Plant Sciences Reviews 2012 provides scientists and students with analysis on key topics in current research, including plant diseases, genetics, climate impacts, biofuels and postharvest. Experts such as Frances Seymour, Roger Jones, Paul Christou and Errol Hewitt provide incisive reviews of their fields. Originally published online in CAB Reviews, this volume makes available in printed form the reviews in plant science published during 2012.

Animal Science Reviews 2012 provides scientists and students in animal science with timely analysis on key topics in current research. Originally published online in CAB Reviews, this volume makes available in printed form the reviews in animal science published during 2012.

Over seven chapters, this book helps readers to integrate knowledge of plant anatomy, physiology, and morphogenesis as well as consider the conditions of the different environments to which plants are exposed. It highlights the importance of knowledge of the anatomy of plant tissues for different applications. In addition to the variety of physiological studies presented here, the book also emphasizes anatomical studies in botanical quality control of medicinal herbs with human health benefits. It is reflected in this book that studies on plant structure have greatly benefited from the new approaches and techniques available today.

First discovered as fungal metabolites, the gibberellins were recognised as plant hormones over 50 years ago. They regulate reproductive development in all vascular plants, while their role in flowering plants has broadened to include also the regulation of growth and other developmental processes. This timely book covers the substantial and impressive recent advances in our understanding of the gibberellins and their roles in plant development, including the biosynthesis, inactivation, transport, perception and signal transduction of these important hormones. An introductory chapter traces the history of gibberellin research, describing the many discoveries that form the basis for the recent progress. The exciting emerging evidence for the interaction of gibberellin signalling with that of the other hormones is critically evaluated. The occurrence of gibberellins in fungal, bacterial and lower plant species is also discussed, with emphasis on evolution. Manipulation of gibberellin metabolism and signal transduction through chemical or genetic intervention has been an important aspect of crop husbandry for many years. The reader is presented with important information on the advances in applying gibberellin research in agriculture and horticulture. Annual Plant Reviews, Volume 49: The Gibberellins is an important resource for plant geneticists and biochemists, as well as agricultural and horticultural research workers, advanced students of plant science and university lecturers in related disciplines. It is an essential addition to the shelves of university and research institute libraries and agricultural and horticultural institutions teaching and researching plant science.

Plant Biochemistry focuses on the molecular and cellular aspects of each major metabolic pathway and sets these within the context of the whole plant. Using examples from biomedical, environmental, industrial and agricultural applications, it shows how a fundamental understanding of plant biochemistry can be used to address real-world issues. It illustrates how plants impact human activity and success, in terms of their importance as a food supply and as raw materials for industrial and pharmaceutical products, and considers how humans can benefit from exploiting plant biochemical pathways. All chapters in this second edition have been substantially revised to incorporate the latest research developments, and case studies include updates on progress in developing novel plants and plant products. The artwork, now in full color, superbly illustrates the key concepts and mechanisms presented throughout. Key features: Presents each topic from the cellular level to the ecological and environmental levels, placing it in the context of the whole plant. Biochemical pathways are represented as route maps, showing how one reaction interacts with another both within and across pathways. Includes comprehensive reading lists with descriptive notes to enable students to conduct their own research into topics they wish to explore further The wide-ranging approach of this book emphasizes the importance of teaching and learning plant biochemical pathways within the framework of what the pathway does and why it is needed. Illustrates the fundamental significance of plants, in terms of their importance as a food supply, as raw materials and as sources of novel products. Plant Biochemistry is invaluable to undergraduate students who wish to gain insight into the relevance of plant metabolism in relation to current research questions and world challenges. It should also prove to be a suitable reference text for graduates and researchers who are new to the topic or who wish to broaden their understanding of the range of biochemical pathways in plants.

The development of phosphorus (P)-efficient crop varieties is urgently needed to reduce agriculture's current over-reliance on expensive, environmentally destructive, non-renewable and inefficient P-containing fertilizers. The sustainable management of P in agriculture necessitates an exploitation of P-adaptive traits that will enhance the P-acquisition and P-use efficiency of crop plants. Action in this area is crucial to ensure sufficient food production for the world’s ever-expanding population, and the overall economic success of agriculture in the 21st century. This informative and up-to-date volume presents pivotal research directions that will facilitate the development of effective strategies for bioengineering P-efficient crop species. The 14 chapters reflect the expertise of an international team of leading authorities in the field, who review information from current literature, develop novel hypotheses, and outline key areas for future research. By evaluating aspects of vascular plant and green algal P uptake and metabolism, this book provides insights as to how plants sense, acquire, recycle, scavenge and use P, particularly under the naturally occurring condition of soluble inorganic phosphate deficiency that characterises the vast majority of unfertilised soils, worldwide. The reader is provided with a full appreciation of the diverse information concerning plant P-starvation responses, as well as the crucial role that plant–microbe interactions play in plant P acquisition. Annual Plant Reviews, Volume 48: Phosphorus Metabolism in Plants is an important resource for plant geneticists, biochemists and physiologists, as well as horticultural and environmental research workers, advanced students of plant science and university lecturers in related disciplines. It is an essential addition to the shelves of university and research institute libraries and agricultural and ecological institutions teaching and researching plant science.

The volume presents existing and novel management approaches that are in use or have a great potential to be used to maintain the postharvest quality of fresh produce in terms of microbiological safety, nutrition, and sensory quality. In comparison to traditional synthetic chemicals, these eco-friendly molecules are equally effective with respect to slowing the physiological and biochemical changes in harvested produce. Application of terpenic compounds, phenolic compounds, salicylic acid, methyl jasmonates, hydrogen peroxide, ethanol, sulphur compounds, polyamines, plant growth regulators, active carbohydrates, ozone, hexanal and nitric oxide have been proven effective in minimizing storage disorders like chilling injury, scald, fungal diseases like stem-end rot, blue mould rot, green mould rot, anthracnose, regulation of ripening and senescence, etc. This book will be a standard reference work for the management of shelf life in the fresh produce industry.