This book catalogues the multi-scale impact of agronomy and economy on Cardamom, known as the “Queen” of spices. Cardamom is the second most important spice crop in the world, after Black pepper, known as the “King” of spices. Spices were the symbols of luxury and royalty, and cardamom was used in the manufacture of perfumes during the Greek and Roman times. It became one of the most important Oriental spices used in both Greek and Roman cuisine as well as its pharmacological applications. The book is divided into 15 chapters and concentrates on aspects of cardamom production and processing, the taxonomic aspects of cardamom, chemistry, pathology, entomology and is concluded with the future of cardamom. Special emphasis is given to the utility of “The Nutrient Buffer Power Concept”, a soil management technique in precise fertilizer management, especially with regard to Potassic fertilizers in cardamom production.

The present book entitled ‘Recent Developments in Biological Sciences’ comprises 19 chapters by teachers and research scholars in their respective fields. We are thankful to all the contributors to contribute their research work and findings related to various fields of life sciences. This book covers several branches of biological research like Environmental Sciences, Medicinal Sciences, Aquatic Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Animal Physiology, Taxonomy, Parasitology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biotechnolgy and Toxicology. Some of the topics covered in the book are nanocarriers for the treatment of neglected diseases, biological indicators, medicinal plants of desert, antituberculosis drugs, water bodies census, manganese immobilization, overview of human genetics, seasonal variations of cestode infection, environment and metabolic diseases, vitamins for health, biological activities of Elettaria, yoga and health, zooplanktonic diversity, floristic analysis of the family asteraceae, application of genetically modified microorganism, multifaceted potential of thioacetamide, taxonomic study of the genus Crotalaria and review on toxicological and therapeutic aspects of few metals, This book contains various materials suitable for students, researchers and academicians in the field of biological research. This book will be an interesting collection of original research articles and review articles written by subject experts in their respective fields. We hope readers will be inspired by the contents of this book

Since the second half of the 20th Century, our agricultural bee pollinators have faced mounting threats from ecological disturbance and pan-global movement of pathogens and parasites. At the same time, the area of pollinator-dependent crops is increasing globally with no end in sight. Never before has so much been asked of our finite pool of bee pollinators. This book not only explores the evolutionary and ecologic bases of these dynamics, it translates this knowledge into practical research-based guidance for using bees to pollinate crops. It emphasizes conserving wild bee populations as well as culturing honey bees, bumble bees, and managed solitary bees. To cover such a range of biology, theory, and practice from the perspectives of both the pollinator and the crop, the book is divided into two volumes. Volume 1 focuses on bees, their biology, coevolution with flowering plants, foraging ecology and management, and gives practical ways to increase bee abundance and pollinating performance on the farm. Volume 2 (this volume) focuses on crops, with chapters addressing crop-specific requirements and bee pollination management recommendations. Both volumes are essential reading for farmers, horticulturists and gardeners, researchers and professionals working in insect ecology and conservation, and students of entomology and crop protection.

Cardamom otherwise known as Malabar cardamom, true cardamom or small cardamom second only to pepper in its importance during the Renaissance period, is often qualified as the Queen of Spices because of its very pleasant aroma and taste. The Western Ghat forest of the Malabar coast, India, is the center of origin and diversity for cardamom and it mi