The main aim of this chapter is to identify key physiological factors underlying the initiation and growth of the storage root of beet, carrot, parsnip, and turnip. Additionally, life processes including dormancy, vernalization requirement, flowering, the production of secondary metabolites, and...

This chapter provides information on anatomy and morphology, photoperiod and temperature regulation of development, dormancy, cold hardiness, photosynthesis and carbon allocation patterns, water relations, and plant nutrition of strawberries.

Understanding and improving the cold hardiness of plants has been an endeavour that has been pursued since the onset of studying plant biology. Cold acclimation is a multigenic, quantitative trait that involves biochemical and structural changes that affect the physiology of a plant. The type and...

This chapter describes methodologies for genetic improvement of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) for enhanced insect pest suppression. The three main approaches that have been used in classical genetics: selective breeding, cross-breeding and mutagenesis, are discussed. The use of genetic...

This chapter describes the physiology of blackberry (Rubus sp.) plant and its roots both for primocane and floricane production. It details the mystery of primocane growth and development, cold hardiness and chilling requirements, the critical elements of flower bud development, and the complicated ...

This chapter discusses important environmental factors affecting almond tree growth, including flower bud formation, flowering and fruit growth and maturation. These include light, temperature (cold hardiness, dormancy and spring frost injury), rains, summer water stress, and soil chemical and...

This chapter describes the biosynthesis of 5-aminolevulinic acid [5-aminolaevulinic acid] in microorganisms and plants, covering the biochemical pathways and genes associated with 5-aminolevulinic acid synthesis in these organisms. The insecticidal and herbicidal properties of 5-AMA, and the...

This chapter covers the physiological and genetic mechanisms (i.e. enzymes and genes) involved in the synthesis of glycinebetaine [betaine] and proline in plants, and in the role of both osmoprotectants in the response of plants to abiotic stresses (such as drought, salinity, and heat, cold and...

This chapter focuses on polyamine biosynthesis, catabolism, and subcellular localization; effects of drought, salinity and cold stresses on polyamine level and enzymes involved in polyamine synthesis; role of polyamines and their synthesis inhibitors in plant response to drought, salininity and...

This chapter focuses on polyamine synthesis, degradation, conjugation and transport in plants, and on the regulation of polyamine and polyamine-metabolizing enzymes under salinity, drought and cold stress. Advances in transgenic approaches with polyamine-regulatory genes to improve stress tolerance ...