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Over the past fifty years plant breeders have achieved impressive improvements in yield, quality and disease resistance. These gains suggest that many more modifications might be introduced if appropriate genes can be identified. Current DNA techniques allow the construction of transgenic plants and this important new book reviews the current state of knowledge. A team of leading researchers provide in-depth reviews at the cutting edge of technology for laboratory techniques for the transformation of important soil microorganisms and recalcitrant plants of economic value. The book is divided into three sections: soil microorganisms; cereal crops; and industrially important plants. The most effective methods used to date are compared, and their merits and limitations discussed. Some chapters emphasise case studies and applications. In cases where obstacles remain to be overcome, an overview of progress to date is given. The book will serve as a general guide and reference tool for those working on transformation in microbiology and plant science.
Biological control, the management of pests by the use of living organisms, has a long history of application to agriculture around the world. However, the effective use of beneficial organisms is constrained by environmental, legal, and economic restrictions, forcing researchers to adopt increasingly multi-disciplinary techniques in order to deploy successful biological control programs. It is this complex process, including the mindset and the social environment of the researcher as well as the science being pursued, that this book seeks to capture. Chapters reveal the experiences of scientists from the initial search for suitable control agents, to their release into ecosystems and finally to the beneficial outcomes which demonstrate the great success of biological control across diverse agro-ecosystems. Drawing together historical perspectives and approaches used in the development of biological control as well as outlining current debates surrounding terminology and differential techniques, Biological Control: A Global Perspective will be a valuable resource.
Microbiologists and soil scientists will find this study compelling reading. It focuses on the role of bacterial, fungal and plant secondary metabolites in soil ecosystems. Our understanding of the biological function of secondary metabolites is surprisingly limited, considering our knowledge of their structural diversity and pharmaceutical activity. This book reviews functional aspects of secondary metabolite production, with a focus on interactions among soil organisms.
Biofilms, Volume 53 in the ongoing Methods in Microbiology series, highlights new advances in the field with this new volume presenting interesting chapters on a variety of timely topics, including Monospecies and polymicrobial biofilms in static and flow environment, Methods used to study biofilms, Spatial analysis of bacterial biofilms, Biofilm grown in bioreactors, Single-cell analysis of subpopulations within biofilms using microscopy, flow cytometry, and imaging flow cytometry, Microscopy analysis of biofilm-mineral interactions or mineral formation within biofilms, Bacterial biofilms as an essential component of rhizosphere plant-microbe interactions, Studying Gene Expression in Biofilms, and more. - Provides the authority and expertise of leading contributors from an international board of authors - Presents the latest release in Methods in Microbiology serials - Updated release includes the latest information on biofilms
Plant-Microbe Interactions, Volume 1 Many plant-microbe interactions have agronomic importance because of either beneficial (e.g., nitrogen fixation or biocontrol) or detrimental (e.g., pathogen esis) effects. Although these systems have been the subjects of scientific re search for many years, recently there has been a tremendous increase in our knowledge of them. The increases in this research have followed a similar general increase in plant science research. Classical plant science research disciplines (e.g., agronomy, breeding, plant physiology, systematics, etc.) have been affected by an increased focus on molecular biology. These new technologies, as well as advances in other areas, h...
Plant-Microbe Interactions, Volume 2 Volume 1 of this series has made its appearance and dealt forcefully with impor tant current topics in the field of plant-microbe interactions. We believe that the quality of those chapters was high and should serve as a focal point for the state of the art as well as an enduring reference. Volume 2 builds upon these accom plishments. Chapter 1 discusses the fascinating lipo-chitin signal molecules from Rhizo bium, aspects regarding their biosynthesis, and the basis for host specificity. These molecules are a cardinal example of how microorganisms influence plant development and stimulate speculation that they have identified a previously un known aspect of plant hormone activity. Chapter 2 continues the discussion of Rhizobium by considering the trafficking of carbon and nitrogen in nodules. Al though the ostensible advantage of nodules to plants is the fixation of atmos pheric nitrogen, the actual process involved in supplying reduced nitrogen to the plant host is complex.
The use of biocontrol agents and beneficial organisms for management of plant and pest diseases appears as an environment-friendly and economic procedure. However, this option is not always available, depending on the lack of knowledge on the mechanisms of natural regulation, locally effective. In this view, this eBook considers studies and experimental works illustrating a range of problems and solutions based on microbial resources, suitable for management of biotic stress factors. These examples show how detailed data and knowledge on the organisms involved are of paramount importance to achieve a sustainable and durable management capability.