Name: Water management for rainfed smallholder farming
Brand: Christoph Studer, Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH), Switzerland
Price: 32.5 USD
Availability: InStock

Christoph Studer, Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH), Switzerland

Water management for rainfed smallholder farming

$32.50

This chapter aims to show how small-scale farmers can use water more efficiently, productively and sustainably in rainfed production. We will first discuss general aspects of how water use in crop and livestock production may be improved – measures that are important and useful in both rainfed as well as in irrigated agricultural production. Then we will focus specifically on rainfed agriculture and describe numerous practical options to help smallholder farmers use precipitation water more efficiently and productively. We will discuss ways of upgrading rainfed agricultural production and important broader issues regarding water and agriculture that have to be considered to assure that we will have enough water to feed the world in future.

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Prof. Prof. T. Oweis

Water management for sustainable agriculture

$245.00

There is increasing competition for water resources in the face of declining aquifer reserves and increasing risk in many areas of drought related to climate change. At the same time poor water management is damaging agriculture with problems such as salinization, waterlogging, erosion and run-off. This volume summarises the wealth of research on understanding and better management of water resources for agriculture.

Part 1 reviews fundamental issues such as plant water use and soil water retention. Part 2 discusses ways of mapping and monitoring groundwater and surface water resources whilst Part 3 covers other sources such as rain and floodwater, waste and brackish water. Part 4 surveys developments in irrigation techniques such as drip irrigation and fertigation. The final sections in the book discuss ways of using water resources more efficiently such as site-specific and deficit irrigation techniques.

With its distinguished editor and international team of expert authors, this wlll be a standard reference for agronomists, scientists involved in water and irrigation science as well as government and non-governmental organisations responsible for agriculture and water resource management.

Prof. Prof. T. Oweis

Water management for sustainable agriculture

$245.00

There is increasing competition for water resources in the face of declining aquifer reserves and increasing risk in many areas of drought related to climate change. At the same time poor water management is damaging agriculture with problems such as salinization, waterlogging, erosion and run-off. This volume summarises the wealth of research on understanding and better management of water resources for agriculture.

Part 1 reviews fundamental issues such as plant water use and soil water retention. Part 2 discusses ways of mapping and monitoring groundwater and surface water resources whilst Part 3 covers other sources such as rain and floodwater, waste and brackish water. Part 4 surveys developments in irrigation techniques such as drip irrigation and fertigation. The final sections in the book discuss ways of using water resources more efficiently such as site-specific and deficit irrigation techniques.

With its distinguished editor and international team of expert authors, this wlll be a standard reference for agronomists, scientists involved in water and irrigation science as well as government and non-governmental organisations responsible for agriculture and water resource management.

Cover image for Water management for sustainable agriculture, isbn: 9781786761781

S. Hauser and F. Ekeleme, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Nigeria

Weed control in cassava cropping systems

$32.50

Weed control in cassava fields appears to have received highly variable levels of attention on the different continents where cassava is grown, despite clear messages from farming communities on its importance. Moreover, although grasses and broadleaved weeds are perceived as a major problem in cassava cultivation, the crop is one of the few without concrete chemical and mechanical weed control options. This chapter will discuss the effects of weeds on cassava root yields, farmers’ perceptions of the importance of weed control and the control methods used in different cropping systems. The focus is primarily on Africa, due to the fact that the continent accounts for the largest portion of global cassava production, weed control is not as well developed there and weeds pose a larger threat to livelihoods in Africa than in South America or Asia.

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Adam S. Davis, USDA-ARS, USA

Weed ecology and population dynamics

$32.50

Agricultural trends, including a global rise in herbicide-resistant weed genotypes and a growing demand for food produced with minimal external synthetic inputs, are driving producer interest in reducing reliance on herbicides for weed management. An improved understanding of weed ecology can support the design of weed-suppressive agroecosystems. This chapter explores current scientific knowledge of ecological levels of organizations, including populations, communities and agroecosystems, relevant to the study and management of agricultural weeds. A population dynamics framework for targeting management tactics to specific weed life stages is presented, and its applicability to solving real-world weed management problems is demonstrated in a case study of mitigating the invasive potential of an exotic bioenergy crop species.

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Dr Dr Seyed Vahid Eslami

Weed ecology in Conservation Agriculture systems: an overview

$32.50

This chapter extensively explores the intricate dynamics of weed communities within the framework of Conservation Agriculture (CA). A review of weed density, shifts in species, and seedbank dynamics under CA reveals the challenges inherent in this agricultural system. The chapter underscores the implications for ecological weed management, critically assessing the efficacy of the main CA pillars, i.e. minimum soil disturbance, diversified crop rotations, and cover cropping in mitigating weed pressure. Key strategies, such as ecological management of weed-crop competition and oversight of the seedbank and soil nutrients, are examined in-depth. While acknowledging the merits of CA, the chapter addresses challenges, including increase in weed abundance, shifts in weed diversity, and introduction of invasive species. The conclusion of the chapter directs attention to understanding the vulnerabilities of weeds within the CA system and proposes management practices to effectively address these challenges.

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Professor Professor Gottlieb Basch

Weed management in Conservation Agriculture systems

$200.00

Considers how weed management can be optimised in Conservation Agriculture (CA) and other low-input production systems
Provides a comprehensive overview of the recent research on the use of cultural and physical weed management techniques in CA systems, such as the use of allelopathy and thermal weed control
Reviews the range of chemical and biological weed management techniques available to CA farmers, including the use of bioherbicides and other emerging methods of biological control

Professor Professor Gottlieb Basch

Weed management in Conservation Agriculture systems

$200.00

Considers how weed management can be optimised in Conservation Agriculture (CA) and other low-input production systems
Provides a comprehensive overview of the recent research on the use of cultural and physical weed management techniques in CA systems, such as the use of allelopathy and thermal weed control
Reviews the range of chemical and biological weed management techniques available to CA farmers, including the use of bioherbicides and other emerging methods of biological control

Cover image for Weed management in Conservation Agriculture systems, isbn: 9781801467858

Gottlieb Basch, Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development (MED) – Universidade de Évora, Portugal; Søren Ilsøe, Knudstrupgaard Farm, Denmark; Miguel Barnuevo-Rocko, Finca Munibañez s/n Chinchilla, Spain; Anderson Schmitz,

Weed management in Conservation Agriculture systems: farmers’ testimonies

$32.50

In this concluding chapter, several testimonies of farmers about their experiences regarding weed management after the shift to CA are presented to emphasize the importance of practitioners' views when profound changes in farming methods are needed. The testimonies comprise different agroecologies and farming systems: two in Europe, one in the Atlantic Central region (Denmark) and the other in the Mediterranean South (Spain), both working in annual cropping systems; two in Brazil, one in the Cerrado biome of the Bahia state in the Northeast, dedicated to annual broadacre crops, and the other in the South, in the Santa Catarina state, with a temperate but hot summer climate, specialized in horticultural crops. Finally, a farmer from the cold semi-arid Canadian prairies, cropping cereals, oilseed rape, and pulses.

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Dr Dr Ademir Calegari

Weed management in Conservation Agriculture-based production of annual crops

$32.50

This chapter reviews the benefits and use of cover crops in no-till (NT) cultivation systems such as Conservation Agriculture (CA) in order to control undesirable plants (‘weeds’) in different annual crop production systems, whilst minimizing the use of herbicides. It begins by situating use of cover crops in the broader context of improving soil health. The chapter then reviews current research on the mechanisms of action deployed by cover crops in weed suppression. Finally, it discusses the range of CA-based weed management practices for annual crops using cover crops, including characteristics of particular cover crops and cover crop mixes as well as a range of examples of the ways they can be combined with cash crops.

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Don W. Morishita, University of Idaho, USA

Weed management in grain legume cultivation

$32.50

The importance of managing weeds in a grain legume crop is critical for obtaining optimum yield. All grain legumes are relatively poor competitors with weeds and thus are prone to yield reductions when grown in the presence of weeds. This chapter outlines the nature and challenges of weed interference and methods of weed control, as well as offering two detailed case studies. The chapter demonstrates that a combination of practices, such as cultivar selection, planting date, tillage system, in-crop tillage or cultivation, and/or herbicides are needed to increase the likelihood of successful weed control.

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Mr Mr Marcelo Zanella

Weed management in no-tillage vegetable cultivation: using the Sistema de Plantio Direto de Hortaliças to achieve an agroecological transition

$32.50

This chapter describes cultivation of vegetables using the no-tillage cultivation system developed in Brazil (SPDH+: Sistema de Plantio Direto de Hortaliças). Based on agroecological principles, this allows more sustainable cultivation of vegetables without reliance on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. The SPDH+ system is based on a holistic approach which combines vegetable cultivation with green soil cover, combining planted species with spontaneous plant growth. The chapter describes both underpinning principles and practical implementation with case studies.

Cover image for Weed management in no-tillage vegetable cultivation: using the Sistema de Plantio Direto de Hortaliças to achieve an agroecological transition, isbn: 9781835454428

Paolo Bàrberi, Stefano Carlesi and Federico Leoni, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, Italy

Weed management in organic Conservation Agriculture systems

$32.50

Organic conservation agriculture can potentially contribute to meeting many urgent technical and environmental issues related to agricultural soil degradation; however, its uptake has been so far quite limited. After having shed some light on the similarities and differences between (organic) conservation agriculture and the emerging concept of (organic) regenerative agriculture, the authors tackle the problem of weed management in such systems, which is one of the major technical barriers against adoption. The weed management challenges posed by organic conservation/regenerative systems can best be tackled through cropping system diversification. In this respect, cover crops/dead mulches and intercrops/living mulches appear as interesting practices to improve weed suppression. They highlight the key theoretical and practical key issues linked to the efficiency and optimisation of such practices, and provide some examples of success stories. Finally, they present some opportunities, challenges and future perspectives of weed management in organic conservation and regenerative systems.

Cover image for Weed management in organic Conservation Agriculture systems, isbn: 9781835454435

Greta Gramig, North Dakota State University, USA

Weed management in organic crop cultivation

$32.50

Managing weeds in organic production systems is critical to the economic success of organic farmers, as well as long-term ecological sustainability. Problems with weeds are a major reason why organic operations fail, or never get started. This chapter provides an overview of the range of tools and tactics that can be used to contend with weeds in organic systems and describes the integration of several tools and tactics. The chapter presents several organic farmer case studies to illustrate different types of weed management plans. The chapter looks ahead to future trends in scientific research that will help organic farmers manage weeds while conserving and building soil resources.

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Dr Dr Emilio J. González-Sanchez

Weed management in perennial Conservation Agriculture systems: optimising use of groundcover

$32.50

This chapter reviews ways of optimising use of ground cover in perennial cultivation for weed control. It reviews the multiple roles of ground cover in perennial systems and ways of selecting between different types of ground cover (non-selected or select spontaneous plants; sown grass, legume or cruciferous species; or use of pruning residues). The chapter then looks at overall techniques for combined weed and ground cover management.

Cover image for Weed management in perennial Conservation Agriculture systems: optimising use of groundcover, isbn: 9781835454411

M. Bagavathiannan, Texas A&M University, USA; W. Everman, North Carolina State University, USA; P. Govindasamy, Texas A&M University, USA; A. Dille and M. Jugulam, Kansas State University, USA; and J. Norsworthy, University of Arkansas, USA

Weed management in sorghum cultivation

$32.50

Sorghum is, and will remain, an important crop in the USA, especially in marginal environments due to its low input requirements and high resilience. Weed management is a key production challenge for sorghum, and the herbicide tools available are very limited, particularly for post-emergence (POST) control of grass weeds. The weedy relatives such as shattercane and johnsongrass present challenges for selective control in sorghum due to genetic similarities. This chapter presents a number of weed management options and considerations for sorghum, and discusses the critical period for weed control, placing an emphasis on pre-emergence (PRE) control of grasses and other tough-to-control annual weeds. It is concluded that an integrated weed management approach, encompassing a strategic application of PRE and POST herbicides used in combination with non-chemical tactics, will be critical to achieving sustainable weed management in sorghum.

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Vasileios P. Vasileiadis and Maurizio Sattin, National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Agro-Environmental and Forest Biology, Italy; and Per Kudsk, Aarhus University, Denmark

Weed management of maize grown under temperate conditions: the case of Europe and the United States

$32.50

This chapter reviews the impact of weeds on maize grown under temperate conditions, with a particular focus on the situation in the United States and Europe. It discusses current weed management systems and the herbicide resistance issues that have developed through the continuous use of herbicides. Integrated weed management techniques are recommended for achieving more sustainable maize production.

Cover image for Weed management of maize grown under temperate conditions: the case of Europe and the United States, isbn: 9781838791339

Gottlieb Basch and Fernando Teixeira, University of Évora, Portugal; and Sjoerd W. Duiker, Penn State University, USA

Weed management practices and benefits in Conservation Agriculture systems

$32.50

Conservation Agriculture (CA) systems are often perceived as relying heavily on herbicides for weed management with no margin for herbicide input reduction. This perception results from production systems that are focussed mainly on the minimum soil disturbance component or no-till, but neglecting crop diversity and permanent soil cover components. This chapter analyses chemical and non-chemical methods of weed control, identifying the opportunities and challenges posed by CA. The chapter discusses soil seedbank dynamics, the mechanisms governing weed soil seedbank depletion and the need to prevent a weed or group of weeds becoming prevalent. The chapter also examines the importance of introducing crop diversity through crop rotation and/or intercropping, the resulting varying pressure on weeds, both spatially and temporally, and the benefits in weed management associated with mulching and cover crops. The chapter provides an analytical review of the adoption of CA in Sub-Saharan Africa by smallholder farmers, focusing on the challenges posed by weed management. Finally, the chapter looks ahead to future research trends in this area.

Cover image for Weed management practices and benefits in Conservation Agriculture systems, isbn: 9781786765888

Bruce Maxwell, Montana State University, USA

Weed-plant interactions

$32.50

Crops or desired plant species co-occur with undesired species, and the co-occurring species thereby come to be classed as weeds. This human-imposed classification is based on the perception that there is an interaction that results in some negative effect of the weed on the crop or desired species. This chapter offers an evolutionary perspective on crop–weed interactions and examines the nature of shared resource pools between desired crops and weeds. The chapter addresses the effects of direct competition between weeds and crops for resources, the indirect effects of competition and the spatial and temporal dynamics of crop–weed interaction.

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David Chikoye, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Zambia; Friday Ekeleme, Stefan Hauser, Abebe Menkir and Alpha Y. Kamara, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Nigeria; Peter Neuenschwander and Obinna Ajuonu, Intern

Weeds affecting field crops and water bodies in sub-Saharan Africa

$32.50

In sub-Saharan Africa, weeds are a serious challenge, undermining food security and economic development. Weeds interfere with various human activities. Despite the different classes of weeds based on habitat (terrestrial or aquatic), life cycle (annual or perennial) or morphology (dicots or monocots), they possess common characteristics such as competitiveness, persistence and cause economic losses. This chapter considers integrated management techniques for a range of weeds, including spear grass (Imperata cylindrica), Striga hermonthica and floating aquatic weeds. The chapter examines the role of Chromolaena odorata in the humid tropics and control measures against it, as well as considering weed control in plantain and cassava systems. Finally, the chapter looks ahead to future research trends in this area.

Cover image for Weeds affecting field crops and water bodies in sub-Saharan Africa, isbn: 9781838797621

Björn Forkman, University of Copenhagen, Denmark

Welfare assessment of pigs

$32.50

If the aim of a welfare assessment is to describe the welfare on-farm, not only here and now but for a longer time period, then the measures to be used have to be chosen with this in mind. It is by choosing relevant but common indicators that the assessment is representative of the farm over time. There are two types of animal welfare protocols, those that require the farms to comply with a set of criteria and those that attempt to assess the welfare of the animals on the farm. The advantage of the first approach is that it is transparent and easy to understand, the advantage of the second that it is more flexible and can give a better understanding of what is happening on the farm.

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Anja Brinch Riber, Aarhus University, Denmark

Welfare issues affecting broiler breeders

$32.50

The demand for broiler meat has been growing for decades, and broiler meat represents the major animal protein source in many countries around the world. To meet the demand for cheap and increasing amounts of broiler meat, a consistent selection for fast growth is employed in the broiler industry. However, this comes at the expense of impaired welfare of the parent stock, i.e. the broiler breeders. Among the significant welfare challenges are the severe feed restriction and the associated welfare problems in terms of physiological stress and development of abnormal behaviour, indicative of frustration and hunger. Furthermore, welfare issues associated with the high level of aggression, particularly sexual aggression, exist, causing increased levels of fear, pain and mortality. Linked to this is the mutilation of broiler breeders, which is used as a preventive measure to reduce damage inflicted to flock mates, but the mutilation is a welfare problem in itself.

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Dr Dr Dana L. M. Campbell

Welfare issues affecting free-range laying hens

$32.50

Free-range laying hen production systems involve providing flocks of hens with the chance to use minimally controlled outdoor areas, rather than keeping them in intensive, environmentally controlled, indoor housing. Such systems are considered more natural and ethical. However, highly productive modern genotypes, selected for cage production, are harder to manage in large flocks and outdoor environments. To sustainably improve free-range housing and management, we must understand how hens behave in these systems, the welfare challenges they face and what modifications will, in practice, adequately address hens’ needs. This chapter reviews the following areas of significance and concern: individual differences in range use, behavioural expression on the range, correlations between ranging and health variables, parasite loads, adequate nutrition, grass impaction, feather pecking and cannibalism.

Cover image for Welfare issues affecting free-range laying hens, isbn: 9781838790967

Ingrid C. de Jong, Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen University and Research, The Netherlands

Welfare issues in poultry housing and management: broilers

$32.50

More than 60 billion of broilers are reared and slaughtered for meat production yearly. The majority of broilers worldwide is housed indoors in floor systems and is of a fast-growing breed. Welfare problems have been associated with their efficient growth, the rearing environment and flock management. Examples are impaired leg health and behavioural restriction (the inability to perform their species-specific behaviour). Breed (fast- or slow-growing), hatching environment, stocking density, light, litter, air quality and environmental enrichment all affect broiler welfare, although their interactive effects are often unclear. Prevalence of welfare problems is generally lower in ‘higher-welfare’ systems, involving a slower growing broiler strain, lower stocking density and environmental enrichment. There seems to be a trend towards implementation of these higher-welfare systems in Europe and the US, although there is currently little information on needs and preferences of slower-growing strains and welfare of broilers in different production systems.

Cover image for Welfare issues in poultry housing and management: broilers, isbn: 9781786768742

Victoria Sandilands, Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), UK

Welfare issues in poultry housing and management: laying hens

$32.50

Laying hens produce a large number of eggs on an annual basis. In recent years, permitted housing methods in the EU have changed to enriched cages and cage-free systems (i.e. barn, free-range and organic production methods), but worldwide hens are still also housed in conventional cages. The various characteristics of these systems are discussed. Different systems have various pros and cons with regards to bird welfare. Conventionally-caged hens have weaker bones and lack behavioural freedom, whereas hens from enriched cages benefit from some improvements such as nest boxes, perches, greater space, and litter for pecking and scratching. Cage-free hens have the most behavioural freedom and better bone strength, but they are also at risk of greater keel bone damage (particularly with multi-tier structures), exposure to pathogens (particularly with free-range and organic), and greater mortality. Improvements to reduce keel bone damage in particular are considered.

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Sandra Edwards, University of Newcastle, UK

Welfare of gilts and pregnant sows

$32.50

Mismatches between the evolutionary biology of the sow and current commercial production systems give rise to welfare challenges of stereotyped behaviour development in confined systems and aggression in group housing systems. This chapter describes the welfare issues associated with individual confinement systems and examines the nature and significance of stereotyped behaviour in gestating sows. The chapter addresses the issue of hunger in the pregnant sow and drivers to adopt group housing systems for pregnant sows. The chapter has a particular focus on the importance of social organisation in sows and looks in detail at the relationship between aggression in stable groups and the method of feed provision available. Finally, the chapter examines sows in extensive systems and looks ahead to future research trends in this area, providing extensive suggestions for further reading.

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Dr Tina Widowski

Welfare of laying hens: an overview

$32.50

Although the majority of the world’s laying hens are still housed in conventional (‘battery’) cages, public concern for the welfare of laying hens is rapidly changing the methods by which eggs are being produced and marketed in many regions of the world. However, alternative housing systems have their own costs and associated welfare problems, as well as benefits. There are also various welfare concerns for laying hens which are not based solely on how adult laying hens are housed. In this chapter we provide an overview of the current state of knowledge on the major welfare issues for laying hens, including the welfare trade-offs involved with different housing systems, the behavioural requirements of laying hens, the issue of injurious pecking and skeletal health concerns. We also identify new and emerging issues that are directing future research in the area.

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Jonathan Amory, Writtle University College, UK; and Nina Wainwright, British Pig Executive (BPEX), UK

Welfare of pigs during finishing

$32.50

Finisher pigs, those of a post-weaning age kept for slaughter, make up the majority of the world pig population of approximately 1 billion. The intensive production system for post-weaned pigs is characterised by higher animal density, larger farms, use of concentrated foods and control of the production environment, particularly temperature, humidity and lighting. This chapter explores the relationship between nutrition management and the welfare of finishing pigs and the links between physical and social environment and welfare of finisher pigs. The chapter addresses the importance of environmental enrichment and ways to avoid tail-biting behaviour. Finally, the chapter describes methods of practical welfare assessment of finisher pigs and looks ahead to future research trends in this area.

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Dr Dr Arlene Garcia

Welfare of weaned piglets

$32.50

Demands for improved animal welfare and animal handling systems from governments, non-government organizations and consumers are increasing. The weaning period in pork production has particular potential to positively impact animals. This chapter focuses on current practices that can be detrimental to piglet well-being, improvements to these practices, and advances in technology that could improve animal well-being, profitability and sustainability.

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Andy Butterworth, University of Bristol, UK

Welfare standards for laying hens

$32.50

Consumers regard animal welfare as an important attribute of the food they eat. Sellers have to pay due attention to animal welfare before selling food like eggs or poultry to people. There are many welfare standards for laying hens and this chapter looks into some of these standards like commercial welfare standards and global standards. The way in which these standards are implemented is important to ensure quality in production and this chapter looks into this important aspect.

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Paul B. Thompson, Michigan State University, USA

What is agricultural ethics and why does it matter?

$0.00

This chapter begins by first providing an overview of the key concepts of ethics and common morality, then moves on to review common morality in agriculture and food systems. The chapter also highlights some of the topics involved agricultural ethics, before reviewing the various social science research methods currently involved in analysing relevant agricultural ethics data. A section on why agricultural ethics matters is also included, focusing on how the outcome of agricultural ethics debates affect the work of those involved and why it is important for these people to strive to do what is ethical. A discussion on whether agricultural ethics can be taught is also provided.

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Seanne Clemente and Lynn Adler, University of Massachusetts, USA

What is pollination and what are pollinators in agriculture?

$32.50

This chapter provides an overview of the history of pollination biology, it begins by discussing the basics of pollination and goes on to discuss pollinators and their diversity. Sections also cover the ecology and evolution of floral traits, domestication and its impact on plant-pollinator relationships and how pollinators can impact agriculture. A section on modern agriculture and pollinators is also provided.

Cover image for What is pollination and what are pollinators in agriculture?, isbn: 9781801467476

Thomas R. Sinclair, North Carolina State University, USA; and Michel E. Ghanem, Centre de coopération internationale en recherche agronomique pour le développement (CIRAD), France and Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Morocco

What is ‘drought stress’ and what are options to increase crop yield?

$32.50

‘Drought’ is vague and ill-defined term that fails to account for the temporal dynamics through the growing seasons due to variable weather conditions, soil water status, plant development stage, and crop growth conditions. These variables all lead to an infinity of responses to water deficit. Instead of the common ‘static’ perspective of drought, it is proposed that a temporally dynamic framework is required within and across growing seasons at a given location. Yield changes in response to trait modification need to be expressed as probabilities obtained from either simulation study or extensive field observations. Such results allow important insight about yield changes that can occur under the economically challenging growing seasons when yields are especially low. Plant traits that result in water conservation early in the growing season in favor of increased availability of water during reproductive development tend to result in high probabilities of yield increase under water-deficit conditions.

Cover image for What is ‘drought stress’ and what are options to increase crop yield?, isbn: 9781801466806

J. R. Guarin and S. Asseng, University of Florida, USA

Wheat crop modelling to improve yields

$32.50

Crop simulation models are robust tools for scientists, farmers and policymakers that can be used to develop practices and strategies to increase agricultural productivity and sustainability on a local, regional or global scale under conditions and treatments difficult or impossible to test using solely field experimentation. Crop models are increasingly being used to explore solutions to issues such as global food security, climate change impact assessment and adaptation, nitrogen fertilization, irrigation and seasonal variability management. This chapter examines the experimental data sets, dynamic modelling processes and fundamental applications of current wheat (Triticum spp.) crop models, as well as future trends and challenges of wheat crop modelling.

Cover image for Wheat crop modelling to improve yields, isbn: 9781838793166

Gary L. Hein, Anthony J. McMechan and Lindsay Overmyer, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, USA

Wheat curl mite ecology and epidemiology of its associated wheat viruses

$32.50

The focus of this chapter will be to provide a review and update from recent literature on mite ecology and virus epidemiology that is most relevant to the management of the wheat curl mite and its associated viruses.

Cover image for Wheat curl mite ecology and epidemiology of its associated wheat viruses, isbn: 9781801468541

Albrecht Serfl ing, Doris Kopahnke, Antje Habekuss, Flutur ë Novakazi and Frank Ordon, Julius K ü hn-Institute (JKI), Institute for Resistance Research and Stress Tolerance, Germany

Wheat diseases: an overview

$32.50

Fungal and viral pathogens lead to significant yield losses in wheat crops worldwide. This chapter reviews the important fungal and viral diseases of wheat, considering their mode of infection, symptoms, distribution and effect on wheat yield. Responses to each pathogen are discussed, including adaptations to wheat production systems, the use of fungicides and insecticides, and improvement of the resistance of wheat to pathogens. Particular emphasis is placed on resistance of wheat as the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly form of plant protection.

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Helena Pachón, Food Fortification Initiative and Emory University, USA

Wheat flour fortification and human health

$0.00

Using varied study designs (none of which can confirm causality), investigators assessed the health impact of wheat flour fortification after it was implemented at large scale in countries. Folic acid was the most studied nutrient and the most studied outcomes were neural tube defects, cancer, folate status, folate deficiency, anemia, iron deficiency, iron status, hemoglobin and iron-deficiency anemia (IDA). For all of these outcomes except IDA, the majority of studies showed improvements after fortification. For some of the outcomes (cancer, anemia, hemoglobin, folate deficiency), there were studies that indicated health outcomes worsened after fortification. The discrepant results for cancer may be due to years since fortification initiated and sample size differences. The preponderance of the evidence suggests that wheat flour fortification improves many health outcomes. Because fortification may also be associated with negative health outcomes such as cancer, health monitoring should continue to assess these outcomes in countries with fortification.

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P. Bramel, Global Crop Diversity Trust, Germany

Wheat genetic resources: global conservation and use for the future

$32.50

The importance of wheat to the global food supply means that many institutions across the world hold collections of wheat germplasm to study and preserve wheat genetic material. This chapter describes a global ex situ conservation strategy to assess the status of wheat genetic resources held by institutions, identifying major germplasm collections from existing public databases and targeting institutions holding unique accessions of wild relatives. Drawing on information from the surveys, the chapter identifies areas for global action. These include regeneration of old accessions, safety duplication of collections, a comprehensive global information system to enhance the use of conserved germplasm, global rationalization of accessions and filling gaps. The chapter concludes that ex situ collections, currently underutilized, represent significant pools for the future improvement of wheat. With new tools from genomics, exploitation of these collections is likely to increase, but there is an urgent need to better secure their conservation.

Cover image for Wheat genetic resources: global conservation and use for the future, isbn: 9781838792961

Dr Dr Govinda Shrestha

Wheat midge (Sitodiplosis mosellana): management in the Northern Great Plains of the United States and Canada

$32.50

This chapter examines wheat midge and its management in the Northern Great Plains of the United States and Canada. The chapter first provides an overview of the morphology of wheat midge at each stage of its life cycle. It then moves on to discuss the life cycle of the pest in more depth. The damage that wheat midge causes to crops is also reviewed, which is then followed by an examination of the different pest management methods for the the pest, such as monitoring and economic thresholds, cultural control, host plant resistance and biological and chemical control.

Cover image for Wheat midge (Sitodiplosis mosellana): management in the Northern Great Plains of the United States and Canada, isbn: 9781801468480

Marion O. Harris and Kirk Anderson, North Dakota State University, USA; Mustapha El-Bouhssini, ICARDA, Morocco; Frank Peairs, Colorado State University, USA; Gary Hein, University of Nebraska, USA; and Steven Xu, USDA-ARS Northern Crops Institute, USA

Wheat pests: insects, mites, and prospects for the future

$32.50

Wheat pests are the subject of this chapter and the previous one. There are four major taxa of wheat pests. Rodents and nematodes were discussed in the previous chapter. Insects and mites are discussed in this chapter. Case studies are presented for eight species: Hessian fly, orange wheat blossom midge, bird cherry oat aphid, greenbug, Russian wheat aphid, Sunn Pest, wheat stem sawfly and wheat curl mite. We end with a discussion on future prospects for genetically based wheat resistance and new pest management technologies.

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Marion O. Harris, North Dakota State University, USA; Jens Jacob, Julius K ü hn-Institut, Germany; Peter Brown, CSIRO, Australia; and Guiping Yan, North Dakota State University, USA

Wheat pests: introduction, rodents and nematodes

$32.50

Three major groups of organisms cause biotic stress in wheat: pests, diseases and weeds. This chapter and the chapter that follows are about wheat pests. Three major pest taxa affect wheat: rodents, nematodes and arthropods. Rodents and nematodes are introduced in this first chapter, along with unique features of pests and wheat pest management. Insect and mite arthropod pests are introduced in the second chapter.

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David Weaver, Montana State University, USA

Wheat stem sawfly (Cephus cinctus)

$0.00

This chapter reviews wheat stem sawfly and its effect on wheat production. The chapter first reviews the pest's historical distribution, then moves on to examine how it damages crops, focusing specifically on life cycle driven losses and yield losses. A section on ways to manage the pest is also included, drawing specific attention to the use of insecticides, cultural tactics and various methods of biological control. The chapter also reviews host plant resistance then concludes by analysing future directions for wheat stem sawfly research.

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Dr Dr Alison M. Laing

Whole-farm system models in practice: diverse applications

$32.50

The challenges of contemporary agriculture are causing farmers to seek models of whole-farm goals, which requires mathematically-based modeling grounded in the latest scientific understanding of animal growth and reproduction, crop physiology, soil and environmental sciences, as well as economics and human relations. Such models are often invaluable tools in the process of undertaking nuanced, multifaceted management decisions at the farm system level. This chapter explores model selection and, through a series of case studies, whole farm modelling in both smallholder systems and single enterprise farm businesses. Finally, the chapter looks ahead to future research trends in this area.

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Cheryl Doss, Oxford University, UK

Women and maize cultivation: increasing productivity through gender analysis

$32.50

Gender analysis is essential in guiding the design and focus of research to ensure that women participate in and benefit from growth in the maize sector. This chapter begins by situating farmers within households and discussing why the conceptualization of households matters for agricultural research. The following section analyses the ways in which gender impacts agricultural production systems, including access to resources and decisions about inputs. The next three sections offer a detailed analysis of the impact of gender on three vital aspects of maize production: labour, processing and storage and varietal choice. The preferences of women as urban consumers are also considered. Finally, a brief discussion of the Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture Index highlights one tool for monitoring the impact of research and agricultural change on women’s empowerment.

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Emerita Professor Emerita Professor Carolyn Sachs

Women and smallholder farming

$195.00

Provides a comprehensive overview of the key challenges encountered by women smallholder farmers, such as restricted access to markets and technical training programmes
Addresses the critical role of women smallholder farmers to the success of global agricultural production
Includes a selection of case studies which highlight the development of programmes to aid women smallholder farmers in crop and livestock production

Emerita Professor Emerita Professor Carolyn Sachs

Women and smallholder farming

$195.00

Provides a comprehensive overview of the key challenges encountered by women smallholder farmers, such as restricted access to markets and technical training programmes
Addresses the critical role of women smallholder farmers to the success of global agricultural production
Includes a selection of case studies which highlight the development of programmes to aid women smallholder farmers in crop and livestock production

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Guy Blomme, The Alliance of Bioversity International and The International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), Ethiopia; Elizabeth Kearsley, BlueGreen Labs, Belgium; and Walter Ocimati, The Alliance of Bioversity International and The International Ce

Xanthomonas wilt of banana

$32.50

Xanthomonas wilt (BXW) is a major banana disease affecting small-holder farms in East and Central Africa. While BXW management practices have been introduced across extensive regions, achieving high levels of disease control and/or eradication has proven difficult. Resurgence of BXW in managed sites and the transmission to new regions are ongoing problems. In this chapter we present an overview of the disease epidemiology followed by the state-of-the-art of BXW control and prevention measures. We address management practices that have shown variable adoption successes, and present innovations recently introduced (including Single Diseased Stem Removal and improved tool sterilization options) or underway (including the development of resistant cultivars, and risk mitigation through early warning systems). Next, we discuss lessons learned from problems that have arisen during phases of implementation of management, the constraints that local farmers face and the shift towards sustainable management through integrated participatory extension services.

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Kazuki Saito, Pepijn van Oort, Ibnou Dieng, Jean-Martial Johnson, Abibou Niang, Kokou Ahouanton and Amakoe Delali Alognon, Africa Rice Center, Benin; Atsuko Tanaka, JICA and Africa Rice Center, Benin; Kalimuthu Senthilkumar and Elke Vandamme, Africa Rice

Yield gap analysis towards meeting future rice demand

$32.50

Rice provides 20% of the world’s food energy, and increased rice production owing to growing demand needs to be derived mainly from existing agricultural land. This requires reducing the ‘yield gap’, which is defined as the difference between potential yield and average on-farm yield obtained by farmers.
In this chapter, we provide case studies of yield gap analyses using different benchmarks (potential yield, experimental yield and best farmers’ yield) for estimating yield gaps. We start with studies focusing on the quantification of yield gaps and then describe studies with a focus on identification of the causes of yield gaps. We conclude with a discussion of the challenges to achieving better quantification of yield gaps and their causes, and the implications of yield gap studies for sustainable agricultural development to meet future rice demand.

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Wade E. Thomason, Bee Khim Chim and Mark S. Reiter, Virginia Tech University, USA

Zero-tillage cultivation of maize

$32.50

Zero-till cultivation of maize (Zea mays L.) is a relatively widely used production system whereby the only soil disturbance occurs with the seeding operation. The system aims to reduce erosion, improve soil physical attributes, decrease costs, and improve long-term sustainability of maize cultivation. However, positive impacts from zero-till maize cultivation do not always occur and it is important to understand which factors favour this system and which do not. This chapter will also discuss suggestions for best management of zero-till maize systems.

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Tom J. Humphrey and Lisa K Williams, Swansea University, UK

Zoonoses affecting poultry: the case of Campylobacter

$32.50

Campylobacter has been associated with poultry for many years. It is the leading cause of bacterial foodborne illness in developed countries, with C. jejuni and C. coli being identified in most cases in humans. These two species are also found in poultry. Campylobacter is ideally suited to the poultry niche, and can grow at the higher body temperature (42C) of birds. Campylobacter has been shown to have a negative effect on the health and welfare of the birds; evidence of host adaptation and host-specific species leads us to believe that Campylobacter is more than a commensal of chickens.

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Sabrina Vandeplas, Adisseo France SAS, France

Zoonoses affecting poultry: the case of Salmonella

$32.50

Salmonella is a major causative organism of gastroenteritis in humans worldwide, and most cases are caused by the consumption of raw or undercooked poultry products. In response to public concern, many countries have introduced survey and control programmes for Salmonella in poultry. However, it remains an economic burden in many areas, and there are emerging risks associated with new serovars. In this chapter, we describe the invasion and transmission mechanisms of Salmonella, review the currently available detection methods and then provide a detailed overview of the strategies available for controlling Salmonella in poultry, with a particular focus on those employed before the meat is harvested.

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Peter R. Davies, University of Minnesota, USA

Zoonoses associated with pigs

$32.50

Zoonoses are defined as diseases and infections that are transmitted between vertebrate animals and humans. Major food animal species occupy a special position within the framework of zoonotic disease. This is particularly the case in developed societies, where direct livestock contact has become relatively rare, and where for much of the population the food supply has become the predominant route of exposure to livestock associated pathogens. This chapter provides a broad overview of the zoonotic hazards associated with pigs. Emphasis is given to the agents and pathways which most contribute to zoonotic risk, and to how these risks may be modulated by changing conditions at the human-swine interface.

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Emeritus Prof. Norman R. Scott

‘Towards’ sustainability of dairy farming: an overview

$32.50

There are many challenges to be faced in making dairy farming sustainable for feeding 9–10 billion people by 2050. This chapter defines what sustainability may mean for the dairy industry and assesses the current sustainability of dairy farming today, before going on to consider visions for a sustainable short-term future. These include emerging technologies such as integrating an ethanol producing plant with a dairy and making use of fuel cells. The chapter speculates on the longer term future of the industry up to 2050 and beyond.