This book is the third in a series of volumes on major tropical and sub-tropical crops. These books aim to review the current state of the art in management of the total spectrum of pests and diseases which affect these crops in each major growing area using a multi-disciplinary approach. Soybean is economically the most important legume in the world. It is nutritious and easily digested, and is one of the richest and cheapest sources of protein. It is currently vital for the sustenance of many people and it will play an integral role in any future attempts to relieve world hunger. Soybean seed contains about 17% of oil and about 63% of meal, half of which is protein. Modern research has developed a variety of uses for soybean oil. It is processed into margarine, shortening, mayonnaise, salad creams and vegetarian cheeses. Industrially it is used in resins, plastics, paints, adhesives, fertilisers, sizing for cloth, linoleum backing, fire extinguishing materials, printing inks and a variety of other products. Soybean meal is a high-protein meat substitute and is used in the developed countries in many processed foods, including baby foods, but mainly as a feed for livestock. Soybean (Glycine max), which evolved from Glycine ussuriensis, a wild legume native to northern China, has been known and used in China since the eleventh century Be. It was introduced into Europe in the eighteenth century and into the United States in 1804 as an ornamental garden plant in Philadelphia.

V.1: Pathognes-diseases-hosts; Mechanisms of seed transmission; Principles of control; Seed health testing methods; Assessment of seed-borne inoculum. v. 2: Pathogens-diseases-hosts; Mechanisms of seed transmission; Principles of control; Seed health testing methods; Assessment of seed-borne inoculum.

The global population is increasing rapidly, and feeding the ever-increasing population poses a serious challenge for agriculturalists around the world. Seed is a basic and critical input in agriculture to ensure global food security. Roughly 90 percent of the crops grown all over the world are propagated by seed. However, seed can also harbour and spread pathogens, e.g. fungi, bacteria, nematodes, viruses etc., which cause devastating diseases. Seed-borne pathogens represent a major threat to crop establishment and yield. Hence, timely detection and diagnosis is a prerequisite for their effective management. The book "Seed-Borne Diseases of Agricultural Crops: Detection, Diagnosis & Management" addresses key issues related to seed-borne/transmitted diseases in various agricultural crops. Divided into 30 chapters, it offers a comprehensive compilation of papers concerning: the history of seed pathology, importance of seed-borne diseases, seed-borne diseases and quarantine, seed health testing and certification, detection and diagnosis of seed-borne diseases and their phytopathogens, host-parasite interactions during development of seed-borne diseases, diversity of seed-borne pathogens, seed-borne diseases in major agricultural crops, non-parasitic seed disorders, mechanisms of seed transmission and seed infection, storage fungi and mycotoxins, impact of seed-borne diseases on human and animal health, and management options for seed-borne diseases. We wish to thank all of the eminent researchers who contributed valuable chapters to our book, which will be immensely useful for students, researchers, academics, and all those involved in various agro-industries.

The soybean is a crop of global importance and is one of most frequently cultivated crops worldwide. It is rich in oil and protein, used for human and animal consumption as well as for industrial purposes. Soybean plants also play an important role in crop diversification and benefit the growth of other crops, adding nitrogen to the soil during crop rotation. With contributions from eminent researchers from around the world, The Soybean provides a concise coverage of all aspects of this important crop, including genetics and physiology, varietal improvement, production and protection technology, utilization and nutritional value.