Trichoderma is a genus of fungi that are present in all soils, where they are the most prevalent culturable fungi. They are also the most successful biofungicides used in today's agriculture. These green-colored fungi are well known for their antifungal and plant-growth-stimulating effects. This book provides comprehensive information on Trichoderma and its use in medical, agricultural and industrial applications. Section I focuses mainly on identification of Trichoderma species, and Section II is concerned with Trichoderma as a biological control agent. Chapters in these sections cover topics ranging from taxonomic status and biodiversity to biochemical analysis and bio-control application.
Written by a diverse group of research professionals, Postharvest Decay: Control Strategies is aimed at a wide audience, including researchers involved in the study of postharvest handling of agricultural commodities, and undergraduate and graduate students researching postharvest topics. Growers, managers, and operators working at packinghouses and storage, retail, and wholesale facilities can also benefit from this book. The information in this book covers a wide range of topics related to selected fungi, such as taxonomy, infection processes, economic importance, causes of infection, the influence of pre-harvest agronomic practices and the environment, the effect of handling operations, and the strategic controls for each host-pathogen, including traditional and non-traditional alternatives. - Includes eleven postharvest fungi causing serious rots in numerous fruits and vegetables - Offers selected microorganisms including pathogens of commercially important tropical, subtropical and temperate crops worldwide, such as tomatoes, pears, apples, peaches, citrus, banana, papaya, and mango, among others - Presents content developed by recognized and experienced high-level scientists, working in the postharvest pathology area worldwide - Provides basic information about each fungus, pre- and postharvest factors that contribute to infection and control measurements, including the use of chemicals and non-traditional methods
Biotechnology and Biology of Trichoderma serves as a comprehensive reference on the chemistry and biochemistry of one of the most important microbial agents, Trichoderma, and its use in an increased number of industrial bioprocesses for the synthesis of many biochemicals such as pharmaceuticals and biofuels. This book provides individuals working in the field of Trichoderma, especially biochemical engineers, biochemists and biotechnologists, important information on how these valuable fungi can contribute to the production of a wide range of products of commercial and ecological interest. - Provides a detailed and comprehensive coverage of the chemistry, biochemistry and biotechnology of Trichoderma, fungi present in soil and plants - Includes most important current and potential applications of Trichoderma in bioengineering, bioprocess technology including bioenergy & biofuels, biopharmaceuticals, secondary metabolites and protein engineering - Includes the most recent research advancements made on Trichoderma applications in plant biotechnology and ecology and environment
More than a century has passed since the first bioformulations were introduced to the market. But there is still much to be done, explored and developed. Though bioformulations offer green alternatives and are important for sustainable agriculture, they make up only a small fraction of the total additions used to enhance crop yields or protect them from pests. There is a great need to develop bioformulations that can promote confidence among end users; accordingly, it is imperative that bioformulations to replace chemicals be reliable and overcome the shortcomings of the past. Bioformulations: for Sustainable Agriculture discusses all the issues related to the current limitations and future development of bioformulations. It examines in detail those bioformulations that include biofertilizers and biopesticides (also commonly known as bioinoculants), presenting a global picture of their development. Further chapters address diverse microbes that are already being or could be used as bioformulations. The book also discusses the techniques, tools and other additions required to establish bioformulations as trustworthy and global solutions. It assesses the types of bioformulations currently available on the market, while also considering the future roles of bioformulations, including the reclamation of marginal and polluted soils. Further, it discusses the current legislation and much-needed amendments. Overall the book provides a comprehensive outlook on the status quo of bioformulations and the future approaches needed to improve them and achieve sustainable agriculture and food security without sacrificing the quality of soils. This will be extremely important in offering chemical-free foods and a better future for generations to come.
This book gives a comprehensive overview on the various aspects of Trichoderma, a filamentous fungus ubiquitously present in soil. Topics addressed are the biology, diversity, taxonomy, ecology, biotechnology and cultivation of Trichoderma, to just name a few. Basic as well as applied aspects are covered and a special focus is given on use of Trichoderma in agriculture and beyond. Trichoderma species are widely distributed throughout the world in soil, rotting plant material, and wood. Although they are often considered as a contaminants, Trichoderma species are also known for their ability to act as biocontrol agents against various plant pathogens and plant diseases, and also as biostimulants promoting plant growth. The contents of this book will be of particular interest to, agricultural scientists, biotechnologists, plant pathologists, mycologists, and microbiologists, students, extension workers, policy makers and other stakeholders.
Fungi belonging to the genera Trichoderma and Gliocladium are soil- bourne saprophytes which have been used for industrial and agricultural applications for decades. Some strains produce enzymes and antibiotics while others are useful as biological agents for the protection of plants against pathogens. This second volume of two describes the commercial uses of Trichoderma and Gliocladium, beginning with an in depth discussion of the degradation of polysaccharides and macromolecules by fungal enzymes. The application of the fungi in biocontrol for agricultural purposes is then examined. The final section of this volume deals with protein production and the utilisation of Trichoderma enzymes by various industries.
Nematology being an established discipline covers a wide range of area ranging from basic aspect to the advanced and applied aspects involving recent advances in molecular techniques. This book discusses the following topics: the role of nematodes in our life (in agriculture, ecosystem functioning, experimental biology, ecological studies, pest management programs, or biocontrol), identification of GRSPs in nematode genomes, novel way for the diagnosis of pathogenic nematodes involving various recent molecular techniques, other methodologies for successful control of termites, evolution of plant-parasitic nematodes, viability of adult filarial nematode parasites, the impact of plant-parasitic nematodes on crops, and harnessing useful rhizosphere microorganisms for nematode control. The book also encompasses on classical study, molecular study, bioinformatics in nematology, biodiversity analysis, and culturing of nematodes in laboratory condition.
Biocontrol and Secondary Metabolites: Applications and Immunization for Plant Growth and Protection covers established and updated research on emerging trends in plant defense signaling in, and during, stress phases. Other topics cover growth at interface as a sustainable way of life and the context of human welfare and conservation of fungi as a group of organisms. Further, the book explores induced systemic resistance using biocontrol agents and/or secondary metabolites as a milestone for sustainable agricultural production, thus providing opportunities for the minimization or elimination of the use of fungicides. - Presents an overview on mechanisms by which plants protect themselves against herbivory and pathogenic microbes - Identifies the use of immunization as a popular and effective alternative to chemical pesticides - Explores how these fungi help crop plants in better uptake of soil nutrients, increase soil fertility, produce growth promoting substances, and secrete metabolites that act as bio-pesticides
Diseases of Trees and Shrubs is a comprehensive pictorial survey of the diseases of, as well as the environmental damage to, forest and shade trees and woody ornamental plants in the United States and Canada. An authoritative reference, it is also a reliable and handy diagnostic tool that will simplify the identification of specific plant diseases by focusing on signs and symptoms that can be seen with the unaided eye or with a hand lens. This long-needed book gives readers complete, up-to-date information in an easily understood and convenient way. Each of the 247 color plates faces a page of explanatory text covering the biology and ecology (including host and geographic ranges) of the disease-causing agents (pathogens), a list of key references (there are more than 2,250), and, in some cases, black-and-white illustrations of pathogens. Selected information about biological and cultural control is provided. Scientific terms other than Latin names of pathogens are used only when necessary, and a glossary of terms and a comprehensive index are included. The color plates contain more than 1,700 illustrations of the diseases and injuries that some 350 biological agents and environmental factors cause to more than 250 species of plants. The book also serves as a guide to hundreds of other diseases related to those shown. The authors have used three levels of organization for this book. At the first level, diseases caused by biological agents are separated from those caused by environmental stimuli. At the second level, most diseases are grouped according to the plant part affected: leaves, twigs, limbs, roots, trunks, or the entire plant. At the third level, diseases are presented according to the taxonomic relationships among the pathogens. For this major project, the authors examined and photographed diseases and environmental damage in the field, visiting more than 50 states and Canadian provinces. Their book reflects the most important developments in fungal biology and taxonomy, plant bacteriology, virology, and environmentally induced stress in plants. It summarizes information about newly discovered diseases and provides up-to-date accounts of olds ones. Diseases of Trees and Shrubs can be profitable reading for anyone whose technical training does not extend beyond general biology, yet will also be informative to advanced students and plant pathologists. It will be welcomed by agricultural and horticultural advisers, plant inspectors, arborists, nursery professionals, landscapers, foresters, and urban planners. Wayne A. Sinclair is a Professor of Plant Pathology, Howard H. Lyon is Biological Photographer (retired), Department of Plant Pathology, and Warren T. Johnson is Professor of Entomology, all at Cornell University.
This two-volume work is a testament to the increasing interest in the role of microbes in sustainable agriculture and food security. Advances in microbial technologies are explored in chapters dealing with topics such as carbon sequestration, soil fertility management, sustainable crop production, and microbial signaling networks. Volume I is a collection of research findings that invites readers to examine the application of microbes in reinstating degraded ecosystems and also in establishing sustainable croplands. Highly readable entries attempt to close the knowledge gap between soil microbial associations and sustainable agriculture. An increase in the global population with changing climate is leading to environments of various abiotic and biotic stresses for agricultural crops. It therefore becomes important to identify the techniques to improve soil fertility and function using different microbial groups such as actinobacteria, microalgae, fluorescent pseudomonads and cyanobacterial systems. These are examined in this volume in greater detail. This work is a significant contribution to research in this increasingly important discipline, and will appeal to researchers in microbiology, agriculture, environmental sciences, and soil and crop sciences.
