Noel T. Keen – författare

Plant-Microbe Interactions, Volume 2 Volume 1 of this series has made its appearance and dealt forcefully with impor­ tant current topics in the field of plant-microbe interactions. We believe that the quality of those chapters was high and should serve as a focal point for the state of the art as well as an enduring reference. Volume 2 builds upon these accom­ plishments. Chapter 1 discusses the fascinating lipo-chitin signal molecules from Rhizo­ bium, aspects regarding their biosynthesis, and the basis for host specificity. These molecules are a cardinal example of how microorganisms influence plant development and stimulate speculation that they have identified a previously un­ known aspect of plant hormone activity. Chapter 2 continues the discussion of Rhizobium by considering the trafficking of carbon and nitrogen in nodules. Al­ though the ostensible advantage of nodules to plants is the fixation of atmos­ pheric nitrogen, the actual process involved in supplying reduced nitrogen to the plant host is complex.

Scientists are continually making discoveries concerning the interactions between microbes and plants, interactions which may be damaging, in the case of plant pathogens, or beneficial, as in the case of nitrogen fixation. This volume provides a review of the work being done in this area. It should be of interest to plant scientists, microbiologists, plant pathologists, soil scientists, and mycologists.

Plant-Microbe Interactions, Volume 1 Many plant-microbe interactions have agronomic importance because of either beneficial (e.g., nitrogen fixation or biocontrol) or detrimental (e.g., pathogen­ esis) effects. Although these systems have been the subjects of scientific re­ search for many years, recently there has been a tremendous increase in our knowledge of them. The increases in this research have followed a similar general increase in plant science research. Classical plant science research disciplines (e.g., agronomy, breeding, plant physiology, systematics, etc.) have been affected by an increased focus on molecular biology. These new technologies, as well as advances in other areas, have the effect of blurring the traditional borders between research disciplines. Another factor influencing the development of this research is the increased attention given to environmental issues. These concerns have been brought about by debate over the release of genetically modified organisms and the general concern over environmental quality. Thus, research areas focused on plant-microbe interactions are presently in a period of great excitement and growth that shows every sign of continuing far into the future. As in most research areas, the rate of advance and breadth of disciplines involved in the study of plant-microbe interactions make it impossible for the average researcher or student to stay abreast of the primary scientific literature.

Plant-Microbe Interactions, Volume 1 Many plant-microbe interactions have agronomic importance because of either beneficial (e.g., nitrogen fixation or biocontrol) or detrimental (e.g., pathogen­ esis) effects. The increases in this research have followed a similar general increase in plant science research.

Plant-Microbe Interactions, Volume 1 Many plant-microbe interactions have agronomic importance because of either beneficial (e.g., nitrogen fixation or biocontrol) or detrimental (e.g., pathogen­ esis) effects. Although these systems have been the subjects of scientific re­ search for many years, recently there has been a tremendous increase in our knowledge of them. The increases in this research have followed a similar general increase in plant science research. Classical plant science research disciplines (e.g., agronomy, breeding, plant physiology, systematics, etc.) have been affected by an increased focus on molecular biology. These new technologies, as well as advances in other areas, have the effect of blurring the traditional borders between research disciplines. Another factor influencing the development of this research is the increased attention given to environmental issues. These concerns have been brought about by debate over the release of genetically modified organisms and the general concern over environmental quality. Thus, research areas focused on plant-microbe interactions are presently in a period of great excitement and growth that shows every sign of continuing far into the future. As in most research areas, the rate of advance and breadth of disciplines involved in the study of plant-microbe interactions make it impossible for the average researcher or student to stay abreast of the primary scientific literature.

Scientists are continually making exciting discoveries concerning the interactions between microbes and plants, interactions which may be damaging, in the case of plant pathogens, or beneficial, as in the case of nitrogen fixation. This new volume in the successful and well received Chapman & Hall Plant-Microbe Interaction series is an exciting and broad-ranging view of the outstanding work being done in this area.

Plant-Microbe Interactions, Volume 2 Volume 1 of this series has made its appearance and dealt forcefully with impor­ tant current topics in the field of plant-microbe interactions. We believe that the quality of those chapters was high and should serve as a focal point for the state of the art as well as an enduring reference. Volume 2 builds upon these accom­ plishments. Chapter 1 discusses the fascinating lipo-chitin signal molecules from Rhizo­ bium, aspects regarding their biosynthesis, and the basis for host specificity. These molecules are a cardinal example of how microorganisms influence plant development and stimulate speculation that they have identified a previously un­ known aspect of plant hormone activity. Chapter 2 continues the discussion of Rhizobium by considering the trafficking of carbon and nitrogen in nodules. Al­ though the ostensible advantage of nodules to plants is the fixation of atmos­ pheric nitrogen, the actual process involved in supplying reduced nitrogen to the plant host is complex.

Scientists are continually making exciting discoveries concerning the interactions between microbes and plants, interactions which may be damaging, in the case of plant pathogens, or beneficial, as in the case of nitrogen fixation. This new volume in the successful and well received Chapman & Hall Plant-Microbe Interaction series is an exciting and broad-ranging view of the outstanding work being done in this area.