This book features five peer-reviewed reviews on best practices to optimise quality attributes in horticultural products. The first chapter examines the use of quantitative trait loci (QTL) to identify and determine favourable sensory characteristics in the tomato plant to meet current consumer expectations.The second chapter highlights some of the newest innovations in strawberry production with particular emphasis on genetic improvement of the crop through a number of technologie...

Comprehensive overview of key advances in measuring soil biological, physical and chemical propertiesParticularly strong coverage of developments in measuring soil biological activity, including molecular techniques such as next-generation sequencing as well as improvements in measuring fauna such as earthworms, microbial and fungal communitiesFocus on ways of using analytical techniques in practice through the use of soil health indicators and decision support sy...

Comprehensive review of key topics in root science, including root architecture, root growth regulators, root anatomy and nutrient acquisitionCoverage of root response to both biotic and abiotic variablesDiscusses the range of techniques to optimize root function, from phenotyping to identify desirable root traits and exploiting the genetics of root traits to the use of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AM)

Comprehensive review of current research on the causes of major fungal, bacterial and viral diseases of tree fruitSummarises current understanding of the ecology of key insect pests of tree fruitAssesses ways of improving integrated disease and pest management, with a particular focus on biological control

When Pastor Chris assumed the role of Lead Pastor at New Community Church, the transition was turbulent and painful-so painful that he endured lasting trauma because of it. Half memoir, half self-help book, The Trauma in Transition provides a firsthand account of how one pastor navigated past the pain of misunderstanding and rose above adversity. With thought-provoking questions at the end of each chapter, this manual is a valuable resource for leaders from all walks of life exper...

“The one thing that really struck me about this book was the calibre of the editorial team and the international range and expertise of the contributing editors and authors. With over 550 pages this book is well worth its place on the bookshelf of anyone who is interested in poultry breeding and genomics.” (International Hatchery Practice)“The editor of the book is Nick French, an internationally highly recognised scientist and practitioner in the ...

Drought remains the biggest single threat from climate change to the production of key cereal crops, such as wheat and barley. Cereals also respond in complex ways to drought stress, making improved drought tolerance a challenging trait to achieve. With many cereals recognised as staple food crops due to their nutritional value, more research is required into improving drought tolerance as a means of ensuring the future food security of millions.Developing drou...

This book features five peer-reviewed reviews on the different applications of phenotyping techniques across agriculture.The first chapter outlines how plant phenotyping has developed over recent decades, driven by factors such as advances in optical sensors, image analysis and automation as well as multidisciplinary cooperation in establishing facilities for high-throughput plant phenotyping.The second chapter reviews the importance of phenotyping in plant breeding program...

Strong coverage of improving smallholder access to key inputs, from seeds to nutrition and pest managementReviews ways of improving public and private sector extension support as well as market access for smallholdersChapter authors mix research expertise and practical experience of successful project implementation on the ground

Particularly strong focus on understanding dairy cattle behaviour as the foundation for improving welfare in such areas as cognition and learning, pain and stress as well as social behaviourCovers developments in more animal/outcome-based welfare indicators as well as advanced sensor, acoustic and video techniques for monitoring behaviour and welfareComprehensive review of welfare issues across the value chain, from calves and heifers to culling

Comprehensive review of pests and diseases affecting oil palm and methods for their managementReviews controversies about palm oil and healthDetailed coverage of key issues relating to the environmental impact of oil palm cultivation

Diet has consistently been shown to be the dominant source of exposure to the majority of contaminants that pose a threat to human health. However, there is concern that current methods for detection, analysis and risk assessment of chemical residues in food may not accurately reflect the complex cocktail of contaminants to which different groups may be exposed.Chemical contaminants in foods: Understanding and managing risks provides a comprehensive overview of new approac...