This chapter describes the chemical constituents of plant biomass that can be converted to various types of liquid fuel. Also, the chapter discusses lignin modification and the carbohydrate component of the cell wall.

Asparagus belongs in the family Asparagaceae with approximately 300 species spread throughout the world. In addition to the widely grown edible asparagus (A. officinalis) and regionally unique A. maritimus, there are numerous important ornamental species including A. sprengeri (asparagus fern) and ...

Cucurbit fruits are comparable in nutrient content to other fruits and vegetables and are exceptional for high pro-vitamin A content of some cultivars of squash and melon, and the abundant oil and protein in seeds of Telfairia, Cucurbita and other cucurbits. Cucurbits are a good source of...

This chapter focuses on the history, nutritive value and importance and morphological and phenological characteristics of potatoes. Information on the growth and development, cultivation, dry matter content of tubers, environmental factors affecting tuber bulking and yield, carbohydrate metabolism...

A review on the importance of trace elements, vitamins, major minerals, carbohydrates, energy and proteins in supplying the nutrient requirements in cattle was presented as well as on how deficiences or excess may result into metabolic diseases that indirectly or directly affects profitability and...

This chapter explores the various ways by which nanoparticles can be synthesized and used in agricultural applications. It discusses the synthesis of nanosubstances by biological means as an alternative to chemical synthesis, through the utilization of natural agents such as microbes and plants (as ...

In this chapter, a global vision of the physiology (functioning) of a blueberry plant is described with regard to the generation and distribution of carbohydrates. The factors that are involved in dry matter production and its partitioning among the various plant organs are discussed, as well as...

This chapter describes the movement, digestion and absorption of dietary protein, fat, carbohydrate, minerals, vitamins, trace elements and water in the digestive tract of pigs at different stages of growth and production.

This chapter focuses on the various biochemical parameters that define the behaviour and functionality of cyst nematodes, such as lipids, carbohydrates and proteins. The importance of the unspecialized biochemical pathways of cyst nematodes in providing biochemical flexibility in responding to...

Molecules in plants with dietary relevance can be grouped into four main sets: macronutrients (proteins, carbohydrates, lipids (oils), fibre), micronutrients (vitamins, minerals, functional metabolites), antinutrients (substances such as phytate that limit the bioavailability of nutrients) and...