Turmeric
Turmeric

Author: P. N. Ravindran

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2007-03-01

Total Pages: 506

ISBN-13: 1420006320

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

For the last 6000 years turmeric has been used in Ayurvedic medicine to alleviate pain, balance digestion, purify body and mind, clear skin diseases, expel phlegm, and invigorate the blood. Nowadays, this plant has acquired great importance with its anti-aging, anti-cancer, anti-Altzheimer, antioxidant, and a variety of other medicinal properties.

Allelopathy in Ecological Agriculture and Forestry
Allelopathy in Ecological Agriculture and Forestry

Author: S.S. Narwal

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-12-06

Total Pages: 259

ISBN-13: 9401141738

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The rapidly growing human population has increased the dependence on fossil fuel based agrochemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides to produce the required agricultural and forestry products. This has exerted a great pressure on the non renewable fossil fuel resources, which cannot last indefinitely. Besides, indiscriminate use ofpesticides for pests (weeds, insects, nematodes, pathogens) control has resulted in serious ecological and environmental problems viz. , (A) Increasing incidence of resistance in pest organisms to important pesticides. (B) Shift in pests population, particulary in weeds and insects. In weeds, species that are more closely related to the crops they infest have developed. In insects, scenario is most grim, the predators have been killed and minor insect pests have become major pests and require very heavy doses ofhighly toxic insecticides for their control. (C) Greater environmental pollution and health hazards (a) particularly from contamination of surface and underground drinking water resources and (b) from their inhalation during handling and application. (D) Toxic residues of pesticides pollute the environment and may prove hazardous to even our future generations. (E) Some agricultural commodities may contain minute quantities ofpesticides residues, with long tenn adverse effects on human and livestock health. Therefore, serious ecological questions about the reliance on pesticides for pests control has been raised. The use of fertilizers, besides causing environmental problems has also impoverished the soil health and decreased the beneficial soil fauna. For example, in some major crop rotations viz.

The Coconut Palm (Cocos nucifera L.) - Research and Development Perspectives
The Coconut Palm (Cocos nucifera L.) - Research and Development Perspectives

Author: V. Krishnakumar

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2019-02-15

Total Pages: 834

ISBN-13: 9811327548

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Since the publication of "The coconut palm - A monograph" in 1960, considerable information has been accrued on the crop through work at research institutes, international organisations and development agencies. Although coconut cultivation is spread over 93 countries, providing employment and creating livelihood opportunities to 64 million families around the globe, smallholder coconut farmers are now facing numerous challenges. The wide gap between the potential and actual yield is a major concern, and as such it is necessary to disseminate knowledge in order to implement research findings. Coconut research in India, one of the leading coconut producing countries, is celebrating its centenary, making this an opportune time to review the research and development advances and the relevant technologies. This detailed, comprehensive book covers all aspects of coconut, from the origins to cultivation, breeding, physiology and value addition, as well as subjects of topical interest like nutrition and health, biotechnology, and climate change and carbon sequestration. Written by leading experts in the fields it emphasises that the livelihood of the small coconut landholders is the ultimate aim of scientists and developmental agencies, and outlines various important strategies to make coconut farming more remunerative globally. It discusses work in all the major coconut growing countries and outlines suggestions for international cooperation. Research work on the crop is comparatively difficult because of its perennial nature, longevity, height, long juvenile phase, large sized nuts, cross pollination and seed propagation. As these special features necessitate greater investment of resources, time and land, it is all the more imperative that research is not duplicated and the information and experience becoming available around the world is shared so that it can be fully utilised. In this context periodic publications, compiling all the available information on coconut assume greater significance. This book is therefore of great value to researchers, students, extension workers, developmental agencies and progressive farmers.

The Handbook of Mites of Economic Plants
The Handbook of Mites of Economic Plants

Author: Vincenzo Vacante

Publisher: CABI

Published: 2015-12-21

Total Pages: 892

ISBN-13: 1845939948

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Mites pose a serious problem to plants worldwide, attacking crops and spreading disease. When mites damage crops of economic importance the impacts can be felt globally. Mites are among the most diverse and successful of invertebrates, with over 45,000 described species, with many more thousands to be discovered. They are responsible for a significant portion of the losses of crops for food, fibre, industry and other purposes, and require expensive and often controversial pest control measures. Understanding these mites is vital for entomologists, pest researchers, agronomists and food producers. Knowledge of mite pests helps to inform control strategies and optimize the production of economic plants and the agrarian economy. This encyclopedia provides a thorough coverage of the mites and the problems they cause to crops, yet it is easily searchable, organised by mite species and subdivided into helpful headings. It takes a worldwide view of the issue of mites injurious to economic plants, describing mites prevalent in different regions and discussing control methods appropriate in different environments. This book provides an encyclopaedic reference to the major mites, described by family in terms of their internal and external morphology, bio-ecology and family systematics. Methods of mite collection and laboratory study is described, as well as species diagnostic characteristics, worldwide distribution, host plants, identification by the type of damage they cause and control strategies, including chemical and biological intervention and integrated pest management measures. Mites of the following families are included: (Eriophyoidea, Tarsonemidae, Tuckerellidae, Tenuipalpidae, Tetranychidae, Acaridae, Penthaleidae). Mites of Economic Plants is an important resource for students of entomology and crop production, and as a thorough reference guide for researchers and field workers involved with mites, crop damage and food production.