Book Description

This is a book for everyone interested in photosynthesis. The algae are a fascinating group of photosynthetic organisms ranging from some of the largest organisms on our planet down to the microscopic. Much of their diversity rests on their wide-ranging photosynthetic systems. Yet despite an explosion in our knowledge over the last decade, there has been no single book devoted to detailed aspects of algal photosynthesis for over twenty-five years. This book introduces the reader to algal diversity as currently understood and then traces the photosynthetic structures and mechanisms that contribute so much to making the algae unique. Indeed the field is now so large that no one expert can hope to cover it all. The 19 articles are each written by experts in their area; ranging over all the essential aspects and making for a comprehensive coverage of the whole field. Important developments in molecular biology, especially transformation mutants in Chlamydomonas, are dealt with, as well as areas important to global climate change, carbon dioxide exchange, light harvesting, energy transduction, biotechnology and many others. The book is intended for use by graduate students and beginning researchers in the areas of molecular and cell biology, integrative biology, plant biology, biochemistry and biophysics, biotechnology, global ecology, and phycology. ... Read more

Book Description

A quick pick-me-up or a subtle beverage with an aroma that conjures up images of special moments shared with special people?
There's more to coffee than that. Apart from being a beautiful tree with fragrant flowers, coffee is also a culture, practically a religion to a certain elite and certainly a source of income to millions of people, rich and poor alike.
Coffee professionals around the world will find the specific information they need in this lavishly illustrated and practical work designed to answer all their questions about the coffee plant and how it is grown, harvested, processed and refined.
Specialists and experienced professionals were consulted and some 40 renowned international experts have contributed their specific knowledge and expertise to this comprehensive handbook, covering such topics as:
* Growing
* Pests, diseases, and their control
* Harvesting and processing
* Storage, shipment, quality
* The latest economical and technological aspects.
In addition, special indexes demystify such confusing data as information sources, conversion tables and other technicalities. With its 40 chapters, over 1000 pages and 900 superb illustrations, this is a universally reliable manual, providing basic guidelines and recommendations applicable everywhere, and not geared to any specific country.
... Read more

From the Publisher

New Fifth Edition of the premier work on advanced hydroponics.

A complete manual and an encyclopedic reference work on soilless food production. Technically comprehensive with nearly 400 photographs and detailed drawings on every form of hydroponics for temperate, tropical, or cold climates.

A state-of-the-art work widely used by advanced home gardeners and by professional hydroponic growers. Well organized with impeccable academic and professional credentials. Illustrated. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Hydroponic Food Production
Outstanding book full of usefull information and data in setting up and operation of large scale hydroponics farms but the information will aid the smaller scale operations this book is a must for the smaller greenhouse hydroponic grower.

Hydroponic Food production
I found this book to be excellently written with informative, down to earth material, photo's and illustrations of most of the newer hydroponic systems that are now being used in commercial applications.

I got the impression that the author has a lot of background experience and knows the hydroponic field very well.

Excellent-pity illustrations are in black and white.
I was convinced to buy this book by your reader reviews but I was disappointed to receive a black and white version (according to your comment on a previous reader's review only an older out of print version comes in b&w).Content is, however,excellent-very comprehensive and well worth having!

Tengo la edición en castellano: "Cultivos Hidropónicos 4/Ed"
Soy un iniciado en el cultivo hidropónico, y con este libro he logrado el apoyo necesario para estimular mi emprendimiento. Dentro de poco, obtendré la primer cosecha y llegaré al autor para acercarle los resultados. Lo felicito por la claridad y simplicidad alcanzada en todos los temas tratados, de por sí complejos para los neófitos como yo. Resalto el capítulo referido a "Cultivo en Agua" !!!

Excellent Reference
This is an excellent book for anybody considering the commerical applications of hydroponics. It covers in detail different hydroponic methods and discusses the differences, advantages, and disadvantages of each. Well illustrated and includes a complete bibliography. ... Read more

Book Description

Plants for Tropical Landscapes will help you select and group plants to create a successful tropical garden tailored to your needs and tastes.Gardeners and landscapers will find this treasury of more than 500 common plants easy to use and one of the most comprehensive guides available today.

Plants are organized by size (ground covers, low shrubs, medium shrubs, small trees) and are fully illustrated with more than 600 color photographs to aid in their identification.The book presents guidelines on plant characteristics, soil and water requirements, and suggested landscape use for each species.In addition, appendices list plants suitable for special uses (xeriscapes, windbreaks, night gardens) and sites (beach gardens, lanai, and houseplants). ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Plants for Tropical Landscapes - a Gardener's Guide
Plants for Tropical Landscapes addresses everything from ground covers to Palms, Xeriscape to lanais. It contains an impressive number of plants and its simple format makes it a joy to read. The book is clearly organized by the size of the plant, starting from the smallest (ground covers) and working its way up to largest plants in a tropical garden (trees over 50'). Along with beautiful color photographs, the physical characteristics of each plant, light and moisture requirements, preferred soil, wind, drought, and salt tolerance are all given. The authors also suggest practical ways the plants could be used in a tropical setting. This book does not bog the reader down with too many details, but gives everything necessary to plant your tropical garden. ... Read more

Book Description

This third edition of "Agriscience: Fundamentals & Applications," is the agriscience textbook of tomorrow.This edition strengthens both science and technology components in agricultural education for the new millennium. It carefully takes students through all major science areas - from plant, animal sciences, to food science, and environmental technology, andadds many new applications for practical usage and understanding of the material. Scientific discoveries and internet icons enhance the full-color text, giving students of today the foundation they need to be the agriculturists, scientists, and innovators of tomorrow. ... Read more

Book Description

Plants convert inorganic nitrogen into amino acids, the building blocks for proteins. They also make a wide range of other nitrogen compounds to help protect themselves from pests and diseases. An understanding of these compounds can therefore help in devising better crop protection and production methods. This volume contains essays by scientists who have studied aspects of plant nitrogen nutrition and amino acid biosynthesis. There are chapters on protein amino acids, nonprotein amino acids, betaines, glutathione, polyamines, and other secondary metabolites derived from amino acids. The results of these studies will be of interest to graduate students and professionals in biochemistry and botany. ... Read more

Book Description

Plant Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Second Edition Edited by Peter J. Lea Department of Biological Sciences, Lancaster University, UK and Richard C. Leegood Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, UK As research in plant metabolism and molecular biology continues to make great progress it has become essential for plant scientists to have an overview of both disciplines, which are becoming increasingly complementary in understanding plant function. Drawing on their own teaching and research experience, the editors and contributors have provided a timely, comprehensive and generously illustrated new edition of this successful introductory textbook. All of the chapters have been updated and revised, and a new chapter on secondary metabolism has been included. Plant Biochemistry and Molecular Biology will be invaluable to undergraduate and postgraduate students in the plant sciences and to all those requiring an introduction to current concepts in molecular plant science. Reviews of the First Edition "The aim of the editors to blend plant biochemistry with molecular biology is successfully reached and provided a new, well written text book which is easy to read." Journal of Plant Physiology "The contributing chapters are well written with clear illustrations and I would expect undergraduates, to whom this book is primarily targeted, to enjoy using it." New Phytologist "The evident teaching experience of the authors make this textbook a useful aid to students and researchers." Photosynthetica What the lecturers said about the First Edition: "A very useful text with a good balance of traditional biochemistry and molecular biology. Its usefulness is enhanced by a very clear and visually pleasing layout and the generally high quality and clarity of the writing." "A surprising amount of information in an easily accessible format." "Good coverage and depth. I'm not aware of any other book that deals with this material so well as this one. It addresses a real need in plant science teaching." ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Plant Molecular Biology
Dear Sir: I am a plant Molecular Biologist and develop transgenic plants. I am looking for a suitable book for my undergraduate, biology majors- on this subject and will be glad to review this book.

Dr. O. Bagasra, MD, PhD ... Read more

Book Description

The Color Atlas of Turfgrass Diseases presents over 450 high-quality color photographs of all the major turfgrass diseases that occur on both warm- and cool-season grasses, and it is international in scope. This one-of-a-kind book will become the standard color guide to disease diagnosis and pathogen identification for all golf course superintendents and turfgrass practitioners. No other book contains as many detailed color photographs of this quality. Numerous photographs of each disease are provided. The Color Atlas of Turfgrass Diseases also includes step-by-step color photo guidance on diagnostic techniques for laboratory analysis that can be used by practitioners. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Only in Japan
I bought this book hoping to increase my knowledge of turf grass disease identification. The book is very in depth and informative but most of the pictures are from golf courses in Japan. Since most of the disease I see is on residential properties, they dont look anything like the pictures in the book. Most of those were taken on putting greens on Japanese bent grass. Its a good book, but not if your working with tall fescue. ... Read more

Book Description

A foundational textbook on the scientific principles of therapeutic herbalism and their application in medicine.

* A complete handbook for the medical practitioner.

* Includes the most up-to-date information on preparations, dosage, and contraindications.

* By the author of The Complete Illustrated Holistic Herbal.

Medical Herbalism contains comprehensive information concerning the identification and use of medicinal plants by chemical structure and physiological effect, the art and science of making herbal medicine, the limitations and potential of viewing herbs chemically, and the challenge to current research paradigms posed by complex plant medicines. It also includes information on toxicology and contraindications, the issues involved in determining dosage and formulation types for an individual, guides to the different measurement systems and conversion tables, and the pros and cons of both industrial and traditional techniques.

With additional sections devoted to the principles of green medicine, the history of Western Herbalism, the variety of other medical modalities using medicinal plants, an extensive resource directory, and a discussion of treatments organized by body system, Medical Herbalism is the comprehensive textbook all students and practitioners of clinical herbalism need to develop their healing practices. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Recommended for college-level health collections
The science and practice and medical herbalism is covered in a weighty textbook covering the scientific principles of therapeutic herbalism and their application to medicine. Author Avid Hoffmann has several decades of experience in herbal practice and lends scientific authority to Medical Herbalism: Principles And Practices, which offers details on plants, chemical structures, physiological effects, and the craft of making herbal potions and medicines. No casual coverage, this is recommended for college-level health collections interested in serious science and health.

Herbal Medicine Bible
I've never seen another book on herbal medicine that is as exhaustive and comprehensive as this one. It oges to far as to illustrate the active biochemical components of the different herbal elements. The book is orgainized based on the different body systems. It describes how to identify the compounds and their souces. For anyone serious about herbal medicine this book is an essential addition for a professional library.

I organize an international conference -- The Winter Brain, Optimal Functioning and Positive Psychology meeting that routinely includes lectures on herbal medicine. This book will be very well received by our professional attendees. ... Read more

Book Description

This is a classic textbook on plant diseases: how to recognize them, treat them, and prevent them. It is thoroughly updated and revised by the addition of color plates, new references, and a larger, more easily accessible format. Plant Pathology, Fourth Edition, continues to be the most complete resource that students, faculty, and professionals turn to when in need of well-organized, essential information regarding the pathology of plants. Vital information, comprehensive coverage, and authoritative details make this the text that should be on the bookshelf of every plant scientist in need of a reference on plant disease.

* Thoroughly revised and updated, including 30% more new material
* The latest basic information on molecular techniques and biological control
Comprehensive in coverage
* Numerous excellent new diagrams and photographs that now also include a new section of color plates
* New enlarged format
* A large variety of disease examples for instructors to choose for their course ... Read more

Reviews (3)

The Plant Pathology book used worldwide
Plant Pathology by George N. Agrios covers the most important aspects of this science. In my opinion, besides the good information, the disease cycles are very illustrative. I am sure that it will continue to be the most important book in Plant Pathology worldwide.

The bible for plant pathologists
It is the best and most up to date book on plant pathology. It is the bible of plant pathology. It looks into life cycles, symptoms, history and control of diseases. It is mainly concerned with diseases caused by fungi but also looks at diseases caused by bacteria or nematodes. It is an excellent book in that it covers different aspects of plant pathology and all the information are up to date.

The best book available on general Plant Pathology
I think the title says it all. If you are looking for a book on general Plant Pathology this one has to be your first choice.... ... Read more

Book Description

This exciting new entry into the Botany market will be welcomed with open arms. It is intended for non-science majors, but can be used to teach Introductory Botany at virtually any level. Key features include a stunning new art program and engaging writing style from this well-respected author team. ... Read more

Book Description

This is an exciting time to produce an overview of the systematics and evolution of the fungi. Molecular and subcellular characters have given us our first view of the true phylogeny of the fungi. The systematic chapters present detailed illustrated treatments of specific fungal groups with the authors' interpretation of the systematics of that group as well as a survey of specific economic, ecological, morphological, ultrastructural, molecular and cultural data. Other chapters, in addition to treating techniques useful in modern mycology, provide the reader with views of the place of the fungi among the Eukaryotes and relationships within the Mycota. Volume VII, Part A, includes an overview of the fungal hierarchy, Pseudomycota, Chytridiomycota, Zygomycota, Ascomycota and their yeasts, and anamorphic states. Volume VII, Part B, includes the Basidiomycota and their yeasts, and chapters on speciation, molecular evolution, preservation, computer techniques, and nomenclature. ... Read more

Book Description

Freshwater algae are among the most diverse and ubiquitous organisms on earth.They occupy an enormous range of ecological conditions from lakes and rivers to acidic peat swamps, inland saline lakes, snow and ice, damp soils, wetlands, desert soils, wastewater treatment plants, and are symbionts in and on many plants, fungi, and animals.In North America, the variety of freshwater habitats colonized by algae is very rich, and offers an enormous and fascinating range of environments for their study.They form the base of most aquatic food webs and are critical to studies of ecosystem health.Algal ecologists and taxonomists play an important role in the understanding of aquatic ecosystems: their biodiversity, productivity, interactions with other organisms, and water quality.This book provides in one volume a practical and comprehensive guide to the genera of freshwater algae known from North America.The format combines the necessary ecological, taxonomic and methodological information for all scientists working in aquatic environments, whether their specialty is in environmental monitoring and water quality assessment, biological composition, ecology, evolution, or molecular biology.

Key Features
* The first complete accounting of North America's freshwater algal genera in more than 50 years
* Includes a guide to the current literature on species identification in each group of algae
* High-quality photographs and drawings of more than 770 genera
* A clear, easy-to-use introductory key to the diagnostic chapters
* Synthetic chapters on freshwater habitats, use of algae in environmental assessment, and control of nuisance algae
* Contributions from 27 experts in all areas of freshwater algae
* Extensive literature citations
* Companion volume of Ecology and Classification of North American Freshwater Invertebrates 2nd edition, edited by Throp and Covich ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A Much Needed Updating of Smith
It has been over 50 years since the last edition (1950) of Smith's "Freshwater Algae of the United States" and much has changed in our knowledge of the classification of the "Algae". These are now known to contain several quite different organisms from Euglena to Chara and from diatoms to desmids and Spirogyra. The flora is huge and often poorly known. Thus it was with some enthusiasm that I welcomed the publication of this massive tome. A much-needed updating of Smith's classic book and more, it contains numerous black and white photos and drawings, plus extensive bibliographies for each chapter. I also much appreciate the keys, having been involved in writing several for spider genera. The only down side is the rather high price, which is quite a bit more than its companion volume on freshwater invertebrates.

I don't fault this book for lack of color because that might have easily made it even more expensive. If you want to see color photos of algae, and indeed very good ones, try "Freshwater Algae: Their Microscopic World Explored" by Hilda Canter-Lund and her husband J. W. Lund.

Despite the cost, I recommend this book as essential for anyone trying to understand the North American freshwater algal flora.

Review
One thing I look for in a book are color photos from "the wild". I didn't see any of that, but there's plenty of information to go through and lots of references for further study. ... Read more

Book Description

Thoroughly revised, this edition summarizes the field of fungal physiology from a dynamic, experimental perspective. Integrates molecular genetics with biochemistry and development of fungi. Reorganized into 14 chapters it describes the latest contemporary experimental approaches to fungal research as well as future developments. ... Read more

Book Description

This competency-based, introductory horticulture book is now in its sixth edition.Written in an easy-to-read, engaging style, it enables users to measure their progress. This book includes numerous illustrations to help reinforce written material. It provides a thorough introduction to the world of horticulture. This latest edition includes new chapters on water gardens, dish gardens, and prairie gardens for the more adventuresome gardener. ... Read more

Book Description

Presents readers with a user-friendly, non-technical introduction to statistics and the principles of plant and crop experimentation. Avoiding mathematical jargon, it explains how to plan and design an experiment, analyse results, interpret computer output and present findings. Using specific crop and plant case studies, this guide presents:

• The reasoning behind each statistical method is explained before giving relevant, practical examples
• Step-by-step calculations with examples linked to three computer packages (MINITAB, GENSTAT and SAS)
• Exercises at the end of many chapters
• Advice on presenting results and report writing

Book Description

Vegetation Mapping Edited by Roy Alexander Environment Research Group, Department of Geography, Chester College, UK and Andrew C. Millington Department of Geography, University of Leicester, UK The past decade has witnessed a resurgence of interest and activity in the mapping of vegetation that has been driven by the needs of environmental modellers and policy makers on the one hand and by the increased availability of data sets and sophisticated tools for their handling and analysis on the other. This increased activity, together with the greater variety of purposes for which vegetation maps are being produced, has led to a divergence of approaches, a wider range of entities being mapped and a more varied audience of end users. Over the same time period the researcher interested in vegetation mapping has had to consult an ever-broadening range of sources in order to keep abreast of developments in the field. This book seeks to provide a review of recent developments in vegetation mapping and the purposes for which it is carried out by bringing together a series of case studies covering techniques and their applications at a range of spatial scales. The work included covers scales of enquiry from the quadrat to the biome, studies based on data gathered from ground, air and space, and applications of mapping in temperate, semi arid and tropical environments. Issues involved in the use of data sets from different sources, the recognition and handling of error and the effects of scale are also given detailed consideration. The volume concludes with a review of contemporary approaches to vegetation mapping and the identification of some key research questions. Vegetation Mapping will thus serve as a collected source of reference on techniques and approaches for the researcher while providing a rich variety of case study and methodological information for postgraduate students and undergraduates following specialist courses. ... Read more

Book Description

The most comprehensive guide to the botany, history, distribution, and cultivation of all known psychoactive plants.

• Examines 414 psychoactive plants and related substances.

• Explores how using psychoactive plants in a culturally sanctioned context can produce important insights into the nature of reality.

• Contains 800 color photographs and 670 black-and-white illustrations.

In the traditions of every culture, plants have been highly valued for their nourishing, healing, and transformative properties. The most powerful plants--those known to transport the human mind into other dimensions of consciousness--have traditionally been regarded as sacred. In The Encyclopedia of Psychoactive Plants Christian Ratsch details the botany, history, distribution, cultivation, and preparation and dosage of more than 400 psychoactive plants. He discusses their ritual and medicinal usage, cultural artifacts made from these plants, and works of art that either represent or have been inspired by them. The author begins with 168 of the most well-known psychoactives--such as cannabis, datura, and papaver--then presents 133 lesser known substances as well as additional plants known as "legal highs," plants known only from mythological contexts and literature, and plant products that include substances such as ayahuasca, incense, and soma. The text is lavishly illustrated with 800 color photographs--many of which are from the author's extensive fieldwork around the world--showing the people, ceremonies, and art related to the ritual use of the world's sacred psychoactives. ... Read more