Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum ) is an important fiber crop grown throughout the southern United States. Plant-pathogenic nematodes are worm-like animals that feed on the roots of most agronomic crops, including cotton. The southern root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita, RKN) and the reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis, RN) cause significant yield losses in cotton every year. Current sources of resistance are effective but limited, therefore historical screenings of cotton accessions were revisited in search for novel resistance sources. None were identified but many of the screened accessions possessed markers of known root-knot nematode and reniform nematode resistance. The emerging guava root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne enterolobii, GRKN) is a risk for upland cotton production, and identifying host plant resistance would greatly reduce the yield losses for growers. Assays were conducted on the currently available RN and RKN resistance sources inoculated with GRKN. No known nematode resistance gene suppressed GRKN infection, indicating that work must be done to protect crops from the eventual discovery of GRKN in Mississippi fields. Using the same resistance sources, tests were conducted to determine if the currently available resistances to RKN and RN offer any suppression of secondary infection of non-target nematode species for resistance. This is referred to as systemic acquired resistance, which is the induction of non-specific plant defense. Assays found that early inoculation with the nematode targeted by resistance did not effect infection by a secondary nematode species.

The second volume of the IMPD series describes aspects related to the most important phytoparasitic nematodes, considering the integration of biological control methods with other management practices and technologies, including the use of predatory nematodes and microbial rhizosphere antagonists. A focus is given on regional issues. A review on nematode management in cotton is integrated by a chapter on management of nematodes on wheat. New technologies are also revised.

Highlighting the use of biocontrol agents as an alternative to chemical pesticides in the management of plant parasitic nematodes, this book reviews the current progress and developments in the field. Tactful and successful exploitation of each biocontrol agent, i.e. nematophagous fungi, parasitic bacteria, predaceous mites, rhizobacteria, mycorrhiza and predaceous nematodes, has been described separately. The contributors are 23 eminent nematologists and their information has been compiled in 19 chapters.

Nematode worms are among the most ubiquitous organisms on earth. They include free-living forms as well as parasites of plants, insects, humans and other animals. In recent years, there has been an explosion of interest in nematode biology, including the area of nematode behavior. The latter has, however, until now, not been synthesized into a single comprehensive volume. Nematode Behaviour seeks to redress this imbalance by providing the first comprehensive review of current knowledge of the behavior of nematodes. Key topics including locomotion and orientation, feeding and reproductive behavior, and biotic and abiotic interactions are reviewed by leading authorities from the USA, UK, India and New Zealand.

Advances in Botanical Research publishes in-depth and up-to-date reviews on a wide range of topics in plant sciences. Currently in its 73rd volume, the series features several reviews by recognized experts on all aspects of plant genetics, biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, physiology and ecology. This thematic volume features reviews on molecular and developmental aspects of the compatible plant-nematode interaction. The contributors all actively work in the field of molecular genetics and genomics of plant parasitic nematodes and nematode feeding sites. Reviews focus on molecular and physiological aspects of nematode feeding site development and includes specific chapters on nematode effectors as well as plant responses. - Publishes in-depth and up-to-date reviews on a wide range of topics in plant sciences - This volume features reviews of the fast moving field of compatible interaction between plants and sedentary endo-parasitic nematodes - A strong focus on molecular and physiological aspects of nematode feeding site development and includes specific chapters on nematode effectors as well as plant responses

"Biochar is the carbon-rich product when biomass (such as wood, manure, or crop residues) is heated in a closed container with little or no available air. It can be used to improve agriculture and the environment in several ways, and its stability in soil and superior nutrient-retention properties make it an ideal soil amendment to increase crop yields. In addition to this, biochar sequestration, in combination with sustainable biomass production, can be carbon-negative and therefore used to actively remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, with major implications for mitigation of climate change. Biochar production can also be combined with bioenergy production through the use of the gases that are given off in the pyrolysis process.This book is the first to synthesize the expanding research literature on this topic. The book's interdisciplinary approach, which covers engineering, environmental sciences, agricultural sciences, economics and policy, is a vital tool at this stage of biochar technology development. This comprehensive overview of current knowledge will be of interest to advanced students, researchers and professionals in a wide range of disciplines"--Provided by publisher.

The second half of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century witnessed important changes in ecology, climate and human behaviour that favoured the development of urban pests. Most alarmingly, urban planners now face the dramatic expansion of urban sprawl, in which city suburbs are growing into the natural habitats of ticks, rodents and other pests. Also, many city managers now erroneously assume that pest-borne diseases are relics of the past. All these changes make timely a new analysis of the direct and indirect effects of present-day urban pests on health. Such an analysis should lead to the development of strategies to manage them and reduce the risk of exposure. To this end, WHO invited international experts in various fields - pests, pest-related diseases and pest management - to provide evidence on which to base policies. These experts identified the public health risk posed by various pests and appropriate measures to prevent and control them. This book presents their conclusions and formulates policy options for all levels of decision-making to manage pests and pest-related diseases in the future. [Ed.]