. The last section 'Update on Host-Parasite Interactions' discusses signal transduction, avirulence determinants, phytotoxins, cell wall degradation, and the coevolution of pathogenic fungi and grass hosts.

A core textbook for classes in agricultural systems management and technology. Presents the physical and mathematical aspects of electrical power generation, distribution and control.

Plant Tissue Culture and Its Agricultural Applications presents the proceedings of the 41st University of Nottingham Easter School in Agricultural Science held in England. The sessions covered in this volume reflect the revolution of tissue culture and its role in the propagation of elite plant material and the development of improved genotypes. This book is organized into four main sections. The first section chronicles the revolution of the plant tissue culture. This includes papers on clonal propagation, morphogenesis, germplasm storage, plant health, and genetic improvement. The core of this volume is covered by the introductory and the final chapters which interrelate the different subjects areas covered by the proceedings and provide a realistic assessment of future research required for the plant tissue culture revolution to come to fruition. This book will be useful to readers interested in understanding the history, evolution, and future of plant tissue culture and its applications in the agricultural sector.

Fungal Cell Factories for Sustainable Nanomaterials Productions and Agricultural Applications explores the mycogenic synthesis of many metal nanoparticles, including processing processes, environmental protection, and future perspectives. Nanomaterials, including silver, gold, palladium, copper, zinc, selenium, titanium dioxide, metal sulphide, cellulose, have been formed by major fungal genes, such as mushrooms, Fusarium, Trichoderma, endophytic fungi, and yeast, in addition to lichens. Understanding the exact process involved in the synthesis of nanoparticles and the effects of various factors on the reduction of metal ions can help to improve low-cost strategies for the synthesis and extraction of nanoparticles. Other sections focus on a new framework for the production of nano-antimicrobial, the use of myconanoparticles against plant diseases, post-harvest antibiotics, mycotoxin control and plant pests in addition to certain animal pathogens. Myconanomaterials are well developed with great potential and promise for advanced diagnostics, biosensors, precision farming and targeted smart delivery systems. Assesses the impact of a variety of copper-based nanostructures on agri-food sectors, addressing the most relevant knowledge gaps Explores the opportunities that myconanotechnology can provide for industrial applications Explains the major challenges of applying myconanotechnology at an industrial scale

This book reports thermodynamic investigation, analyses, and options of temperature/humidity control systems and their technologies for agricultural applications including (but not limited to) fruits and vegetable storage, poultry air-conditioning, livestock thermal comfort, and wet market air-conditioning. The optimum temperature and humidity requirements for these agricultural applications are identified. Consequently, energy-efficient heat pump options are explored accordingly. The book helps to understand and to apply the thermodynamic knowledge of the energy-efficient systems for agricultural applications.

Nanomaterials for Agriculture and Forestry Applications explores how major nanomaterials are being specially used in the agriculture, forestry, and other associated sectors. Plants and their products are used for synthesis of nanoparticles as they contain primary and secondary metabolites, which reduce the metal salts and metal oxides into their nanoparticles. Exposure of these particles has been examined for their sustainable role and/or interaction with agricultural crops in terms of growth and yields. Nanomaterials accumulation and translocation have shown interaction with cellular organelles, DNA, RNA, proteins, or other biomolecules; and affect various functions of cell organelles. Application of nanosensors holds a significant promise in monitoring signaling pathways, metabolism, detection of crop/soil diseases, and specific pollutants or pesticides. Nanomaterials have also been used in soil and water quality management. In forestry sector, the nanotechnology is considered as the potential platform, which can transform the forest materials into value-added products, such as smart paper, nano-packaging, coating material, building construction, and biomedical and other sectors. This book is an important resource, showing how nanotechnology is being used to enhance large-scale agricultural and/or industrial application and production.

Zinc-Based Nanostructures for Environmental and Agricultural Applications shows how zinc nanostructures are being used in agriculture, food and the environment. The book has been divided into two parts: Part I deals with the synthesis and characterization of zinc-based nanostructures such as biogenic, plant, microbial, and actinobacteria mediated synthesis of zinc nanoparticles, Part II is focused on agri-food applications such as antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, plant disease management, controlling post-harvest diseases, pesticide sensing and degradations, plant promotions, ZnO nanostructure for food packaging application, safe animal food and feed supplement, elimination of mycotoxins, and veterinary applications. Part III reviews technological developments in environmental applications such as risks and benefits for aquatic organisms and the marine environment, antiseptic activity and toxicity mechanisms, wastewater treatment, and zinc oxide-based nanomaterials for photocatalytic degradation of environmental and agricultural pollutants. The book discusses various aspects, including the application of zinc-based nanostructures to enhance plant health and growth, the effect on soil microbial activity, antimicrobial mechanism, phytotoxicity and accumulation in plants, the possible impact of zinc-based nanostructures in the agricultural sector as nanofertilizer, enhancing crop productivity, and other possible antimicrobial mechanisms of ZnO nanomaterials. Explores the impact of a large variety of zinc-based nanostructures on agri-food and environment sectors Outlines how the properties of zinc-based nanostructures mean they are particularly efficient in environmental and agricultural application areas Assesses the major challenges of synthesizing and processing zinc-based nanostructured materials