Abiotic and Biotic Stress in Plants


Book Description

Plants are subjected to numerous environmental stresses, which can be classified into two broad areas: abiotic and biotic stresses. While the first is considered the damage done to an organism by other living organisms, the latter occurs as a result of a negative impact of non-living factors on the organisms. In this scenario, the current most accepted opinion of scientists is that both biotic and abiotic factors in nature and agroecosystems are affected by climate change, which may lead to significant crop yield decreases worldwide. We should take into consideration not only this environmental concern but also the fact that 20 years from now the earth's population will need 55% more food than it can produce now. Therefore, it is crucial to address such concerns and bring about possible solutions to future plant stress-related outcomes that might affect global agriculture. This book intends to provide the reader with a comprehensive overview of both biotic and abiotic stresses through 10 chapters that include case studies and literature reviews about these topics. There will be a particular focus on understanding the physiological, biochemical, and molecular changes observed in stressed plants as well as the mechanisms underlying stress tolerance in plants.




Plant Abiotic Stress Tolerance


Book Description

Plants have to manage a series of environmental stresses throughout their entire lifespan. Among these, abiotic stress is the most detrimental; one that is responsible for nearly 50% of crop yield reduction and appears to be a potential threat to global food security in coming decades. Plant growth and development reduces drastically due to adverse effects of abiotic stresses. It has been estimated that crop can exhibit only 30% of their genetic potentiality under abiotic stress condition. So, this is a fundamental need to understand the stress responses to facilitate breeders to develop stress resistant and stress tolerant cultivars along with good management practices to withstand abiotic stresses. Also, a holistic approach to understanding the molecular and biochemical interactions of plants is important to implement the knowledge of resistance mechanisms under abiotic stresses. Agronomic practices like selecting cultivars that is tolerant to wide range of climatic condition, planting date, irrigation scheduling, fertilizer management could be some of the effective short-term adaptive tools to fight against abiotic stresses. In addition, “system biology” and “omics approaches” in recent studies offer a long-term opportunity at the molecular level in dealing with abiotic stresses. The genetic approach, for example, selection and identification of major conditioning genes by linkage mapping and quantitative trait loci (QTL), production of mutant genes and transgenic introduction of novel genes, has imparted some tolerant characteristics in crop varieties from their wild ancestors. Recently research has revealed the interactions between micro-RNAs (miRNAs) and plant stress responses exposed to salinity, freezing stress and dehydration. Accordingly transgenic approaches to generate stress-tolerant plant are one of the most interesting researches to date. This book presents the recent development of agronomic and molecular approaches in conferring plant abiotic stress tolerance in an organized way. The present volume will be of great interest among research students and teaching community, and can also be used as reference material by professional researchers.




Microbial Management of Plant Stresses


Book Description

Microbial Management of Plant Stresses: Current Trends, Application and Challenges explores plant microbiota including isolated microbial communities that have been used to study the functional capacities, ecological structure and dynamics of the plant-microbe interaction with focus on agricultural crops. Presenting multiple examples and evidence of the potential genetic flexibility of microbial systems to counteract the climate induced stresses associated with their host as a part of indigenous system, this book presents strategies and approaches for improvement of microbiome. As climate changes have altered the global carbon cycling and ecological dynamics, the regular and periodic occurrences of severe salinity, drought, and heat stresses across the different regimes of the agro-ecological zones have put additional constraints on agricultural ecosystem to produce efficient foods and other derived products for rapidly growing world population through low cost and sustainable technology. Furthermore chemical amendments, agricultural inputs and other innovative technologies although may have fast results with fruitful effects for enhancing crop productivity but also have other ecological drawbacks and environmental issues and offer limited use opportunities. Microbial formulations and/or microbial consortia deploying two or multiple partners have been frequently used for mitigation of various stresses, however, field success is often variable and improvement Smart, knowledge-driven selection of microorganisms is needed as well as the use of suitable delivery approaches and formulations. Microbial Management of Plant Stresses: Current Trends, Application and Challenges presents the functional potential of plant microbiota to address current challenges in crop production addressing this urgent need to bring microbial innovations into practice. - Demonstrates microbial ecosystems as an indigenous system for improving plant growth, health and stress resilience - Covers all the novel aspects of microbial regulatory mechanism. Key challenges associated with microbial delivery and successful establishment for plant growth promotion and stress avoidance - Explores plant microbiome and the modulation of plant defense and ecological dynamics under stressed environment




Nanotechnology in Plant Growth Promotion and Protection


Book Description

Discover the role of nanotechnology in promoting plant growth and protection through the management of microbial pathogens In Nanotechnology in Plant Growth Promotion and Protection, distinguished researcher and author Dr. Avinash P. Ingle delivers a rigorous and insightful collection of some of the latest developments in nanotechnology particularly related to plant growth promotion and protection. The book focuses broadly on the role played by nanotechnology in growth promotion of plants and their protection through the management of different microbial pathogens. You’ll learn about a wide variety of topics, including the role of nanomaterials in sustainable agriculture, how nano-fertilizers behave as soil feed, and the dual role of nanoparticles in plant growth promotion and phytopathogen management. You’ll also discover why nanotechnology has the potential to revolutionize the current agricultural landscape through the development of nano-based products, like plant growth promoters, nano-fertilizers, nano-pesticides, and nano-insecticides. Find out why nano-based products promise to be a cost-effective, economically viable, and eco-friendly approach to tackling some of the most intractable problems in agriculture today. You’ll also benefit from the inclusion of: A thorough introduction to the prospects and impacts of using nanotechnology to promote the growth of plants and control plant diseases An exploration of the effects of titanium dioxide nanomaterials on plant growth and the emerging applications of zinc-based nanoparticles in plant growth promotion Practical discussions of nano-fertilizer in enhancing the production potentials of crops and the potential applications of nanotechnology in plant nutrition and protection for sustainable agriculture A concise treatment of nanotechnology in seed science and soil feed Toxicological concerns of nanomaterials used in agriculture Perfect for undergraduate, graduate, and research students of nanotechnology, agriculture, plant science, plant physiology, and crops, Nanotechnology in Plant Growth Promotion and Protection will also earn a place in the libraries of professors and researchers in these areas, as well as regulators and policymakers.




Nanobiotechnology


Book Description

This book provides up-to-date knowledge of the promising field of Nanobiotechnology with emphasis on the mitigation approaches to combat plant abiotic stress factors, including drought, salinity, waterlog, temperature extremes, mineral nutrients, and heavy metals. These factors adversely affect the growth as well as yield of crop plants worldwide, especially under the global climate change. Nanobiotechnology is viewed to revolutionize crop productivity in future. The chapters discuss the status and prospects of this cutting-edge technology toward understanding tolerance mechanisms, including signaling molecules and enzymes regulation in addition to the applications of Nanobiotechnology to combat individual abiotic stress factors.




Nanotechnology in Agriculture and Agroecosystems


Book Description

Nanotechnology in Agriculture and Agroecosystems presents the latest research on the role of nanotechnology in agriculture and agroecosystems, offering innovations and many potential benefits in terms of plant growth, food production, crop protection and ecosystem management. Sections introduce new perspectives on the use of nanotechnology in agroecosystems and sustainable agriculture. Subsequent chapters focus on specific areas of innovation, covering a wide range of applications, including plant disease and protection, food processing and packaging, soil quality, precision farming, and groundwater treatment. This is a valuable resource for researchers and advanced students across a range of disciplines, but it is also ideal for industrial scientists, engineers and R&D professionals with an interest in nanotechnology and sustainable technologies for agriculture and agro-industries. - Offers new perspectives on nanotechnology and nanoscale materials for sustainable agriculture and agroecosystems - Highlights state-of-the-art techniques, such as nanotechnology-mediated gene transfer in plants - Addresses challenges relating to plant disease, crop production, processing, soil and ecosystem management




Advances in Nano-Fertilizers and Nano-Pesticides in Agriculture


Book Description

Advances in Nano-fertilizers and Nano-pesticides in Agriculture: A Smart Delivery System for Crop Improvement explores the use of nanotechnology for the controlled delivery of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers that improve the safety of products while also increasing the efficiency of food production and decreased environmental pollution. The development of nanodevices such as smart delivery systems to target specific sites, as well as nanocarriers for chemical controlled release are currently important aspects in novel agriculture and require a strong foundation of understanding, not only the technology, but also the resulting impacts. - Fills key knowledge- gaps of bio-nanotechnology, how they interact with plant cells and their biological consequences - Focuses on agro-nanotechnology which can be utilized for developing healthy seeds - Explores the possibilities of macronutrient nano-based fertilizers




Nanotechnology Applications and Innovations for Improved Soil Health


Book Description

Traditional agricultural practices face escalating environmental challenges and struggle to meet global food demands while ensuring soil health and sustainability. Soil degradation, exacerbated by factors like industrialization and urbanization, significantly threatens crop productivity and food security. Conventional remediation methods often need to be revised, requiring innovative approaches to restore soil health and fertility. Nanotechnology Applications and Innovations for Improved Soil Health presents a groundbreaking solution to this pressing issue, offering a comprehensive guide to leveraging nanotechnology for sustainable agriculture. This pioneering book explores the transformative potential of nanomaterials in enhancing soil quality and crop production. By harnessing the unique properties of nanomaterials, such as their high surface area and reactivity, researchers and practitioners can develop novel strategies to address soil degradation and improve nutrient availability. By systematically examining nanotechnology's role in soil health, this book equips readers with the knowledge and tools needed to revolutionize agricultural practices and ensure food security for future generations.




Photosynthesis


Book Description

Photosynthesis: From Plants to Nanomaterials in the Nanomaterial-Plant Interactions series, summarizes both the foundational mechanisms and latest advances in photosynthesis. With a strong emphasis on artificial photosynthesis, the book also analyzes the role of nanomaterials in energy production. Starting with an introduction to plant photosynthetic systems, chapters discuss the structure of light harvesting systems, energy transfer and membrane protein complexes. The book later describes the role of nanoparticles in photosynthesis, including agricultural applications, advances in nanobionics, and the impact of engineered nanomaterials. This book is an essential read for researchers and students interested in photosynthesis, bionanotechnology and nanomaterials. - Presents the latest advances in plant photosynthesis - Discusses the role of nanomaterials in energy production and other photosynthetic mechanisms - Highlights nanotechnology and artificial photosynthesis




Plant Adaptation to Abiotic Stress: From Signaling Pathways and Microbiomes to Molecular Mechanisms


Book Description

Zusammenfassung: The book "Plant Adaptation to Abiotic Stress: From Signaling Pathways and Microbiomes to Molecular Mechanisms" comprehensively examines abiotic stressors--cold, heat, light, salinity, and water scarcity--across its 18 chapters. Focusing particularly on Arabidopsis thaliana, it investigates abiotic stresses, adaptation strategies, and molecular pathways. Furthermore, it addresses broader issues, including climate challenges, food security, water scarcity, and agricultural concerns such as soil acidity and aluminum stress. It proposes adaptive measures for cultivating stress-resistant crops and sheds light on genetic modification methods such as CRISPR-Cas9, integrating nanotechnology in plant breeding. Emphasizing transcription factors, post-translational protein modifications, and diverse noncoding RNAs (long noncoding RNAs, circular RNAs, microRNAs, and small interfering RNAs), the book highlights their role in regulating gene expression during stress responses. It specifically underscores secondary messengers, plant hormones, and MAPK cascades within intracellular signaling pathways. Additionally, it discusses the roles of endophytic bacteria and microbial interactions in bolstering stress resilience. The book explores state-of-the-art research methodologies in plant breeding, omics approaches, and nanotechnology integration for developing stress-resistant crop varieties, advocating for agricultural sustainability. Tailored for plant physiology scientists, academics, and postgraduate students, it amalgamates diverse research findings, serving as a pivotal resource to comprehend intricate plant responses to environmental challenges