Plant Biology, Sustainability, and Climate Change – Serie

Environmental, Physiological and Chemical Controls of Adventitious Rooting in Cuttings provides a review of the environmental, physiological and chemical controls of adventitious rooting in cuttings obtained from plants. In plants, adventitious roots, which are highly useful for vegetative propagation (or clonal propagation) are produced mainly from leaves, hypocotyls, stems or shoots. Vegetative propagation may occur naturally by using propagules such as roots, underground and aerial stems, leaves, buds and bulbils. It may also be done artificially through regenerative organs (rhizomes, bulbs, and corms) and by utilizing specialized methods, like cutting, grafting and layering. This book covers the latest tactics surrounding these processes.

As a plethora of factors affect the adventitious rooting of cuttings, adding to the complexity of the phenomenon. The main factors which control adventitious root formation are types of cuttings, presence of leaf area on cuttings, types of hormones and their concentration, duration of hormonal treatment (quick dip, long soak, dry dip, spray dip, or total immerse method), maturation (juvenile or mature), genotype, explant position, and more, all of which are discussed here.

Provides a comprehensive and exclusive book on the environmental, physiological and chemical factors associated with adventitious root formation in cutting, with up-to-date literature and lucid illustrations Presents a multidimensional approach and a broad range of explanation on adventitious root formation associated with mature and juvenile cutting Discusses a number of molecular, histological and physiological markers associated with adventitious root formation in numerous plant species Elaborates on how external and internal factors control the cell/tissue initiation, differentiation and overall adventitious root formation in cutting

Engineered Nanomaterials for Sustainable Agricultural Production, Soil Improvement and Stress Management highlights the latest advances in applying this important technology within agriculture sectors for sustainable growth, production and protection. The book explores various smart engineered nanomaterials which are now being used as an important tool for improving growth and productivity of crops facing abiotic stresses, improving the health of the soil in which those crops are growing, and addressing stresses once the plant begins to produce food yield. The book includes insights into the use of nanoparticles as bactericides, fungicides and nanofertilizers.

In addition, the book includes an international representation of authors who have crafted chapters with clarity, reviewing up-to-date literature with lucid illustrations. It will be an important resource for researchers, nanobiotechnologists, agriculturists and horticulturists who need a comprehensive reference guide.

Broadens the role of smart engineered (carbon, fullerene or metal based, and more) nanomaterials, with up-to-date literature and practical illustrations Equips readers with information on a number of morpho-physiological, biochemical, molecular phenomenon, and smart agricultural production Enriches our understanding of various smart crop plants resilient to abiotic and biotic stresses in terms of nanomaterials exposure

Hormonal Cross-Talk, Plant Defense and Development: Plant Biology, Sustainability and Climate Change focuses specifically on plants and their interaction to auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins, ethylene, abscisic acid, jasmonates, brassinosteroids, strigolactones, and the potential those interactions offer for improved plant health and production. Plant hormones (auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins, ethylene, abscisic acid, jasmonates, brassinosteroids, salicylic acid, strigolactones etc.) regulate numerous aspects of plant growth and developmental processes. Each hormone initiates a specific molecular pathway, with each pathway integrated in a complex network of synergistic, antagonistic and additive interactions. This is a valuable reference for those seeking to understand and improve plant health using natural processes.

The cross-talks of auxins - abscisic acid, auxins - brassinosteroids, brassinosteroids- abscisic acid, ethylene - abscisic acid, brassinosteroids - ethylene, cytokinins - abscisic acid, brassinosteroids - jasmonates, brassinosteroids - salicylic acid, and gibberellins - jasmonates - strigolactones have been shown to regulate a number of biological processes in plant system. The cross-talk provides robustness to the plant immune system but also drives specificity of induced defense responses against the plethora of biotic and abiotic interactions.

Describes hormonal cross-talk and plant defense with suitable illustrations Includes a focus on secondary metabolites and/or bioactive compounds interactions with various plant hormones Highlights the use of plant hormones and their interactions in plant growth and developmental processes at physiological, biochemical and molecular levels

Genomics, Transcriptomics, Proteomics and Metabolomics of Crop Plants presents current operational methods applied to model crop plants. Including subcellular organelles, DNA fingerprinting and barcoding, sRNA, gene expression, rhizosphere engineering, marker assisted and 5G breeding, plant-microorganism interactions, stress signaling and responses, the book highlights important factors that are often overlooked and explores the latest research. The book also explores cutting-edge approaches for immediate application in new research such as OMICS, genome-wide transcriptome profiling, bioinformatics and database, DNA fingerprinting and barcoding, sRNA, gene expression, genome editing, diagnostics, rhizosphere engineering, marker assisted and 5G breeding, crop plant-microorganism interactions, stress signaling and responses.

Additionally, the book describes opportunities to manipulate crop plants genetic and metabolic systems, while also exploring the related bioethical and biosafety issues. These topics are chosen and covered in detail to fill the gap in this understanding of crop molecular biology.

Includes coverage of the latest trends on plants bioinformatics and databases Presents the overall scope of OMIC sciences with rich illustration Provides implementation advice and future challenges

Plant Function Traits: Linking Climate and Ecosystem Functioning, part of the Plant Biology, Sustainability and Climate Change series, presents a wholistic understanding of Plant Functional Traits. As global climate change advances, natural resources are facing increasing survival challenges, hence this book directly addresses that need, exploring the morphological, physiological, and phenological properties of a plant that can be used as a proxy to understand plant environment interactions. Users will find great illustrations throughout individual chapters, along with case studies that demonstrate applications of functional traits in classifying vegetation of a region into distinct type groups as Plant Functional Types (PFTs).Additional information includes applications in the development of new generation of Dynamic Global Vegetation Model (DGVM) and an understanding of the response of vegetation to changing environments.

Presents foundational insights into multiple functional trait axesDescribes the quantification of functional traits from individuals to regionsIncludes the role of functional traits in developing new vegetation models for assessing the impact of climate change on plants

Biostimulants in Plant Protection and Performance provides the latest research on biostimulants, a diverse class of compounds that includes substances or microorganisms that are helpful in sustainable plant growth and development. These substances accelerate plant growth, yield, and chemical composition even under unfavorable conditions, and include nitrogen-containing compounds, humic materials, some specific compounds released by microbes, plants, and animals, various seaweed extracts, bio-based nanomaterials, phosphite, silicon, and more. Additionally, the book discusses new generation products and bioproducts that are being developed for sustainable plant growth and protection, including research updates in biotechnology, nanobiotechnology, and the protective role of biostimulants. As the use of new generation biostimulants can enhance plant production systems through a significant reduction of synthetic chemicals, such as pesticides and fertilizers, and even elicit plant tolerance to various climate change-related stresses, this book is a welcomed edition to many fields of study.Discusses our current understanding of, and advances in, biostimulants, along with their application in plants growth performance and overall managementExplores new techniques, new generation products, and bioproductsHighlights the role of seaweed extract, humic acids, protein hydrolysates, amino acids, melatonin, paramylon, fulvic acids, microbial inoculants (phyllospheric and rhizospheric), and more

Essential Minerals in Plant-Soil Systems: Coordination, Signaling, and Interaction under Adverse Situations is the first book to encompass these key aspects of plant science, biochemistry, soil science and fertilizer development in a single volume. Describing the micro- and macronutrients in the plant-soil system with the help of suitable illustrations, the book connects all the pieces enabling comprehensive and connected understanding. Sections cover recent advances in the understanding of how plants coordinate the acquisition, transport, signaling, and interaction, and cross-talks between macro- and micro-nutrients in adverse environmental situations.This book is a valuable reference for those putting research into practice in addressing stress situations, as well as providing important foundational insights for further research.

Provides a comprehensive overview of micro- and macronutrients and their interaction with phytohormones under stress conditionsExplores proteomic and genomic research into deficiencies and toxicities in plant systemsHighlights the use of nanobiotechnology for controlled release of micro- and macronutrients in the plant-soil systems

Bio-organic Amendments for Heavy Metal Remediation: Water, Soil and Plant Approaches and Technologies focuses on these core continuum media to explore remediation options using microbial, organic, and combined approaches. This volume in the Plant Biology, Sustainability and Climate Change series offers a comprehensive view of techniques and approaches for addressing contamination by heavy metals. It provides a comprehensive view of the challenge, with a focus on the bioremediation of heavy metals contamination using ecotechnological approaches for protecting the soil, water, and plant continuum.As anthropogenic activities increasingly negatively impact natural resources, there has been significant disturbance of the water, soil, and plant continuum due to the accumulation of heavy metals. The bioaccumulation of heavy metals in the food chain could pose life-threatening effects on plants as well as humans, and there is need to find effective and sustainable remediation options. The application of bio-organic amendments could serve as a sustainable solution to this problem.Highlights remediation techniques/approaches for heavy metals under water, soil and plant continuumsPresents case-studies for real-world insights as well as current practicesIncludes regulatory aspects for ensuring safe implementation

MicroRNA Advances and Application in Plant Biology presents a broad range of tools and techniques used for microRNA identification and utilization for diversity analysis in plants, crop improvement, and gene regulation. With expert insights, this book addresses those concepts through curated chapters that are well-illustrated with informative data, tables, figures, and photographs. While biological microRNA database resources have been created for the better understanding of structural and functional properties of primary-microRNAs (pri-microRNAs) to mature microRNAs, there remains a need for foundation understanding of how microRNAs may play a very crucial role in a plant lifecycle as an regulatory and stress tolerance molecule.There are still many unanswered questions about the structural and functional properties of the microRNAs, like the role of microRNA in crop improvement, gene regulation, stress tolerance, disease resistance plant, plant communication, and environmental interaction.

Explains the role of microRNA in biotic and abiotic stress tolerance in horticultural cropsIncludes both foundational and more advanced information on MicroRNAs in plantsIncorporates detailed information on specific microRNA (or non-coding RNA) gene networks in plant species

Radiation Spectrum and Plant Metabolism brings together advances in photobiology, biophysics, and metabolite chemistry to illuminate how light shapes plant structure, function, and ecological performance. The volume follows the pathways through which radiation interacts with plant systems, offering an integrated perspective that links subcellular processes to whole-plant behavior and ecosystem dynamics.Covering the full breadth of plant-light relationships, the book examines the optical properties of leaf tissues, the coordination of photoreceptors and pigments, and the metabolic networks through which plants interpret spectral cues. It outlines how shifts in light quality influence development, stress responses, and the production of secondary metabolites, providing a mechanistic foundation for understanding plant adaptability under both natural and controlled environments.As climate change alters terrestrial and cosmic radiation patterns, a comprehensive view of plant responses has become increasingly critical. This reference resource synthesizes emerging insights into changing spectral regimes, their biochemical and physiological consequences, and the broader implications for plant fitness, crop resilience, and phyllosphere interactions. Later chapters connect these concepts to applied practice, highlighting innovations in horticultural lighting technologies and the measurement techniques that support precision light management.Designed for researchers and advanced practitioners across the plant sciences, this volume offers a rigorous framework for interpreting how variable radiation environments shape biological systems and the metabolic processes that sustain them.

Opens with fundamentals and advances to specialized topics-including spectral reflectance, ionizing radiation stress contexts, and coordinated metabolic regulation-to provide a stepwise understanding of increasingly complex interactions.Details how leaf structural traits modulate radiation capture and spectral filtering, linking physical attributes to downstream biochemical pathways rarely consolidated in a single reference source.Synthesizes wavelength-specific signaling, enabling readers to distinguish how different regions of the spectrum drive discrete physiological and developmental responses.

Sustainable Cassava: Strategies from Production through Waste Management presents viable approaches to promote sustainability in this globally important crop, enabling future generations to benefit. Presented in three parts, the first addresses cassava diversity and distribution, sustainable production and cultivation practices, and root processing innovations of the crop. Cassava trade policies and economic value chains, food safety and use of cassava, and agro-industrial cassava products are addressed in the second part. The third part focuses on bioeconomy aspects, cassava waste quality assessment, toxicology, sanitary practices, environmental risk assessment as well as sustainable management strategies for cassava waste using biotechnological and industrial advances.Addressing the need for a unified and standardized approach for the trade, management, and utilization of cassava genetic resources, finished products, and cassava processing wastes, the book also explores policy and governance structure for addressing environmental and economic issues emanating from their use.

Presents best practices and ideas from around the world, including technological advances for Cassava production and useFocuses on sustainability throughout the lifecycleProvides insights translatable to other tuber crops for further enhanced sustainable food security

Non-coding RNA in Plants: Modulation and Stress Responses? is the first book to present the basics of the importance of long non-coding RNA and its potential in addressing abiotic and biotic stresses. Describing?the MiRNA and small RNA and their role in plant development, this book explains the importance of long non-coding RNA in plants, including its significance in virus resistance, its transposable elements, effector trigger immunity, and fungal and bacterial resistance in plants. Non-coding RNA for Modulation and Stress Response in Plants?presents the state-of-the-science from its historical foundation through application throughout the lifecycle and production of agricultural and non-agricultural plants.?While various coding has been explored within animal science, plant exposition has been minimal.? This book is designed to inspire additional research and developments toward improved plant resiliency and production.

Presents foundational information for understanding the importance of long non-coding RNA in plantsSummarizes and illustrates identification and diversity analysis approaches toward Non-coding RNA as regulationsExplores how non-coding RNAs may play a role in the regulation of stress responses by highlighting their biogenesis and mechanisms of action

Polyamine-Phytohormone-Nutrient Network: Nexus in Plant Responses to Abiotic Stresses presents the latest global research on key tools for improving physiological and biochemical mechanisms that enhance plant health and productivity.Exposure of plants to abiotic stresses is inevitable, often leading to impaired growth, metabolism, and productivity. However, plants are naturally equipped with endogenous chemicals including intracellular messengers and signalling molecules that counteract potential stress impacts, protect cellular functions, and promote healthy growth and production. Polyamines (PAs) are low-molecular-weight, nitrogen-containing compounds with aliphatic polycationic properties. Beyond their role in growth and development, PAs enhance plant tolerance to abiotic stresses. Given their connection with phytohormones and mineral nutrients, understanding their interactions-whether synergistic or antagonistic-could shed light on their potential to mitigate these stresses.Written by a team of expert contributors, this volume in the Plant Biology, Sustainability, and Climate Change series focuses on the interactions among PAs, phytohormones, and mineral nutrients that are crucial for regulating nutrient assimilation, carbon fixation, and secondary metabolic pathways.Presents an exhaustive overview of the impacts and mechanics of major abiotic stresses on plant healthExplores the physiological and biochemical mechanisms underlying the individual role of polyamines, phytohormones, and mineral nutrients in plant stress toleranceExplains the critical crosstalk in the physiological and biochemical interplay among polyamines, phytohormones, and mineral nutrients in plants exposed to abiotic stresses

Roles of Osmolytes in Changing Environment is the only available comprehensive coverage of the recent advances in our understanding on how plants coordinate with different osmolytes, and their role in improving the tolerance of plants under stress conditions. Including insights of their effect against cold, heat, UV, submergence, wounding, extremes of temperature, drought, salinity, high metal concentrations, water logging, pollution, and nutrient deficiency stress, the book also explains the role of various osmolytes against phytopathogenic viruses, bacteria, fungi, algae, nematodes, and insects. Understanding the significance of different osmolytes for sustainable plant growth and production under diverse stress situations is increasingly important for both crop and non-crop plants. This volume presents the latest research and inspires further research toward osmolyte use in developing stress tolerance in plants. Roles of Osmolytes in Changing Environment is a valuable resource for scientists, researchers and advanced level students working in plant biology, plant physiology, plant stress physiology, plant biochemistry, botanical or crop sciences, environmental sciences, and ecological sciences.Discusses osmolytes that protect plants from, or neutralize, the harmful effects of stressExplores stress signaling pathways for survival of plants under adverse situationExamines genetic engineering and molecular methods to induce crop plant stress tolerance

Amino Acids in Plant Protection: Mechanisms, Metabolism and Coordination highlights the increasingly evident importance of amino acids in plant development and stress defense, addressing the needs of basic and applied plant scientists around the world. It provides the only comprehensive overview of the general direction of amino acid metabolism and genetic regulation under abiotic stress conditions, presenting a complete map of all currently known enzymatic steps involved in amino acid synthesis and degradation, including the initial steps leading to the synthesis of secondary metabolites.Higher plants are sessile and therefore cannot escape hostile environmental conditions that are a constant threat throughout their lifecycle. Unfavorable growth conditions such as extreme temperatures, drought, flood, and contamination of soils with high salt concentrations are considered the major abiotic environmental stressors that can not only limit plant growth and development, but also determine the geographic distribution of plant species and directly affect agronomical yield.Explores amino acids in a range of environmental conditions to enable accurate assessment and responsePresents comprehensive insights into the practical application of amino acids for specific stress scenariosProvides in-depth details of metabolic and signaling functions of amino acids

Role of Antioxidants in Mitigating Plant Stress explores the fundamental roles and mechanistic approaches of antioxidant stress tolerance strategies. With chapters addressing both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, it provides a clear guide for understanding plant responses. Presenting current understanding of these components, the book features their role, molecular properties, and reaction mechanisms to various environmental conditions. This book provides an important reference for researchers and advanced level students seeking to improve plant health.Plants are regularly exposed to various kinds of abiotic and biotic stresses in their natural environmental conditions. These stresses have significant influence on agriculture worldwide and thus, lead to massive economic losses as well as food insecurity. Research has identified many of the effects of, and mitigation techniques for, various stresses that impact plant systems. Strategies for strengthening the antioxidant defense system can increase yields and protect crop plants from a variety of stresses.Discusses the modulation of antioxidant systems that enable plants to initiate short- and long-term mitigation responsesExamines the potential of non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidants in stress responseExplores coordination of antioxidants, plant hormones, and PGPR for higher plant performance under various stresses

Synergistic Plant Metabolomics and Plant Growth-Promoting Microorganisms in Addressing Abiotic Stress unveils the latest advancements in understanding how plants respond to environmental pressures. By unraveling the complexities of metabolic pathways affected by abiotic stresses and highlighting the pivotal role of PGPMs in enhancing plant resilience, this book provides a comprehensive exploration of these intricate relationships. Recent advancements in plant sciences, metabolomics, and microbiology have deepened our understanding of the interconnected functions of metabolites and growth-promoting microorganisms in plant resilience and the role of microorganism in altering plant metabolome under environmental stresses. The book consolidates this emerging knowledge into an accessible volume, offering a holistic view of how plant metabolomics and microbial interactions contribute to plant adaptation under abiotic stresses. Aimed at researchers and practitioners, the book translates scientific findings into both research inspiration and practical applications for professionals and advanced students in plant science, agriculture, biotechnology, and related fields, addressing tangible strategies for improving plant and crop resilience and productivity.Translates scientific findings into practical applicationsPresents the latest research including methodologiesIncorporates case-studies and real-world examples to enhance understanding

Nanoscience and Nano-Formulations for Sustainable Vegetable Crop Production offers a comprehensive overview of the latest advances in nanotechnology to enhance yield, nutritional value, and delivery efficiency in vegetable crops, particularly those with shorter growth cycles.Although nanoscience is already deeply embedded in global food production, especially in cereals and grains, its targeted application in olericulture holds significant potential for strengthening global food security. Effective implementation, however, demands a clear understanding of nanoparticles’ behavior and interactions with plants, ensuring technological progress aligns with safety standards and consumer confidence. This book covers innovations in several key areas of vegetable farming, including nanofertilizers, nanopesticides, and nano-packaging materials, spanning the entire continuum-from seed priming to postharvest management, while also addressing practical dimensions of scalability, farmer adoption, and system integration.Designed for researchers, scientists, and advanced-level students, this resource will serve as a valuable reference for harmonizing productivity, resilience, and sustainability in modern vegetable production.Highlights novel research in nanomaterials, nanocomposites, and nano-encapsulation, showcasing their roles in improving seed performance, stress tolerance, soil and water management, and postharvest qualityExplores the integration of nano-sensors and omics approaches to enable precision monitoring and data-driven decision-makingIncludes essential considerations on biosafety, toxicity mitigation, and regulatory compliance, supporting informed and responsible utilization of nanotechnology in vegetable production

Plant Regeneration In Vitro: Environmental Cues and Sustainability provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of plant regeneration in vitro, with a particular focus on the environmental cues that influence this process. Authored and edited by leading experts, and addressing multiple methods, applications, and prospects of in vitro regeneration, the book explores the mechanisms and role that environmental factors play in determining the success of in-vitro plant regeneration. Furthermore, it explores a variety of environmental triggers that affect plant regeneration in vitro, such as temperature, light, humidity, nutrient availability, and plant growth regulators.Additional sections describe the current state-of-the-science and the latest in experimental work, helping readers optimize their own applications of current knowledge while also inspiring new approaches.Provides a comprehensive overview of the techniques used for plant regeneration in vitroExplores the environmental cues that affect plant regeneration in vitroDiscusses sustainable methods for plant regeneration in vitro

Nanomaterials-Microbial Interactions for Soil Health, Plant Growth, and Performance investigates how engineered nanomaterials interface with soil ecosystems to influence plant health and agricultural sustainability. By leveraging the distinctive surface chemistry, size, and reactivity of these materials, the book analyzes how they modulate soil chemistry, microbial activity, and plant physiology, with implications for growth, resilience, and productivity.

Interdisciplinary perspectives from soil science, microbiology, plant biology, and nanoengineering are integrated to evaluate mechanisms of action, exposure routes, and environmental fate. The volume weighs opportunities for enhanced yield and nutrient-use efficiency against risks to soil health, biodiversity, and food safety, while also discussing regulatory frameworks and scalable strategies for real-word farming systems and food value chains.

Aimed at researchers, practitioners, and decision-makers across academia, government, and industry, Nanomaterials-Microbial Interactions for Soil Health, Plant Growth, and Performance serves as an authoritative platform for future-oriented thinking that bridges discovery and deployment aligned with global environmental stewardship goals across diverse agroecosystems.

Emphasizes the integrated nanoparticle-plant-microbe axis across farming systems and remediation strategiesElucidates rhizosphere responses to metal and metal oxide nanoparticles under abiotic and biotic influencesExamines how nanoparticles affect rhizosphere bacteria and fungi, including arbuscular mycorrhizal fungiAssesses effects on microbial processes (mineralization, nitrogen fixation) and consequent plant growth outcomes

Mineral Nutrients to Mitigate Abiotic Stress in Crops offers a clear and timely examination of the physiological and biochemical dynamics that govern how plants endure increasingly unpredictable growing conditions. The volume begins by outlining the fundamental principles that shape a crop’s capacity to acquire, distribute, and utilize nutrients, and then considers how these processes influence its survival and productivity when confronting drought, salinity, heat, or nutrient-induced stress. Across the chapters, contributors show how nutrient availability guides defense mechanisms-from maintaining cellular stability and enzymatic function to modulating antioxidant potential, osmotic adjustment, and stress-related signaling-and how intensifying environmental pressures reorder metabolic priorities, redirect root behaviour, and reallocate resources at the whole-plant level.Building on this foundation and proceeding in an intentionally structured sequence, this book integrates applied approaches encompassing soil and fertilizer systems, nutrient biofortification, and the breeding of nutrient-efficient cultivars. By integrating established science with emerging insights, it delivers a coherent, forward-looking framework for interpreting plant resilience and for implementing adaptive strategies that underpin effective responses in diverse cultivation contexts, thereby strategically equipping researchers and practitioners to navigate the increasingly complex challenges facing modern agriculture.Presents element specific chapters-covering nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, iron, and major micronutrients-that clearly distinguish their individual roles in mitigating abiotic stressHighlights nutrient-nutrient interactions, showing how synergistic or antagonistic relationships influence stress outcomesIncludes dedicated discussions of diagnostic imaging and spectroscopic methods for assessing nutrient deficiencies and stress-management responsesSurveys the contribution of beneficial elements, such as silicon and selenium, which complement essential nutrients in enhancing resilience