This manual is principally concerned with the small molecules produced by plants. It covers aspects of theirrole in plant ecology, their metabolism in the plant, their discovery, characterization and use and their significance in the diet.

Approx.798 pages

This book is principally concerned with the relatively complex small molecules produced by plants, which are important as drugs, fine chemicals, fragrances, flavours and biologically-active dietary constituents. In a wide-ranging series of thematic essays, it covers key aspects of their role in plant ecology, their metabolism in the plant, their discovery, characterisation and use and their significance in the diet. Biotechnology, including prospects for the genetic engineering of metabolic pathways, for biotransformations and also for the production of biologically-active proteins, is the focus of the final section of the book. The overall aim of the volume is to provide, in each of the selected subject areas, a personal critique which is readily accessible to the advanced undergraduate student and to the non-specialist research worker alike.

It is impossible in a single volume to deal comprehensively with all classes of secondary plant compounds. In the earlier series of this Encyclopedia emphasis was laid on the isoprenoids and plant phenols. While these compounds have not been neglected in the present volume we have attempted to achieve a more balanced presentation by drawing attention to the importance of nitrogenous secondary metabolites such as the alkaloids, amines and non-protein amino acids. Most of the compounds or groups of compounds included in Volume 8 are of restricted distribution within the plant kingdom and wherever possible we have provided information concerning their chemistry, biochemistry, taxonomic signifi cance and probable ecological roles. Secondary compounds cannot be defined in terms of restricted distribution, however, nor can they be defined without refer ence to the plants in which they occur, as it is possible that a given compound occurring in two species may have a primary role in one and not in the other. As our knowledge of biochemistry increases we shall no doubt find it necessary to revise our ideas concerning the roles of a great many of the compounds which are found in plants.

It is impossible in a single volume to deal comprehensively with all classes of secondary plant compounds. In the earlier series of this Encyclopedia emphasis was laid on the isoprenoids and plant phenols. While these compounds have not been neglected in the present volume we have attempted to achieve a more balanced presentation by drawing attention to the importance of nitrogenous secondary metabolites such as the alkaloids, amines and non-protein amino acids. Most of the compounds or groups of compounds included in Volume 8 are of restricted distribution within the plant kingdom and wherever possible we have provided information concerning their chemistry, biochemistry, taxonomic signifi cance and probable ecological roles. Secondary compounds cannot be defined in terms of restricted distribution, however, nor can they be defined without refer ence to the plants in which they occur, as it is possible that a given compound occurring in two species may have a primary role in one and not in the other. As our knowledge of biochemistry increases we shall no doubt find it necessary to revise our ideas concerning the roles of a great many of the compounds which are found in plants.

The increase in global population, urbanization and industrialization is resulting in the conversion of cultivated land into wasteland. Providing food from these limited resources to an ever-increasing population is one of the biggest challenges that present agriculturalists and plant scientists are facing. Environmental stresses make this situation even graver. Plants on which mankind is directly or indirectly dependent exhibit various mechanisms for their survival. Adaptability of the plants to changing environment is a matter of concern for plant biologists trying to reach the goal of food security. Despite the induction of several tolerance mechanisms, sensitive plants often fail to withstand these environmental extremes. Using new technological approaches has become essential and imperative. Plant-Environment Interaction: Responses and Approaches to Mitigate Stress throws light on the changing environment and the sustainability of plants under these conditions. It contains the most up-to-date research and comprehensive detailed discussions in plant physiology, climate change, agronomy and forestry, sometimes from a molecular point of view, to convey in-depth understanding of the effects of environmental stress in plants, their responses to the environment, how to mitigate the negative effects and improve yield under stress. This edited volume is written by expert plant biologists from around the world, providing invaluable knowledge to graduate and undergraduate students in plant biochemistry, food chemistry, plant physiology, molecular biology, plant biotechnology, and environmental sciences. This book updates scientists and researchers with the very latest information and sustainable methods used for stress tolerance, which will also be of considerable interest to plant based companies and institutions concerned with the campaign of food security.