Toxins and Biologically Active Compounds from Microalgae, Volume 2: Biological Effects and Risk Management

Toxins and Biologically Active Compounds from Microalgae: Volume 2: Biological Effects and Risk Management  is devoted to the effects toxic microalgae and their poisonous products exert on living systems and how they may affect human activities. The most advanced information regarding the molecular mechanisms of action of major groups of toxins is presented, to frame for the description of toxic responses found in living systems exposed to microalgal toxins. Accounts of the recognized environmental effects of harmful algal blooms and the existing therapeutic applications of some toxins have been included.

The picture is completed by the description of current initiatives to manage the risks posed by toxic microalgae, including strategies for the detoxification of contaminated seafood and the efforts to use most advanced informatic tools for the development of models for robust predictions regarding the appearance and the dynamics of harmful algal blooms. The complexity of risk management in the field is presented from a global perspective by highlighting major issues approached in world regions whose economic importance with regard to the production and commercialization of seafood is undeniable.

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Hanna Instruments HI3896 Professional Agriculture Test Kit for 100 Tests

The chemical composition of soil includes pH and chemical elements. Soil analysis is necessary for better management of fertilization and to know the residues of fertilizers in relation to the crop, tillage and the most suitable plant choice for soil composition. An analysis can highlight shortages and help the understanding of the causes of an abnormal growth. By using the Hanna Soiltest, it is possible to measure pH and the most important elements for plant growth, that is, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). Testing the soil during each crop cycle and comparing the results with plant growth can be a useful experiment for subsequent cultivations. Kit includes 120mL extraction solution (2), 70mL pH indicator, 75 powder packets (25 each for N,P and K), 1mL pipettes (3), test tubes (5), test tube stand, spoon, brush, color cards (4), graduated card and handbook. Range: traces, low, medium, high for Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium; 4 to 9 pH for pH. Method: Colorimetric for Nitrogen, Phosphorus and pH; Turbidimetric for Potassium. 1 pH Smallest Increment for pH. Chemical Method: Ned for Nitrogen, pH Indicator for pH, Ascorbic Acid for Phosphorus, Tetraphenylborate for Potassium. 100 Tests, 25 tests for each. 710 grams.

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Biological Control of Insect Pests Using Egg Parasitoids

The theme of the book is highly relevant to the current emphasis on environment conservation, with focus on native biodiversity conservation in agro-ecosystems. The current impetus being given to organic farming and export oriented agri-hortculture in the country calls for access to relevant scientific knowledge base among the stakeholders. Research on biological pest control is more than a century old in India. Egg parasitoids, which are mainly tiny wasps, led by the family Trichogrammatidae, are the most widely utilized natural enemies for biological control globally. Over thirty countries are using these bioagents to protect over 10 million hectares of agricultural and forestry crops from many important insect pests. The book comprises 18 chapters, which are arranged in continuum, commencing with basic aspects of knowledge and ending in their utilization targets. The chapters cover broadly four areas: bio-diversity and natural occurrence of egg parasitoids, behaviour and adaptation of egg parasitoids, mass production and safe use of egg parasitoids and utilisation of egg parasitoids in different crop ecosystems. Some of the chapters cater to the needs of discipline-wise update on the current R&D scenario-like insect taxonomy, biotechnology, mass-production and quality control of the target organisms – egg-parasitoids, which are useful for laboratory scientists/researchers. There are also chapters devoted to knowledge status and scope for utilization of egg parasitoids in different target crops, which cater to requirements of field entomologists and extensionists for use in their tasks of guiding farmers/local guides. The book is different in approach, method, structure and content and ensures holistic coverage of the topic. The chapters are written by active and experienced workers in different crops and aspects and co-edited by four very experienced experts who have over three decades R&D experience in the subject. All the authors have uniformly focussed on comprehensive literature study and critical identification of knowledge gaps for future R&D, thus the book is novel in outlook, up-to-date in content and comprehensive in coverage of themes. This book will be useful for supplementary reading for MSc Agriculture and PhD Agriculture students, besides MSc/PhD research students in Zoology/Environmental Biology, who are specialising in Entomology. It would also serve as a very useful reference book for researchers worldwide, though focus is also there on Indian work. It addresses the special information needs of students and faculty, besides practitioners and extensionists in the Australasia and Africa regions and thus not limited to the R&D knowledge generated in developed countries.

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Agriculture: An Introductory Reader (Pocket Library of Spiritual Wisdom)

Rudolf Steiner, the often undervalued, multifaceted genius of modern times, contributed much to the regeneration of culture. In addition to his philosophical teachings, he provided ideas for the development of many practical activities, including education – both general and special – agriculture, medicine, economics, architecture, science, religion and the arts. Today there are thousands of schools, clinics, farms, and many other organizations that are founded directly on his principles.

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A Roadmap to the Successful Development and Commercialization of Microbial Pest Control Products for Control of Arthropods (Progress in Biological Control)

Biocontrol is among the most promising methods for a safe, environmentally benign and sustainable pest control. Microbial pesticides offer a great potential, and it is anticipated that they will become a substantial part of the use of all crop protection products. Their development and commercialization, however, has been difficult and with many failures. In this book a rational and structured roadmap has been designed for the development and commercialization of microbial pest control products for the control of arthropod pests. The building blocks of the entire process are identified and essential aspects highlighted. Biopesticides based on entomopathogenic bacteria, fungi, viruses and nematodes are elaborately discussed. This systematic roadmap with a strong focus on economics and market introduction will assist academic researchers and industrial developers of biopesticides in accomplishing their goal: the development of successful cost-effective microbial pesticides.

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