This collection features four peer-reviewed reviews on phosphorus uptake and use in crops.The first chapter summarises the progress in research on root traits associated with phosphorus acquisition, including root morphology, architecture, biochemistry, colonisation by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, and fine root endophytes. The chapter also reviews the recent advances in breeding programmes to improve phosphorus acquisition efficiency.The second chapter dis...

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)

Discusses ways of ensuring genetic diversity, advances in wheat breeding and their use to improve properties such as drought resistance and cold tolerance;Summarises research on factors affecting nutritional and other aspects of wheat quality;Reviews advances in understanding wheat pests and diseases together with ways of controlling them such as disease-resistant varieties, integrated pest and weed management

Soils into which crop plants root and from which they obtain essential minerals and water contain huge arrays of microbes. Many have highly beneficial effects on crop growth and productivity, others are pathogens causing diseases and losses to yield and quality, a few microbes offer protection from these pathogenic forms and others have little or no effect. These intimate and often complex inter-relationships are being explored with increasing success providing exciting opportunities for i...

Assesses the viability of management strategies implemented to improve soil health, e.g. intercropping and zero tillageProvides a comprehensive coverage of the dimensions of soil healthReviews the role of organic and other amendments in improving soil health

These papers include two lectures which address the role of Plant Nutrition in the sustainability of agro-ecosystems and the production of enough high quality food to feed the growing world population. Recent advances in Plant Nutrition are reviewed in the 11 papers presented in each of the Symposia devoted to: genetics and molecular biology of Plant Nutrition, nutrient functions, the role of the apoplast in mineral nutrition, plant quality and plant health, salinity and plant-soil-water r...

Focus on integrating research on nutrient cycling, crop nutrient processing and the environmental impact of fertiliser use to identify ways of improving nutrient use efficiency (NUE) in the use of particular fertilisersIncludes research on a range of secondary macronutrients and micronutrients including: calcium, magnesium, zinc, boron, manganese and molybdenumReviews a wide range of options for reducing/optimising current levels of fertiliser use

As a species, the German cockroach is one of the most widespread indoor urban pests worldwide. While numerous products have been developed to control their spread, German cockroaches continue to contaminate food, transmit disease and cause significant, long-term economic expense to homes, restaurants, hospitals and more.Biology and Management of the German Cockroach summarises the many advances in management technology, products, delivery systems, and basic and applied res...

Reviews latest research in tree fruit physiologyDiscusses latest developments in genetics and their implications for improved breeding techniquesComprehensive coverage of key stages in cultivation from nursery plants to water, nutrient and pest management

Plant disease management remains an important component of plant pathology and is more complex today than ever before including new innovation in diagnostic kits, the discovery of new modes of action of chemicals with low environmental impact, biological control agents with reliable and persistent activity, as well as the development of new plant varieties with durable disease resistance. This book is a collection of invited lectures given at the 9th International Congress of Plant Patholo...

Nitrogen (N) is potentially one of the most complex elements on the Earth. It is necessary for all biological activity, but creates negative impacts on water and air quality. There is a balancing act between deficiency and surplus and the forms of N available further complicate our understanding of the dynamics. Biological fixation provides some plants with N supply while others are totally dependent upon N being available in the soil profile for the roots to extract. Nevertheless, the dem...

This open-access textbook provides a comprehensive, up-to-date guide for students and practitioners wishing to access in a single volume the key disciplines and principles of wheat breeding. Wheat is a cornerstone of food security: it is the most widely grown of any crop and provides 20% of all human calories and protein. The authorship of this book includes world class researchers and breeders whose expertise spans cutting-edge academic science all the way to impacts in farmers’ fields. T...