This book was written in response to significant recent advances in understanding the mechanisms of parasitism in the Orobanchaceae, and breakthroughs in the control of the parasitic weeds Striga and Orobanche. It consists of 26 contributions by internationally recognized leading scientists. The main book chapters are grouped into two parts: · Part I – The Orobanchaceae and Their Parasitic Mechanisms · Part II – The Weedy Orobanchaceae and Their Control The first part provides cutting-edge information on all key aspects of plant parasitism, such as the structure, development and function of the haustorium; nutrient transfer and the physiology of the parasite-host association; host reaction to parasitic plants; seed production and germination; the strigolactones and host-parasite signaling mechanisms; the parasite genome, phylogenetics, evolution and epigenetics; and ecology. Topics of the second part include: the problem posed by the weedy parasites; population diversity and dynamics; molecular diagnosis of seed banks; and detailed discussion of the various management strategies, including agronomic, chemical and biotechnological approaches, as well as host breeding for resistance, allelopathy and biological control. This book is intended for plant scientists, university lecturers and students, agronomists and weed specialists, breeders and farmers, extension personnel and experts in tropical and subtropical agriculture.

Presents and collates information on all types of haustoria and is designed as a standard reference for work in this field. The ultrastructure and function of haustoria are discussed and the different morphological types of angiosperms, fungi and vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizae are examined.

Parasitic flowering plants are strikingly impressive and beautiful and hold many surprises of both general and scientific interest. Parasites also have great influence on the quality of human life when attacking crop plants. Some parasites have since early times appealed to our imagination and have been part of religious or folkloristic events and used as gifts to royalties. This beautifully illustrated book covers all parasitic families and most of the genera. It also discusses the establishment of the parasite, the structure and function of the nutrient absorption organ (haustorium), and how the parasites are pollinated and dispersed as well as their ecology, hosts, and evolution. The book is written in a mostly non-technical language and is provided with a glossary and explanatory boxes. For additional information about this book, including some sample photographs, as well as a list of corrections that have been incorporated in the 2011 reprint, please visit the author's web site. Parasitic Flowering Plants was nominated by The Council on Botanical and Horticultural Libraries for the 2010 Annual Award for a Significant Work in Botanical or Horticular Literature, in the category ‘Technical Interest’. More information.

- The data gathered can be used to solve a wide range of problems - for basic science and applied science

Model organisms represent an invaluable resource for fundamental and applied research, allowing the identification of the mechanistic basis of evolutionary innovations. This article collection will showcase studies of established as well as emerging Model Organisms in Plant Developmental Biology - their effectiveness and limitations, that have significance to the field broadly, including EvoDevo. Classically used for genetic and molecular studies in Plant Biology, model organisms are progressively entering many subdisciplines within Plant Development and EvoDevo. Recent advancements in the fast-growing field of plant model organisms, and their hugely increased phylogenetic breadth and availability of genomes and transgenic techniques, have led to a burst of innovative ideas and synthesis in recent publications spanning the range from an analysis of fossils to single-cell sequencing. However, it also raises the question of how broad is the application of knowledge gained from these studies, and its relevance to the field of Plant Development and EvoDevo. To address those questions, this research topic focuses on new insights, latest discoveries, current challenges, and future perspectives in the study of model organisms and how much knowledge gained from them can be extrapolated broadly. Authors are encouraged to identify the greatest unifying concepts in their sub-disciplines, and the challenges, emerging from the use of model plants, as well as to put forward potential solutions to address those challenges.

This book covers many facets of plant selenium (Se) accumulation: molecular genetics, biochemistry, physiology, and ecological and evolutionary aspects. Broader impacts and applications of plant Se accumulation also receive attention. Plant Se accumulation is very relevant for environmental and human health. Selenium is both essential at low levels and toxic at high levels, and both Se deficiency and toxicity are problems worldwide. Selenium can positively affect crop productivity and nutritional value. Plants may also be used to clean up excess environmental Se. Selenium in plants has profound ecological impact, and likely contributes to Se movement in ecosystems and global Se cycling.