This chapter contains example of pests species feeding on leaves. Leaf pests comprise a big section of biters, either munchers or miners, and a small section of suckers that are mainly apical and use their sophisticated mouthparts to tap into the plant's vascular system.

Estimating nematode numbers is required to quantify the presence of certain nematode taxa in plant tissue, field soil or any other substrates. This chapter describes the enumeration of nematodes within plant tissue (e.g. roots, stems, leaves, seeds) and in liquids. It also deals with estimating...

This chapter describes the biology, distribution and population status of G. assamicus, which is elaborated with informative field data. The genus Gymnocladus belongs to the family Leguminosae and subfamily Caesalpinioideae. It has a basal position in phylogenetic schemes and is highly diverse in...

Acid rain is known as the 'air killer' because of its devastating damage to the ecosystem. As the major factor in the terrestrial ecosystem, the toxic effect of acid rain on plants has attracted more attention of researchers. The loss in agriculture and forestry caused by acid rain aggravates the...

This chapter focuses on the visual characteristics of plants that deter pests or attract pollinators and natural enemies. During their long period of coexistence, plants and insects have evolved a complex set of interactions including several modes of visual communication. Plants reflect sunlight...

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...

DNA analysis provides an opportunity to screen for certain traits prior to field planting. This is particularly important in screening for shell thickness. The shell thickness gene (Sh) is probably the most valuable gene in oil palm breeding and commerce. Pre-field planting screening is important...

The Apiaceae family is a complex group of plants in which many species are similar and difficult to identify. Once the species is identified, it is often still quite complex at the infraspecific level because of many existing variations (habit, leaf, umbel organization, sexuality of flowers). This...

Cocoyam, taro and other aroids (Alocasia, Amorphophallus and Cyrtosperma) have much potential in terms of fresh and processed products and are, in fact, industries with considerable expansion potential, especially as biofunctional foods. Taro is already processed and prepared into many consumable...

The present environmental conditions impose serious constraints on typical cultivar farming. Halophytes are known to be highly resistant to harsh environments, withstanding drought and salinity while maintaining positive biomass production rates. It is known that, in adapting to adverse conditions, ...