This reference provides comprehensive insights on the harm inflicted by pests and diseases on leguminous crops. Internationally acclaimed authors provide succinct reviews on breeding and impact of biotic stress factors such as insect pests, microbial pathogens, spiders, and vertebrate pests in legumes like soybean, cowpea, and common bean. The book also contains detailed technical analysis of methods such as the PCR-based detection, next generation sequencing / marker-assisted selections, low cost lethal-non-lethal vertebrate pest control and mechanisms of climate/nutrient induced resistance. The unique feature of this book is its focus on the optimization and development of environmentally friendly methods for pest and disease control in leguminous crops. Other features include structured sections for easy reading and a list of references for advanced readers. Key themes: Biotic Stress and Plant Resistance Biotic Stress in Legumes (Cowpea and Soybean) Diagnostic and Control Methods for Microbial Plant Pathogens Viral Diseases of Legumes and Management: Vertebrate Pests in Legumes and Economic Implications Spiders in Legume Agroecosystems Climate-Driven Factors and Insect Pests of Legumes Sustainable Crop Nutrition for Biotic Stress Alleviation in Legumes Physiological Responses in Legumes to Combined Stress Factors

This reference highlights the significance of marine ecosystems, encompassing seaweed beds, seagrasses, coral reefs, mangroves, estuaries, and protected areas, as a remarkable gateway to overcoming healthcare challenges and unlocking a rich trove of bioactive compounds for drug discovery. One of the key highlights of this book is its exploration of the development of marine bio-drugs, a field that demands collaboration among scientists from both academic and industrial fronts. The editors also include a prospective review on marine environments, emphasizing the necessity for big data, collective knowledge sharing, financial support, and streamlined administrative processes, all of which contribute to enhancing innovation in the drug discovery process. Another feature includes reference lists that allow researchers to explore topics of interest in depth. With twelve comprehensive chapters, this book extensively covers marine ecosystem biodiversity, productivity, protected areas, and the intricate interplay of biotic and abiotic factors that shape these ecosystems. Readers will learn about important bioactive compounds within marine organisms and how to use this knowledge to outline a strategy for bio-drug discovery. The book caters to a diverse audience of researchers, students, ecologists, microbiologists, pharmacologists, and biotechnologists who are engaged in studying the dynamic components of marine environments. By providing the latest insights and strategies in the realm of bio-drug discovery from marine resources, this book serves as an invaluable resource for scholars and professionals seeking to tap into the potential of these unique ecosystems.

This book provides a holistic view of natural products and remedies that have been used to treat cancer. The editors aim to educate readers about the importance of the translational role of natural products in cancer treatment by compiling 14 chapters. The book emphasizes an integrative approach to the topic by blending traditional knowledge that supports alternative therapies with the science of phytochemicals and drug discovery technologies as a means to manage the disease. Key topics include alternative therapies (such as aromatherapy and immune boosting herbal medications), cytotoxic and anti-cancer phytochemicals, drug delivery and discovery technologies (including high-throughput screening) and some drug targets of interest for cancer treatment (such as topoisomerases and caspases). Readers will be able to learn about natural sources of ant-cancer compounds, and the methods used by research and development experts in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries to isolate and formulate these compounds. This book will be a handy resource for a wide range of readers. This includes researchers, traditional medical practitioners, PG students, Ph.D. scholars and general readers to understand the role of natural products in cancer treatment. key features - Explains the importance of alternative therapies in the management of cancer - Emphasizes the ethnopharmacological approaches to cancer - Explores natural anticancer drug libraries - Discusses the role of modern cancer targets and the importance of in-silico tools in anticancer drug discovery - Addresses modern drug discovery tools and drug delivery technologies concerning their applications in cancer treatment. - Includes references for further reading

Artificial Intelligence is playing a vital role in implementing the smart methods for the agriculture and it will change the aspects of performing agricultural activities. The objective of this book is to inform readers about how artificial intelligence is improving agriculture by exploring its applications. The book addresses several aspects of the artificial intelligence applications in the smart agriculture including, pest control, leaf disease identification, identification of weed, field security and applications of drones in smart farming. Chapters are contributed by experts in agriculture, computer science and biotechnology. Key Themes: Advanced machine learning techniques for pest control and disease identification Automated recognition and classification of plant diseases, focusing on tomatoes and pearl millet Integration of artificial intelligence for solar-powered robots to identify weeds and damages in vegetables Development of field prevention systems to deter wild animals in farming areas Utilization of machine learning for weather forecasting to facilitate smart agriculture practices Intelligent crop planning and precision farming through AI applications Integration of artificial intelligence and drones to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in smart farming operations Other features of the book include a list of references and simple summaries in each chapter to distil the information for readers. The book is a reference material for courses on automation in agriculture and as a handbook for anyone interested in new advances in farming.

This reference is a timely compilation of studies of genome size and genetic stability of regenerated plants. It presents 13 book chapters that cover recent advancements in CRISPR/Cas-based genome editing, the use of molecular markers to analyze somaclonal variation in tissue culture, and genetic stability assessment in various plant species, including medicinally valuable plants like Valeriana and Coffea. The book also highlights the role of flow cytometry in investigating polyploidy and provides valuable insights into genetic fidelity assessment of micropropagated woody plants and orchids. The contributors have shed light on the intra-specific and inter-specific genome and chromosome number variation with reference to gene duplication and DNA sequence loss. Molecular techniques for detecting ploidy levels and genetic homogeneity in regenerated plantlets are also discussed. Additional highlights of the book include brief guidelines for experimental protocols for flow cytometry and molecular markers, coverage of a wide range of plants, and supporting references. This is an excellent reference for biologists, geneticists, and plant scientists exploring genetic homogeneity and genome size variation in diverse plant groups.

This reference book is the definitive guide to drone honey bees. The book equips readers with all the knowledge they need to know about drone bee biology and development, their role in the colony and improving the health of their colony. The book starts by providing a detailed review of the development of drone honey bees, their biology, morphometric features, interaction with the Queen and the haploid parthenogenesis. The book then delves into the pheromone profile and mating behavior of drones. Further, the book describes artificial drone rearing techniques that facilitate healthy bee colony growth and increase apiculture productivity) including their genomic contributions). Key Features - 6 reader-friendly chapters that comprehensively present information about drone honey bees - Coverage about drone bee biology, including their physical morphology, development and behavior (including queen interactions) - Information about the role of drones in colonial organization and life-cycle events - Practical information that helps to improve bee colony health for research and apiculture The book is an essential primary reference on drone honey bees for biology and entomology students, academicians and researchers at all educational levels. Apiculturists, bee keeping enthusiasts, and general readers interested in honey bees can also benefit from the breadth of information presented.

Recent Trends in Livestock Innovative Technologies explores the most recent developments and developing trends in the livestock farming industry. The book delves into the application of innovative technologies in various aspects of livestock production, management, and health through edited chapters. The book starts with an outline of the difficulties the livestock sector faces and the necessity for technological solutions to these difficulties. Subsequent chapters cover innovations in this area. Key topics include: Advances in genetics and breeding methods: Contributing authors stress the possible impact of issues like marker-assisted selection, genomic selection, and gene editing on the future of animal breeding. Precision livestock farming: The use of sensor technologies, data analytics, and automation to monitor and control livestock production systems more effectively. The authors examine how these technologies enable real-time monitoring of environmental variables, animal activity, and health, which enhances production, animal welfare, and resource use. The management of feed and nutrition in livestock production: The book explores cutting-edge feed formulations, precise feeding systems, and alternative feed sources that can increase feed efficiency, lessen negative effects on the environment, and improve animal health. Fresh methods for illness prevention and management, such as the use of vaccines, diagnostics, and biosecurity measures. Social and ethical issues related to the adoption of cutting-edge livestock technologies. The authors attempt to give a fair assessment of the advantages and drawbacks of these technologies, and address concerns about animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and public perception of current farming practices. Recent Trends in Livestock Innovative Technologies is an informative resource for researchers, professionals, and policymakers interested in staying up-to-date with the advancements and future directions of the livestock industry.

Fungal Lipid Biochemistry explores the intricate biochemistry of fungal and microbial lipids. The book focuses on recent advances in our knowledge about the distribution, classification, and biochemistry of fungal lipids. The book is divided into four sections, starting with an introduction to fungal lipids which includes definition, classification, nomenclature, and some historical aspects of fungal lipid research. This is followed by an overview of fungal lipids, and environmental and nutritional cultural conditions affecting lipid production. The second section contains four chapters that explain the metabolism of fatty acids, their biosynthetic pathways together with their storage mainly in the form of triacylglycerols. The latter includes a key description of the recently discovered lipid droplet acting as a highly specific cellular compartment for the storage of neutral lipids. The third section contains five chapters concerned with the relatively recent interpretation of other major lipid classes which include glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, aliphatic hydrocarbons, sterols, carotenoids, and polyprenols and their occurrence and biosynthesis. The final section covers lipid metabolism during fungal development and sporulation. Key features - Extensive coverage of fungal lipid biochemistry, with a focus on recent knowledge - Includes chapters for specific lipid classes with notes on their metabolism - Gives knowledge about the role of lipids in fungal growth and development - Provides references for further reading This book is a comprehensive reference for academics, scientific researchers, and industrial scientists (in biotechnology, food science and nutritional health) who require information about fungal lipid composition and biochemistry.

Steroids are an important class of biomolecules with diverse roles and functions. Besides being important as structural and signaling molecules, these molecules hold promise against numerous disorders, including cardiovascular conditions, cancer, inflammation and autoimmune disorders. Many investigations have demonstrated that steroidal frameworks may provide lipid solubility, receptor selectivity or membrane binding properties to non-steroidal pharmacophores. However, the therapeutic use of steroids can be dangerous when they're used incorrectly. Additionally, misconceptions about steroids among athletes or recreational users can lead to steroid abuse and poor health outcomes. Steroids and their Medicinal Potential discusses the classification, distribution, biosynthesis, chemical synthesis and semi-synthesis of different steroids. The medicinal potential of each class is exhaustively discussed in different chapters. The latest advances and developments in steroid-based drug discovery are also discussed thoroughly. The book aims to address general questions and concerns about steroids, providing readers a useful resource on the subject. Key Features -Provides comprehensive coverage on all aspects of steroids including steroid chemistry, biochemistry, medicinal potential, drug discovery and advances in target-binding interactions of steroid-based drugs -Includes chapters dedicated to anabolic steroids and their abuse -Designed as an accessible source of information for understanding steroidal drugs with structured chapters -Includes references for advanced readers

Increased industrial and agricultural activity has led to the contamination of the earth's soil and groundwater resources with hazardous chemicals. The presence of heavy metals, dyes, fluorides, dissolved solids, and many other pollutants used in industry and agriculture are responsible for hazardous levels of water pollution. The removal of these pollutants in water resources is challenging. Bioremediation is a new technique that employs living organisms, usually bacteria and fungi, to remove pollutants from soil and water, preferably in situ. This approach is more cost-effective than traditional techniques, such as the incineration of soils and carbon filtration of water. It requires understanding how organisms consume and transform polluting chemicals, survive in polluted environments, and how they should be employed in the field. Bioremediation for Environmental Pollutants discusses the latest research in green chemistry and practices and principles involved in the quality improvement of water by remediation. It covers different aspects of environmental problems and their remedies with up-to-date developments in the field of bioremediation of industrial/environmental pollutants. Volume 2 explains the methods used to control the remediation processes making it cost-effectively and feasible. It elaborates on the application of microbial enzymes, microalgae, and genetically engineered microorganisms in the bioremediation of significant pollutants, food wastes, distillery wastewater, and pharmaceutical wastes.