Role of prebiotics in poultry gastrointestinal tract health, function, and microbiome composition
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Prebiotics have been established as a series of feed compounds that serve as specific substrates for gastrointestinal tract (GIT) bacteria. The general premise is that such compounds support GIT bacteria that benefit the host. In addition, GIT bacteria supported by prebiotics can be antagonistic to foodborne pathogens and prevent their colonization in the GIT. In poultry, prebiotics have been used primarily to prevent the establishment of foodborne pathogens but have also received attention regarding their impact on overall GIT health. This chapter reviews the impact of prebiotics on bird health, GIT function, and prevention of foodborne pathogen GIT colonization. Following an introduction, prebiotics are defined and discussed. Then follows an overview of the potential impact of such prebiotics on avian upper GIT health. A section is included on the avian intestinal microbiome, function, and prebiotics. The characteristics of the avian cecum are presented in detail, including coverage of the cecal microbiome and the use of prebiotics.
Advances in using heat for disinfection/disinfestation of horticultural produce
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Research into the development of pre-storage heat treatments is continuing for both disinfection (postharvest decay) and disinfestation (insect control) outcomes. This is driven by loss in availability or efficacy of postharvest fungicides, or treatments for insects such as methyl bromide. This chapter summarizes the range of methods of heat treatments, current research, the mode-of-action based on the product, pest and pathogen responses, and information on commercial use of heat treatments. The main commercial uses are hot air treatments of tropical fruit for fruit fly control, and control of decay by hot water treatments for citrus, organic apples, and tropical crops. There is increasing use of short duration treatments (e.g. hot water brushing or dips) for decay control and a broad range of heat treatments for bulb crops have been commercialized in the Netherlands. Cost of treatment is a key limitation, and technical innovations would improve commercial uptake.
Enhancing phosphorus-use efficiency in crop production
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Enhancing acquisition and utilization of applied phosphorus by crops will help to conserve limited rock phosphate reserves and minimize off-site transport of applied phosphorus. Understanding plant root growth and the release of substances that can solubilize mineral and organic phosphorus in response to phosphorus deficiency will enhance crop recovery when phosphorus is applied. Improved technologies to quantify plant-available phosphorus from mineral and organic soil phosphorus reserves will enhance the accuracy of fertiliser and manure phosphorus recommendations. This chapter discusses interactions between phosphorus management (phosphorus rate, source timing, and placement) and diverse cropping systems and climate and how these interactions are essential to efficient utilization of phosphorus resources.
Soil management practices and benefits in Conservation Agriculture systems
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Conservation Agriculture (CA) is known to deliver ecosystem services, maintain the soil potential productivity and improve the resource-use efficiency as well as the natural resources. It adapts to and mitigates climate change and leads to a more efficient use of inputs hence reducing production costs. This chapter describes the principles of Conservation Agriculture, including soil management. The chapter examines the concepts of no-tillage agriculture, cover crops and crop residues management. The chapter also discusses the environmental benefits and ecosystem services linked to CA as well as economic benefits. Finally, the chapter looks ahead to future research trends in this area.
Understanding gut function in poultry: the role of commensals, metabolites, inflammation and dysbiosis in intestinal immune function and dysfunction
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Study of the importance of the microbiome to health and susceptibility to diseases has become a leading area of research in poultry science in recent years. The microbiota is emerging as a fundamental force influencing diverse aspects of avian physiology. This chapter examines intestinal immunity and microbiota interactions with the immune system. The chapter considers the role of gut microbiota as an epigenetic regulator of gut function as well as the causes of dysregulation of gut functionality. Finally, the chapter looks ahead to future research trends in this area.
Rehabilitating degraded and abandoned agricultural lands with Conservation Agriculture systems
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Soil degradation worldwide is a serious concern since global demands for food production and security and environmental preservation have increased substantially. In Brazil, intensive tillage, low soil cover and residue input, monocropping, soil organic matter depletion, erosion, compaction and subsoil acidity are the main drivers of degradation and abandonment of agricultural soils, whereas high grazing pressure, unbalanced fertilization, weeds, soil compaction and poor pasture management are the drivers in pasturelands. This chapter discusses integrated strategies under Conservation Agriculture (CA) to restore soil productivity in degraded agricultural lands by mechanical and biological decompaction and subsoil acidity alleviation in tropical and subtropical regions in Brazil. Following an introduction on the degradation of both croplands and pasturelands, the authors go on to discuss the adoption of CA as a tool to prevent and reverse soil degradation. The chapter concludes with two case studies: the first on restoration of compacted and low productive soils, and the second on soil quality improvement in acidic tropical soils.
Production of biodiesel from renewable sources
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There is increasing interest in the production of biodiesel from non-edible oil sources such as waste or recycled oil and animal fats. Transesterification is the most commonly used method to convert triglycerides (TG) from different types of lipids. After reviewing the range of available feedstocks, this chapter uses thermodynamic analysis to investigate the main three transesterification reaction systems: triolein and supercritical methanol (T&SCM), triolein and supercritical ethanol (T&SCE), and triolein and supercritical isopropanol (T&SCI). Using a case study, it identifies ways of optimizing supercritical transesterification technology for biodiesel production, as well as ways of improving the quality of the biodiesel manufactured from the process.
Gastrointestinal diseases of poultry: causes and nutritional strategies for prevention and control
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Gastrointestinal health plays a critical role in ensuring the overall health and productivity of livestock, including poultry. In this regard, antimicrobial growth promoters (AGP) have been used to maintain and promote gastrointestinal health. With the industrial strategy of gradual phasing out of AGP in poultry production, the incidence of enteric diseases, including necrotic enteritis, is expected to rise. Since intestinal health forms an integral part of a sustainable food animal production system, it is important to understand the etiological factors associated with gastrointestinal diseases as well as the strategies for disease prevention and control. In this chapter, important enteric diseases and disorders will be discussed, briefly highlighting their etiology followed by possible nutritional interventions, including feed additives such as plant-derived extracts, prebiotics, probiotics and organic acids, as possible alternatives to AGPs for disease control.
Advances in the use of barrier coatings and additives in the preservation of fresh horticultural produce
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This chapter reviews developments in edible coatings and surface treatments to preserve whole and fresh-cut fruits and vegetables. The chapter reviews the different purposes and properties of coatings and their applications in such areas as maintaining appearance, preventing water loss and decay as well as the use of semipermeable coatings to create an internal modified atmposphere to preserve produce quality. It then surveys additives and their applications in such areas as prevention of browning, maintaining firmness and the use of antmicrobials to extend shelf-life. Finally, it looks at how coatings and additives can be combined synergistically to optimize the quality of fresh horticultural produce.
Advances in understanding uptake and utilization of nitrogen in wheat
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Wheat provides 20% of calories and protein consumed by humans. Cereals represent 56% of world fertilizer nitrogen (N) consumption and the wheat crop accounts for 18.2% of global use. Nitrogen fertilizer represents a significant cost for the grower and also has environmental impacts through N leaching causing eutrophication of freshwater and marine ecosystems and N2O (a greenhouse gas) emission associated with denitrification by soil bacteria. The development of N-efficient cultivars will be of economic benefit to farmers and will help reduce environmental contamination associated with excessive inputs of N fertilizers. The physiological, metabolic and physico-chemical processes that may contribute to high N-use efficiency (NUE) and reduced N fertilizer inputs, while maintaining an acceptable yield, are reviewed and the prospects for application in breeding programs discussed. Promising traits for selection by breeders to increase NUE are identified, and their implications for breeding are discussed.
Management of vegetable Conservation Agriculture systems
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This chapter discusses the principles and practices of no-tillage systems for vegetables (NTV), focusing primarily on tomato, onion and parsley cassava cultivation. It presents research regarding a long-term experiment of NTV for onion with winter crops and the effects on chemical, physical and biological properties of the soil and yield of the crop. It also reviews NTV for parsley cassava and concludes by discussing current and future trends for no-tillage systems for vegetables.
Advances in understanding crop use of phosphorus
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This chapter examines the essential role of phosphorus (P) in plants and how plants have evolved to maintain the supply of P to these essential functions. The chapter discusses the concept of P-replete plants and what this means regarding both their physiological and genomic state and how this information can be used to manage crops more effectively. The chapter explores the inherent difference in P-replete status and response to P deficiency seen between crop species and genotypes of crop species, and discusses trade-offs between responses within an individual. The chapter concludes with discussion of what a crop ideotype for efficient use of P might be like and looks ahead to how this information might impact our ability to design and implement sustainable agricultural systems in the future. Finally, the chapter provides detailed suggestions for further reading.
Carbon management practices and benefits in Conservation Agriculture systems: soil organic carbon fraction losses and restoration
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The conversion of native vegetation (NV) into agricultural land by clearing and tillage disrupts the soil structure, and depletes soil organic carbon (SOC) pool. Data on changes in SOC pools are needed to enhance scientific knowledge regarding the effects of land use and Conservation Agriculture (CA) on soil fertility, agronomic productivity, and soil C sink capacity. The objective of this study was to quantify changes in SOC fractions due to conversion of NV to agricultural land, and to assess the rate of recovery of SOC fractions and the resilience index of CA cropping systems under sub-tropical (Ponta Grossa/PR — PG) and tropical (Lucas do Rio Verde/MT — LRV) regions of Brazil.
Advances in controlled atmosphere storage of horticultural produce
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This chapter highlights advances in controlled atmosphere (CA) storage science of horticultural crops (mainly apples and pears) over the last two decade, emphasizing the connection between technical/managerial aspects of the CA regime and retention of product quality during and after the storage period. The chapter particularly focuses on: initial low O2 stress (ILOS); delayed CA storage; anti-ethylene compounds (e.g. 1-MCP); dynamic controlled atmosphere (DCA) systems based on chlorophyll fluorescence (CF), ethanol detection and respiratory quotient (RQ) determination for identifying the lower oxygen limit (LOL); and strategies for reducing the electrical energy demands of the storage room. The chapter concludes with a reflection upon likely future advancements in CA storage science over the next 10-20 years, including: refining and broadening DCA system and 1-MCP application (singly and together), more metabolomic research to understand the biochemical and molecular effects of hypoxic stress, and new protocols for reducing storage room-related electricity consumption.
Advances in foliar fertilizers to optimize crop nutrition
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Foliar fertilizer sprays are increasingly used in agriculture for improving crop yield and quality, and also for improving plant performance under potential abiotic and/or biotic stress threats. This chapter focuses on new findings related to the nature of plant surfaces as a barrier for the absorption of agrochemicals. The chapter describes current knowledge on mechanisms of absorption by plant organs as affected by the structure and chemical composition of the surfaces. The chapter discusses key aspects related to the properties of foliar spray formulations for improving and standardizing the performance of the treatments under variable environmental conditions, with examples of recent foliar fertilization studies in relation to plant ontogeny. The chapter looks ahead to future trends for the application and development of foliar sprays as tool for sustainable agricultural production, as well as providing suggestions on where to look for further information.
Opportunities and challenges in crossbreeding dairy cattle in temperate regions
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Crossbreeding is an old technology; however, when used in today’s dairy systems, crossbreeding can produce profitable results for dairy producers. Interest in crossbreeding of dairy cattle has become a topic of great interest in the last ten years and has developed in response to concerns dairy producers have about fertility, calving difficulty, and stillbirths in today’s genetically improved Holstein cows. This chapter summarizes landmark crossbreeding research at the University of Illinois before going on to consider crossbreeding research in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Ireland and Germany. The chapter includes a case study focussing on crossbreeding with Jersey cows conducted at the University of Minnesota. Finally, the chapter looks ahead to future trends in this area and suggests further reading on the subject.
Microbial ecology and function of the gastrointestinal tract in layer hens
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With the introduction of next-generation sequencing, a more comprehensive identification of the laying hen gastrointestinal tract microbial population has emerged. There are several factors that can influence the composition and function of the layer hen gastrointestinal tract including age of the bird, diet, and type of feed amendment. The microbial communities in each compartment of the layer hen gastrointestinal tract have been identified and examined for impact on the host. Some compartments such as the ceca harbor a highly complex microbial population of fermentative microorganisms that produce short chain fatty acids. The ceca can also be colonized by foodborne Salmonella and some serovars such as S. Enteritidis can become invasive infecting the reproductive tissues. A variety of feed additives have been applied in attempts to limit Salmonella colonization in laying hens and improve laying hen performance. This chapter will review the function and microbial ecology of the layer hen gastrointestinal tract.
Improving supply chains to prevent food losses and waste: an overview
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Wasting food is unsustainable from environmental, economic, social and ethical points of view. Curbing food losses and waste (FLW) amount would improve food chain sustainability and contribute to food security. For that, reducing FLW is one of the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This chapter highlights the causes of FLW and identifies possible prevention/reduction ways in agricultural production, harvesting, storage, processing, transport, distribution, marketing and consumption. The chapter outlines strategies to prevent/reduce FLW along the supply chain, including investments, good practices, behavioural changes and coordination within the food chain. The chapter makes the case for adopting a ‘systems approach’ to realise the full benefits of FLW reduction. Finally, the chapter looks ahead to future research trends in this area.
Development of Conservation Agriculture systems globally
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This chapter outlines the development of Conservation Agriculture (CA) system globally in terms of its origins, pioneers and champions, main drivers for its spread, CA systems involved, regional adoption, challenges and future prospects. Reducing soil disturbance by tillage began in the USA in the 1930s in response to the devastation caused by mouldboard ploughing and prolonged drought in the mid-west prairies that led to the period known as the ‘dust bowl’. Initially, a number of soil and water conservation practices were developed, including contour ploughing, bunding and terracing. Stubble mulch farming was also developed and this became a forerunner of no-tillage farming which appeared in the 1940s in the USA and led to the term conservation tillage. Realizing that tillage was the root cause of soil erosion and degradation, the term conservation tillage was replaced by the term Conservation Agriculture in 1997 at the meeting of the Latin American Network for Conservation Tillage (Red Latino Americana de Labranza Conservacionista, RELACO), in Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico.
Biomass gasification for bioenergy
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Thermal gasification is a very relevant technological platform to assess in relation to production of carbon negative bioenergy from plant materials as it offers high feed- and product flexibility combined with high energy efficiency. Many different biomass feedstock and organic secondary resources can be converted into a wide variety of products such as heat, electricity, chemicals, transport fuels and high value ash and char products. The platform is undergoing fast development and industry and academia work together to optimize the process performance, increase fuel and product flexibility as well as combine different technologies to increase the efficiency, economic viability and product yield and value. This chapter provides insight on the versatility and potential benefits of biomass gasification and the related biobased products. General key issues of gasification plant designs are discussed and a series of new concepts and solutions within process integration schemes, polygeneration strategies and bio-char uses are described.
Commercial poultry production and gut function: a historical perspective
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In the United States, in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, poultry production was only a side operation for many farmers; however, by the 1930s a commercial poultry industry began to flourish. Certainly, today’s poultry industry would never have developed without the many advances that have taken place in nutrition, genetics, housing, and veterinary care that were contributed by university and industry scientists. The objective of this chapter is to provide a brief description of the history and development of the commercial poultry industry, and the impact of changes in production practices that are having impacts on poultry gut health. Beginning with an introduction to the origins of the broiler chicken, there then follows sections on nutrition, genetic selection, and poultry housing. The chapter concludes with discussions on veterinary care of poultry and challenges to the industry regarding health of both the poultry produced and of the humans that consume poultry products.
Genetic diversity in dairy cattle: variation within and between breeds
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This chapter focuses on genetic diversity in dairy cattle, meaning that it examines those domesticated cattle breeds selected for milk production. The chapter presents the relevant definitions and discusses the role of natural and artificial selection in the creation of breeds and genetic diversity. The chapter examines the importance of genetic diversity both between and within breeds and the conservation of genetic diversity in gene banks. Finally, the chapter looks ahead to future research trends in this area and provides detailed guidance for further reading on the subject.
Plant-insect interactions, host-plant resistance, and integrated pest management
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The interactions between plants and the arthropod herbivores that feed on them are intricate and multifaceted. Plant-arthropod interactions can be divided, heuristically, into host-plant finding, acceptance and utilization phases. Plant resistance results when a plant expresses traits that disrupt one or more aspects of a plant-arthropod interaction, where disruption is understood relative to the interaction of an herbivore and a susceptible host lacking the resistance-related traits. This chapter defines plant resistance, outlining processes of plant resistance including host-plant selection and host-plant utilization. The chapter examines phenotypic plasticity in plant resistance, the mechanistic bases of plant resistance and tolerance and insect counter-defenses, as well as the genetic basis of plant resistance and its use in integrated pest management. Finally, the chapter looks ahead to future research trends in this area.
Developments in genomic predictions in dairy cattle breeding: a historical overview of methods, technologies, and applications
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Selection and breeding decisions have traditionally been made based on phenotypic measurements and pedigree information of selection candidates or close relatives. However, the recent availability of genomic information on a large number of markers has transformed modern dairy cattle breeding around the world. Currently, among the main uses of genomic information are the identification of Quantitative Trait Loci and candidate genes related to economically important traits, and the prediction of genetic merit of individuals for selection. In this context, several statistical methods have been developed to enable the incorporation of genomic information to achieve these goals. In this chapter we summarize the key developments in genomic prediction and selection in dairy cattle, with a focus on the tools and statistical methods proposed over time. Additionally, we also discuss the main contributions that supported such developments, and indicate potential constrains and opportunities in the use of current methods in the future of dairy cattle breeding.
Post-harvest risk management of biological hazards encountered in horticultural produce
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Fresh produce remains the main cause of foodborne illness outbreaks implicating a diverse range of enteric pathogens. The primary source of pathogens is pre-harvest contamination, which then become disseminated during processing. This chapter provides an overview of fresh produce related foodborne illness outbreaks and the characteristics of implicated pathogens. The chapter describes the routes by which pathogens can be introduced and distributed at different post-harvest stages, from the field through to food service. The chapter introduces a range of risk management strategies based on antimicrobial coatings, antimicrobial gas treatments, irradiation, UV-C and those based on advanced oxidation process. The chapter explains application of Response Surface Modelling (RSM) to balance microbial reduction with changes in produce quality, providing a detailed case study. Finally, the chapter looks ahead to future research trends and provides guidance on further reading on the subject.
Integrated disease management of barley
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Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an ecosystem approach to crop production and protection that combines different management strategies and practices to grow healthy crops and minimize the use of pesticides. This chapter looks at how IPM can be applied to barley production, considering the different disease threats, the tools available and possible approaches to deploying them. The chapter evaluates varietal disease resistance, the range of crop protectants available and how agronomy can be used optimise these tools. The chapter also reviews the sources of knowledge available and the means and barriers to IPM use in practice. Finally, the chapter looks ahead to future research trends in this area.
The role and use of genetically engineered insect-resistant crops in integrated pest management systems
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Host plant resistance is an important and foundational element of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The application of genetic engineering (GE) has significantly accelerated the deployment of host plant resistance in several cropping systems. Current GE crops represent powerful forms of antibiotic host plant resistance. This chapter provides a broad review of the application of GE-based host plant resistance within an IPM context. The chapter explores the environmental aspects of GE-based host resistance, its integration into IPM, and resistance management. Finally, the chapter looks ahead to future GE crops.
Advances in the use of ozone in the disinfection of horticultural produce
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Fruit and vegetables are recognised for their health-promoting properties, while at the same time being associated with numerous bacterial illnesses caused by foodborne pathogens. A sanitation step is crucial to ensure that the produce is safe for consumption. Ozone has been identified as a feasible solution for the fresh produce industry, and this chapter reviews the most up to date information on the practical use of ozone against microorganisms (bacteria and fungi), and its effect on the fresh produce characteristics. The chapter describes ideas for future studies on the postharvest use of ozone. Finally, the chapter directs those interested in the subject where to look for further information regarding ozone.
Advances in dairy cattle breeding to improve resistance to claw disorders/lameness
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Foot and claw disorders are, along with reproductive and udder health problems, major reasons for involuntary culling in dairy cattle. Culling due to lameness accounts for 8-15% of all culls. This chapter describes the key factors needed to achieve genetic improvement of claw health and discusses the challenges. It covers the various steps in breeding from the definition of the breeding goal, performance recording (phenotyping) with standardization and measures to improve data quality, genetic evaluation with the genetic background of traits, trait definitions, data validation and models, including aspects of genomic evaluation, direct and indirect selection for claw health and the possible impact on genetic gain. The chapter provides examples of successful implementation into routine breeding programmes and offers recommendations and examples of best practice. Finally, the chapter looks ahead to future research trends in this area and makes suggestions for further reading on the subject.
Advances in papaya cultivation
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Papaya (Carica papaya L.) is one of the most nutritious fruits. Due to the presence of the enzyme ‘papain’, which has a number of uses, there is now an increased industrial demand for the fruit. This chapter reviews plant and floral morphology of papaya as well as advances in genetics and breeding. It also discusses climate and cultivation requirements to produce high-quality papaya as well as suitable methods for successful propagation, germination and fertilization. The chapter also highlights the various pests and diseases that damage papaya as well as emphasising the best time to pick the fruit during its ripening stage. The chapter concludes by emphasising the importance of the crop and the constraints small- and medium-scale farmers face when trying to grow papaya.
Integrated pest management (IPM) in greenhouse and other protected environments
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Production in greenhouses, high tunnels, and other protected environments is expanding worldwide to allow for more intensive and continual cultivation to mitigate the effects of climate change. Growers want to create conditions that are ideal for the plants to thrive, but these are often the same ones that favor insects and other arthropod pests, requiring the implementation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in greenhouses. The practices and organisms used for IPM in greenhouses and high tunnels are unique and specific to the target pest, geographical location, and crop. This chapter describes the process of scouting for both pests and beneficials in the greenhouse environment, before discussing plant-mediated IPM systems (including a case study from the Northeastern USA). The chapter addresses the realities of IPM in the developing world as well as other novel IPM practices and future developments. Finally, the chapter provides guidance on further reading in this area.
Advances in understanding of barley plant physiology: plant development and architecture
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This chapter summarizes recent advances in understanding the genetics of barley development and architecture. In particular it discusses developments in understanding: barley plant structure and morphology; molecular control of vegetative development; and molecular control of reproductive development. Finally, the chapter looks at the implications of these developments for breeding more resilient and productive varieties.
Advances in postharvest sanitizing regimes for horticultural produce
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Fresh and fresh cut fruits and vegetables are occasionally contaminated with foodborne pathogens, which has led to numerous recalls and outbreaks of foodborne illness, affecting consumer confidence. Leafy greens are more difficult to decontaminate from foodborne pathogens than other types of fresh produce, and the internalization of these pathogens into the tissue of fresh produce also impedes the efficacy of sanitizers. This chapter describes the use of sodium hypochlorite, peracetic acid, chlorine dioxide, electrolytic oxidizing water, acidified sodium chlorite and ozone as sanitizers of leafy greens. The chapter describes their modes of action as well as their effectiveness and potential drawbacks in inactivating foodborne pathogens or native background microbiota.
Advanced designs for barley breeding experiments
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This chapter provides a review of key developments in experimental design in barley breeding. After a brief history to set the scene, the chapter covers the background of experimental design for field trials, highlighting the key principles that are still fundamental for modern comparative experiments, including model-based design. The following section explores the quantification of genetic relationships through either pedigree or molecular marker information. Finally, the chapter presents the principles of multi-phase experiments for testing material both in the field and in the laboratory. Three case studies are included to highlight non-standard experimental designs that should be in the toolkit of every agricultural scientist and which are essential for modern plant breeding programs.
Challenges and initiatives in reducing postharvest food losses and food waste: sub-Saharan Africa
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This chapter reviews food losses and waste in sub-Saharan Africa. It gives a general introduction to the terms ‘food loss’ and ‘food waste’ and how they differ. It focuses on the postharvest food losses occurring in sub-Saharan Africa and compares ‘objective measurements’ with ‘perceptions’ of food losses occurring during and after harvest. It also provides an overview of what information is already available regarding food losses and waste in sub-Saharan Africa. The chapter goes on to discusses various challenges and initiatives in reducing food losses and waste and concludes by providing a general summary and several resources for further information.
Advances in breeding of mangoes
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Mango (Mangifera indica L.) and closely related genera (Mangifera spp.) belong to the family Anacardiaceae that consists of dicotyledonous trees and shrubs. The mango is distributed widely in the world’s tropical and subtropical regions as well as in a wide range of areas with a marginal climate throughout the world. The cultivated mango is probably a natural hybrid between M. indica and M. sylvatica that occurred in south eastern Asia to India. On the basis of ancient accounts of travellers and written historical records, it was believed for many years that mango must have originated from India and spread outward from Southeast Asia.
The use of genomic information to improve selection response while controlling inbreeding in dairy cattle breeding programs
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This chapter discusses the use of genomic information to improve selection response in dairy cattle breeding programs. It assesses population size and inbreeding, as well as discussing how genetic information can be used to reduce inbreeding. The chapter also provides an understanding of the genetics of inbreeding and how the construction of mating designs can be used to limit inbreeding. The authors also review how alleles can be maintained and discusses how optimum contribution selection (OCS) can be used to maximize selection response while controlling inbreeding. It concludes by providing a case study of using optimum contribution selection and an overview of how genetic information can provide a new way forward in understanding and controlling inbreeding.
Monitoring and minimizing health risks related to pesticides
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Pesticide poisoning is a cause of many human deaths, either via deliberate self-poisoning or via occupational exposure. This chapter looks at monitoring exposure to pesticides and how to minimize human health risks related to their use/exposure. Following an introduction, a section on data-collection approaches and limitations is presented. Then follows a section on policy responses to what is a now a global pesticide poisoning crisis. The case of the smallholder cotton farmers in the Republic of Benin is presented. The chapter concludes with a section on recent surveys in Benin conducted by the Pesticide Action Network UK and the Benin Organisation for the Promotion of Organic Farming (OBEPAB). The authors conclude that pesticide poisoning remains a significant problem in low- and middle-income countries causing substantial numbers of deaths and serious illnesses placing a heavy burden on both health systems and economies.
Biotechnology applications for integrated pest management
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An exciting wave of discoveries in biotechnology is revolutionizing agriculture worldwide. Biotechnology tools and applications are offering great opportunities for integrated pest management (IPM) programs in agriculture. This chapter describes biotechnology applications for pest management including pest diagnostic and genetic characterization of pests, molecular breeding for insect and disease resistance, genetically engineered crops for insects, pathogens, and weeds management as well as applications of emerging genome-editing approaches for pest management. These applications provide additional options in IPM programs and in turn help reduce pest damage and crop losses, decrease the use of toxic chemical pesticides, and enhance agricultural productivity, economic growth and global food security as well as improve environmental quality. Successful deployment of biotechnology tools and applications enhance the overall effectiveness of IPM programs. The chapter also highlights policy issues including intellectual property rights, biosafety, regulatory, communication, and stewardship aspects surrounding the access, utilization, deployment and management of biotechnology tools in pest management programs.
The role of no or minimum mechanical soil disturbance in Conservation Agriculture systems
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Minimum mechanical soil disturbance is one of the pillars of Conservation Agriculture (CA). It is the core concept, which distinguishes CA as a sustainable farming system from tillage-based systems. This chapter introduces concepts of tillage and soil disturbance and the issues and solutions related to this topic along the cropping cycle. The role of no or minimum soil disturbance in CA systems is fully explored, firstly by looking at the effects of soil tillage and tillage implements on the soil. The chapter goes on to discuss how soil disturbance can by minimised during farming activities such as land preparation, seeding, planting, pest, disease and weed management, and harvesting. The issue of soil compaction is also discussed. The author concludes that agriculture is possible without soil disturbance and that sustainable agriculture via CA may become a reality.
International genomic evaluation methods for dairy cattle
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The primary systems of data recording and genetic evaluation of dairy cattle are managed at a national level, with separate programs being run by each country, or in some cases for a small group of countries. However, international genomic evaluation methods for dairy cattle are needed so that sire evaluations can account for and estimate suitable degrees of sire re-ranking from one country to the next. This chapter compares national versus international standards and genetic versus genomic evaluation methods. The chapter highlights key points of understanding for current and future applications of international genomic evaluation of dairy cattle. Finally, the chapter looks ahead to future research trends in this area and provides detailed guidance on further reading on the subject.
Nutrient management practices and benefits in Conservation Agriculture systems
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Nutrient cycling is considered as a key agroecosystem service of Conservation Agriculture (CA). CA brings together major nutrients and organic matter fluxes within the soil-micro-organism-plant system. It also generates organic and inorganic nutrient pools accessible through new biological pathways. This chapter addresses nutrient management practices and benefits in CA systems. Current trends in CA systems design are discussed, as is integrated nutrient management. The concept of the “forest model” is introduced and discussed in detail. Sections on nutrient pools, bioavailability of elements, and mineral use efficiency in CA systems are also included. The chapter concludes with two case studies from contrasting agroecosystems: one from a Brazilian Fazenda transitioning from “generic” CA to CA based on multifunctional mix species cover, and one from a French dairy farm, illustrating how CA, associated with important and diversified organic matter inputs from cover crops and crop residues, impacts and modifies plant nutrition management.
Advances in physical control methods in IPM
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The evidence is mounting for pesticide failures on many fronts, including environmental contamination and pest resistance to chemical products. As an alternative, physical management methods are environmentally friendly, are not subject to the development of resistance, leave no residues and require no complicated registration procedures. In this chapter, recent advances in physical control methods are reviewed, and how they are applied to the pre-harvest situations, and to the post-harvest situations of stored products, notably fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers. Physical management techniques should be fully integrated into integrated pest management programmes. The chapter discusses how physical barriers are applied in the pre-harvest field as compared to the post-harvest situations and how sanitation measures differ between pre- and post-harvest. The chapter concludes with a section on the vision for the future of post-harvest phytosanitary measures, which includes the possibility of artificial intelligence, coupled with affordable sensors.
Institutional and policy support for Conservation Agriculture uptake
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Conservation Agriculture (CA) has been adopted by farmers in at least 78 countries around the world in response to land degradation from intensive tillage and monoculture production systems. Since pioneer farmers started the CA development journey five decades ago it has been refined into a sustainable production system with improved economics and multiple social and environmental co-benefits beyond stopping the immediate land degradation concerns. This chapter reviews experiences of CA in a wide range of countries (including Canada, Kazakhstan, China, Paraguay and Argentina) in order to allow the identification of commonalities and differences. The chapter examines the subsidization of agricultural activities as a barrier to change and evolution of processes and the initial reluctance and skepticism of academia with regard to CA. The chapter considers CA as a disruptive innovation and looks ahead to the future of CA policy on a global scale.
Genetic and genomic dairy cattle evaluations in developing countries
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Genetic improvement programmes have delivered huge economic returns in developed countries. Supporting these successful genetic improvements are efficient genetic evaluation systems (GES) for the accurate evaluation of animals on which selection is based. Thus, GES is not only an integral and important component of any genetic improvement programme, but it has direct influence on the rate of genetic progress that is achievable. This chapter discusses genetic and genomic dairy cattle evaluations in developing countries. Following an introduction, a section entitled efficient data collection and storage is provided covering historical perspectives, and the current status of data and data collection in some developing countries (Kenya, Zimbabwe, India and Brazil). Then follows a section on analytical systems for the computation of the genetic merits of animals covering both conventional genetic evaluation systems and genomic selection. The chapter concludes with a discussion on systems for dispersal of better genetic merit.
Economic assessment of integrated pest management (IPM) implementation
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Besides reducing health and the ecological risks of pest control, integrated pest management (IPM) seeks to increase farm income. Economic constraints also act as barriers to adoption of IPM practices. An understanding of how IPM affects the farm “bottom line” is crucial to efforts to encourage IPM. This chapter discusses methods for estimating the economic impacts of IPM, devoting special attention to advances in statistical methods to account for sample selection bias in program evaluation. The chapter also discusses methods for estimating economic values of reduced environmental risks. Finally, the chapter examines the effectiveness of Farmer Field Schools in promoting pest management knowledge, IPM adoption, and farm income and discusses ways to improve economic assessments of IPM programs.
Ecological intensification of banana production systems
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Bananas have a bright cropping future – a high diversity of cultivars in taste, aroma and texture, all with recognized health properties and cropping methods offering soil protection, minimal tillage and adaptation to a wide range of climates, even with climate change. However, growers face demands from consumers, markets and society on their production methods. After a short review of banana production system diversity and indicators of improvement of cropping system performance, this chapter focuses on immediately available options to growers to be more efficient, productive, and competitive, while maintaining and improving the environment. These include strategies for reducing bunch variability, timing production for periods of favorable prices, improving the efficiency of nutrient uptake and recycling, soil health and management for variable weather.
Assessing inbreeding and genetic diversity in the Holstein breed using pedigree and genomic approaches
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Various breeding strategies to improve dairy cattle production, conformation, health and, more recently, efficiency, have been developed. However, as selection intensity within these finite populations has increased, so has the relatedness within individual populations. This chapter looks at inbreeding and genetic diversity in the Holstein breed. It discusses the forces affecting genetic diversity within the breed, including drift, selection, migration, and mutation. Assessing measures of relatedness using different sources of information available for Holsteins (additive genetic relationships, genomic relationships, and other measures of inbreeding) are described. Inbreeding and its effects on phenotypes, including positive effects of inbreeding, inherited defects, and inbreeding depression for quantitative traits, are then explored. Exploration of population measures of inbreeding, such as the effective population size and the rate of inbreeding leads into a discussion on how to manage genetic diversity in Holsteins. The chapter concludes with a case study on Holstein cattle in Canada.
Conservation Agriculture Systems: soil health and landscape management
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At the core of Conservation Agriculture (CA) is the transformation towards soil health and systems management innovation with emphasis on regenerative carbon management. This chapter documents the role of CA systems in relation to soil health and soil function. The three principles of: 1) permanent organic crop residue soil cover; 2) diverse crop rotations and cover crop mixes; and 3) continuous minimum mechanical soil disturbance, of CA systems, along with complementary supporting practices, are fully discussed. Then follows a section on plant carbon and its impact on hydrology and water use efficiency. The author concludes that a strong partnership is needed among all social, economic, and political sectors to promote innovation, adoption and success of Conservation Agriculture systems in light of the need for global food security.
Advances in cultivation of coconut
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The coconut palm, source of staple human nourishment in the coastal tropics, produced the first vegetable oil traded in a significant volume between the tropical and temperate worlds, beginning in the mid 19th century. New processing methods have led to coconut oil and water becoming much more valuable in the early 21st century, ushering in demand for regeneration, expansion and improved management of primary production and the adding of value to products. The chapter explores the challenges of improving potential yield of the coconut, protecting the coconut from biohazards and the mass production of elite genotypes. The chapter examines the difficulties associated with achieving affordable somatic embryogenesis, and looks at the management of coconut from nursery to productive plantation, as well as the process of harvesting and the processing of end products. Finally, the chapter looks ahead to future research trends in this area.
Advances in breeding crops resistant to insect pests: rice as a paradigm
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Over the last 60 years research involving the development and deployment of insect-resistant crop cultivars has led to significant crop improvements in the major food-producing areas of the world. This chapter discusses the history, status, latest methods, and challenges of breeding insect-resistant rice varieties. The chapter examines host plant resistance as an ecological approach to managing crop pests and considers the process of evaluating resistance on the basis of insect behavior. The chapter looks at breeding rice for resistance to insect pests and considers the constraints on the development and deployment of insect-resistant plant technology. Finally, the chapter looks ahead to future research trends in this area.
Advances in understanding the ecology of invasive crop insect pests and their impact on IPM
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Invasive species represent one of the greatest threats to agriculture and commercial forestry, worldwide. Examples of invasive pests continue to increase with increasing world trade and human transport, but all biological invasions progress through similar stages of arrival, establishment, spread and impact. This chapter reviews how management strategies change as invasions progress. As problems from invasive species increase, some scientists and decision-makers question if species-by-species research and farm-by-farm management are the optimum ways to address the problem. Here, the authors address two more fundamental questions: can the various approaches to invasive species management still be considered integrated pest management, and why does it matter if they can or cannot? Lastly, the authors describe invasive species as a ‘wicked problem’, for policy-makers, researchers and stakeholders. Great achievements can be made if the problem is tamed, but research and management efforts may be jeopardized if it is not.
Biodiversity management practices and benefits in Conservation Agriculture systems
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Biodiversity in agriculture is one of the most effective ways to achiebe sustainable crop production without damaging the environment. This chapter reviews biodiversity management practices and benefits in Conservation Agriculture systems. After looking at the importance of soil microorganisms, the chapter looks at how CA systems contribute to soil biological activity, particularly the way cover crops and rotations, with a no-till regime, can enrich soil and the multitude or organisms living in it. The chapter concludes with a case study discussing biodiversity management practices and benefits in CA systems in South-West Manitoba (Canada).
Modeling crop rotations: capturing short- and long-term feedbacks for sustainability and soil health
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Crop rotation is a critical management strategy available to farmers to sustain soil fertility, combat pests, and improve crop yields. Because of the complex feedbacks occurring in the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum, legacy effects and their interactions with climate are generally not well understood, and their ultimate influence on yields and environmental quality is difficult to predict. Crop simulation models offer a way of parsing through this complexity. This chapter illustrates how crop models account for the interactions between soil, genotypes, management, and climate, on crops grown in various rotations, and their effects on yield and environmental outcomes (e.g. nitrate leaching, soil organic carbon sequestration) under current and future climate scenarios by presenting two different case studies and modeling approaches. The authors conclude the chapter by summarizing the advantages and disadvantages of the modeling approaches and offer some recommendations for how to best capture legacy effects.
Advances in dairy cattle breeding to improve heat tolerance
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Elevated temperature can impact dairy cows in many aspects, leading to a decline in productivity and ultimately the profitability of the industry. There is a need to breed for heat tolerant dairy cattle to mitigate these impacts. This chapter outlines technologies to breed for more heat tolerant dairy cattle, exploiting either between or within breed genetic variation in the trait. Finally, the chapter discusses future perspectives on the use of different tools to achieve accelerated improvements of this important trait, and provides detailed guidance on further reading in this area.
Monitoring postharvest attributes: instrumental techniques for measuring harvest maturity/fruit quality
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Measurement precedes management. In this chapter, measurement technologies relevant to postharvest management are reviewed, both in context of technologies in current industry use and those with apparent promise for future use. A brief description of these techniques is made in relation to their theory of operation, their limitations, and potential alternative methodologies. The use of these measurements technologies is discussed in a wider context, with attention given to fruit and vegetable specifications, the point within the value chain at which the various measurements can be made, sampling and sorting statistics, communication options for remote logging, and labelling options. This information should be of practical use to those working in postharvest chains as well as to students and researchers involved in postharvest measurements.
Sustainable use of Miscanthus for biofuel
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Biomass removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during growth and, if converted to biofuel, has the potential to be carbon negative, especially if combined with carbon capture and storage. To achieve ambitious targets for global reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, biomass crops should generate high yield from minimal input energy while minimising environmental impacts that could make crop production less sustainable. This chapter focuses on research demonstrating that Miscanthus embodies a range of attributes (e.g. C4 photosynthesis combined with cold tolerance, high energy output/input ratios, efficient nutrient recycling and high yield from minimal agronomic input) that make it an ideal sustainable biomass crop for biofuels. Sections on both nutrient use efficiency and water use/water use efficiency are included. The authors also discuss carbon flux and various life cycle assessments for different end uses. Traits for improved sustainability are also presented. The chapter concludes with a discussion on future research priorities.
Advances in microbial control in IPM: entomopathogenic viruses
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Although there are several families of viruses known to include insect pathogens, only a handful are recognised to have species with any potential of being biopesticides. The majority of these are baculoviruses and are an ideal component of an integrated pest management (IPM) programme, as they are highly target pest-specific, have no detrimental side effects, are user-friendly, are often as effective as the chemical alternatives, are compatible with most pesticides and technologies, and they leave no detectable residues. However, there are certain challenges associated with their usage, such as slow speed of kill, a narrow host range, limited shelf life, high cost and the possibility of resistance development – the solutions to which are discussed in this chapter. Three baculovirus biopesticide case studies are provided elucidating the practical benefits and challenges of using baculoviruses in IPM systems. The chapter concludes that the usage of insect viruses in IPM is set to grow in the future.
Improving modeling of nutrient cycles in crop cultivation
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This chapter describes nutrient cycle modelling for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) and is not meant to be a review of existing nutrient models. Most of these existing models were designed to predict the effects of N and P on crop growth response. Given the importance of N in global food production and its impact on the environment, the major emphasis of this chapter has been on N modelling.
Powdery mildew: biology, epidemiology, and management of Podosphaera spp. of tree fruit
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Major economically important tree fruit, such as apple (Malus × domestica), pear (Pyrus spp.), and stone fruit (cherry, apricot, peach: Prunus spp.), are amongst the most susceptible crops to powdery mildews. The fungus mostly affects vegetative tissues but can also infect the reproductive organs (flowers and fruits) of the tree. In the absence of appropriate management, severe polycyclic infections may significantly reduce fruit set and yield. This chapter summarizes current knowledge on the biology, epidemiology, host resistance and control of powdery mildew species of apple (Podosphaera leucotricha) and cherry (Podosphaera clandestina). The chapter looks ahead to future research trends in this area and provides detailed guidance for further reading on the subject.
Advances in the use of biological control agents in the disinfection of horticultural produce
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This chapter reviews advances in the use of biological control agents in the disinfection of horticultural produce. It discusses plant extracts and animal-based materials as postharvest treatments, the discovery of microbial antagonists and their mode of action. It also reviews the integration of biocontrol agents with non-chemical postharvest treatments as well as the development and commercial application of postharvest biological control products.
Advances in guava cultivation
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Guava (Psidium guajava) belongs to the Myrtaceae family and is also commonly known as guyava, kuawa or guayba. It is one of the most common and major fruits globally and is considered the fifth most important fruit (in terms of production area and volume) after mango, citrus, banana and apple. Due to its versatility and widespread use, guava has been appropriately called ‘the apple of the tropics’. There is a need to enhance more traditional, small-scale methods of production to make guava more competitive in world markets. One modern technique is a shift to high-density planting (HDP) which is widely used for crops such as apple in Europe and North America. Given the popularity of high-density technology and its likely benefits, it is now the right time to encourage the adoption of this technology by guava growers. This chapter explores the ways guava cultivation can be sustainably modernized in this way.
Temperature deviations during transport as a cause for food losses
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Deviating temperature conditions during distribution processes reduce the quality of food and significantly contribute to global food losses. The effect of careless handling and inadequate processing only become visible much later in the cool chain, making it difficult to quantify the contribution of individual processes. This chapter highlights the importance of transport losses of produce and draws attention to the omnipresence of temperature deviations. The chapter examines methods of shelf-life prediction, as well as the identification, quantification and mitigation of temperature abuse, along with remote monitoring. Finally, the chapter looks ahead to future research trends in this area.
Developing climate-based decision support systems from agricultural systems models
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Decision Support Systems (DSSs) in production agriculture are computer software programs that make use of models and other information to make site-specific recommendations for farm management-related activities. Major advances have been made in developing DSS for agriculture, particularly with respect to incorporating climate forecasts into farmers’ decision-making process. This chapter describes DSSs in agriculture, focussing on the importance of a participatory approach in DSS development. The chapter offers examples of climate-based DSS for crop and land management, pest and disease management, and livestock (dairy) management. The chapter reflects on lessons learned in the process of developing climate-based DSS. Finally, the chapter looks ahead to future research trends in this area.
Advances in cooling technologies to preserve horticultural produce
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Fruit and vegetables are living organisms that continue to respire after harvest, deteriorating over time, in a process known as senescence. Although it is impossible to halt senescence, removing the field-heat, and reducing the temperature of the product at the time of harvest, has substantial effects on maintaining product integrity. Cooling is the first ‘cool’ stage of the horticultural cool-chain, and is designed to rapidly and efficiently reduce the product temperature from the field temperature (often 20-30°C, depending on local conditions) to storage temperature (usually between 0-15°C, depending on the specific product. This chapter provides a review of the state of the art of produce cooling with emphasis on the recent developments in this field.
Advances in understanding canopy development in forest trees
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This chapter introduces the reader to physiological processes at the leaf, crown, and canopy level. It details the importance of light and water to these processes, then outlines the patterns that foliage at the three levels assume in order to maximize carbon uptake and tree performance. Summaries of research in leaf orientation, leaf clumping, and traits acclimation along a canopy light gradient are presented. At the canopy level, the continuous recording of canopy phenology and the eddy covariance method of recording biosphere-atmosphere fluxes are also discussed. These methods are suitable for whole-season measurements at the cross-landscape or regional level. Managers will find this knowledge useful as they assemble information to aid in their managerial decisions.
Integrated management of tortricid pests of tree fruit
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A group of relatively small moths in the family Tortricidae is commonly the most destructive insect pests of deciduous tree fruits throughout the world. This chapter summarizes the recent literature associated with several applied aspects of tortricid management. After an introduction to tortricid systematics and general biology, the chapter examines key species, distribution and dispersal mechanisms of tortricids. The chapter describes insecticide use in organic tree fruit production, as well as techniques of physical crop protection and biological control, including mating disruption and precision pest management. Finally, the chapter examines area-wide integrated pest management (IPM), post-harvest management and molecular tools, as well as looking ahead to future research trends in this area.
Mapping and exploiting the citrus genome
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The citrus gene pool displays a huge diversity for useful traits such as fruit quality, resistance to diseases and abiotic stress adaptation. Efficient exploitation of this germplasm by conventional citrus breeding requires the developments of early selection methods, particularly the one based on marker-traits association. This chapter reviews the recent developments in genetics and genomics to decipher the citrus genome and optimize its exploitation. The chapter identifies some of the specificities of the citrus gene pool and their implications in addressing the link between phenotype and molecular diversity. After a review of citrus molecular markers, the chapter describes recent important genetic and genomic developments and particularly the release of reference genetic maps and genome sequences and phylogenomic studies based on whole genome resequencing and GBS data. The chapter then discusses efforts to link phenotypic and molecular variability and concrete applications of marker assisted selection presented. Finally, the chapter looks ahead to future research trends in this field.
Optimizing insecticide use in integrated management of fruit insect pests
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The integrated pest management approach was conceived to reduce grower reliance on pesticides by combining and optimizing pesticide use with biological, physical and agronomical control tools. Natural enemies are an essential component of the agroecosystem and play a valuable role in controlling insect pests in fruit orchards. Growers need to understand how to protect them from harmful agronomic practices and how these natural allies could be integrated with other control tools. This chapter describes old and new monitoring tools, robust monitoring protocols available for estimating abundance of pest and beneficial insects, use of available phenology models to predict crucial future events important for pest management (e.g. the use of precise timing for surveillance) and pest control. The chapter includes three detailed case studies of common fruit pests as examples of how optimization of insecticide applications could be implemented within a framework of an integrated management of fruit insect pests. Finally, the chapter looks ahead to future research trends in this area.
Advances and improvements in modeling plant processes
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This chapter provides an overview of the advances made historically and today in modeling key plant processes with a focus on the processes associated with carbon acquisition and allocation (photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, respiration, and assimilate partitioning), and the timing of plant developmental events (phenology). Areas for further improvement are also addressed.
Recent developments in multi-trait selection in dairy cattle breeding
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Selection indexes, and their underlying breeding objectives, are widely used in dairy cattle breeding, and indexes tend to play an important role in selection decisions made by commercial farmers in many of the more advanced dairy industries within well developed economies. This chapter describes the key role of multi-trait indexes in dairy cattle breeding, how this role is evolving, and consequently, the methods used to establish the weightings in the indexes. Finally, the chapter looks ahead to future research trends in this area and provides guidance on further reading on the subject.
Insect pests of fruit: aphids
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Aphids (Homoptera, Sternorrhyncha, Aphididae) currently include 5575 valid species. They are characterized by some peculiar morphological and biological characteristics that make these insects unique organisms. Although often under-reported, it is estimated that aphids cause very high economic losses each year worldwide. This chapter introduces citrus aphids, apple and pear aphids and stone fruit aphids. In addition, the chapter describes techniques for the control of aphid pests and looks ahead to future trends in this area.
Advances in postharvest handling of citrus fruit
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Consumers are the driving major trends in both fresh citrus production, and postharvest handling, storage and distribution. Both consumers and retailers are driving changes in different citrus types (such as increases in ‘soft’ citrus types) and postharvest management (such as reduced postharvest chemical use, organics, sustainability etc.). This chapter outlines the challenges of storing and handling citrus fruit postharvest, dealing with issues such as degreening, physiological storage disorders and chilling injuries. The chapter examines postharvest management techniques to reduce chilling injury symptoms, as well as considering food safety and market access. Finally, the chapter looks ahead to future research trends in this area.
Genetic evaluation: use of genomic data in large-scale genetic evaluations in dairy cattle breeding
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Genomic evaluation has been successfully implemented in nearly all advanced dairy producing countries. Methods to compute genomic genetic evaluations for dairy cattle can be divided into single-step methods and multi-step methods. This chapter introduces the use of mixed model equations and the numerator relationship matrix, outlining the two basic methods used to compute genomic evaluations. The chapter explains the process of validating methods of computing genomic estimated breeding values. Finally, the chapter examines how genomic selection has changed the dairy cattle industry and looks ahead to future research trends in this area, as well as providing detailed guidance on further reading on the subject.
Improving fungicide use in integrated fruit disease management
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With the rapid emergence of resistance to the limited number of fungicide classes in many pathogenic fungi, improving stewardship of extant fungicides is a priority. Resistance management strategies, species identification, application timing and delivery of FRAC guidelines to stakeholders can all affect the manner of using fungicides. This chapter describes the evolution of fungicide resistance and examines ways of monitoring the development of resistance to fungicides. The chapter emphasizes the importance of species identification in disease management, and examines the adoption of decision-support tools to improve fungicide efficacy. Finally, the chapter looks ahead to future research trends in this area.
The scope and challenge of sustainable forestry
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Forests have managed to sustain themselves for millennia, recovering, reorganizing or migrating in response to innumerable disruptions. Humans have always reaped the benefits of this natural ability of treed ecosystems to renew themselves. Overharvesting of wood for fuel and building materials, however, eventually led to restrictions at different times and places around the world, and was eventually resolved through the development of sustained yield forestry. This introductory chapter focusses on current research in sustainable forestry. Beginning by discussing the concept of sustainable forestry, the chapter goes on to explore the natural resilience of forests. Further sections address the ways in which sustainability is interpreted and the challenges encountered in its implementation. In later sections, each of the subsequent chapters is referred to, in turn, providing an overview of the book. The chapter concludes with a reflection on what sustainable forestry is and how it may be attained.
Advances in breeding of coconut
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The coconut, Cocos nucifera L. was once the most important palm crop in the humid tropics. After an introduction to the current extent of coconut cultivation and uses, this chapter discusses the origins and botany of coconut. It then reviews available genetic resources. The chapter goes on to review conventional breeding techniques such as mass selection and hybridization before discussing developments in molecular breeding techniques for coconut.
Developments in the use of embryo technologies in dairy cows
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Reproductive technologies offer the opportunity to produce far greater numbers of offspring from genetically valuable dams, than they would normally have in their lifetime. Technologies such as ovum-pickup when applied to harvest oocytes from prepubertal animals provide the means to dramatically reduce the genetic interval, whereas the large number of embryos recovered from multiple ovulation embryo transfer gives greater scope for selection for genetic improvement. When animal breeding programmes couple these technologies with genomic selection based on genome wide assisted selection, the accuracy of selection can be increased further. The current range of interventions that can be applied to breeding programmes provides great scope to increase the efficiency, sustainability and welfare of the dairy industry. This chapter provides an update on current developments in reproductive technologies that are available for routine use and those that are still in the research stage but have the potential to provide solutions for the dairy industry in the future.
Cultural control of arthropod pests in temperate tree fruit
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Perennial systems, such as temperate tree fruit, present interesting challenges and opportunities for the practice of cultural pest management tactics. This chapter outlines key cultural tactics for managing arthropod pests in temperate tree fruit, including modification of trees, tree architecture, orchard floor management, cultivation practices, mowing and the cultivation of orchard cover crops. The chapter includes a detailed case study on integrating rotational hog grazing and apple production. Finally, the chapter looks ahead to future research trends in this area.
Fungal diseases of fruit: apple canker in Asia
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Apple valsa canker (Valsa mali) is mainly distributed in China, Japan, South Korea, and North Korea. It occurs in all apple production areas in China, particularly in the northern cold areas. Apple valsa canker mainly damages the cortex of apple branches, causing the cortex to rot. This chapter describes the distribution and hazards associated with apple valsa canker before going on to consider the pathogen that causes the disease, including its biology, epidemiology, infection process, and pathogenesis. The chapter considers both resistance to valsa canker and control strategies.
Developing forestry recreation services
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A high percentage of individuals participate in outdoor recreation, and as regions around the world continue to experience population growth there correspondingly will be increased demand for recreation services. Quality in such recreation can be defined as the degree to which recreation opportunities provide the experiences for which they are designed and managed. Therefore, key to protecting the recreation experiences in certain areas is an understanding of the different aspects of the visitor experience and recognizing which of these are important to visitors. This chapter is focused on developing forestry recreation services. Following a general introduction on recreation, a section is then included on visitor experience. The chapter then discusses the concept of the recreation opportunity spectrum. Recreation site planning and management are discussed, as are visitor use management, and monitoring and assessment. The chapter includes a case study on development of recreation services on privately owned forestlands in the United States.
Integrating livestock production into whole-farm system models of mixed crop–livestock systems
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Crop-livestock farming systems integrate various biophysical components with farm decision-making. Whole-farm system models help to understand the complexity arising from this integration and are useful tools to explore effects of interventions and to design improved systems. After describing the generic characteristics of crop-livestock systems, this chapter gives an account of the separate component models, from which whole-farm models are usually assembled. Most attention goes to the wide diversity in pasture, livestock and manure models, while approaches to represent farm management in models are also discussed. The interactions between farm components strongly determine model functioning and performance, and often present modelling challenges to capture them. With a focus on grazing, manure dynamics and animal mobility, the authors assess the key processes governing these interactions and review how models represent them. Further, the representation of feed quality in crop model outputs and the management of time scales and carry-over effects is dealt with. Finally, the authors provide two examples of common whole-farm model applications from contrasting environments.
Advances in dairy cattle breeding to improve resistance to mastitis
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Mastitis, an inflammatory response associated with bacterial infections, is generally regarded as the most-costly disease of dairy cattle because of its high incidence and effects on milk production and composition. Genetic selection for highly productive dairy cows has been very successful; however, udder health has declined in many dairy breeds because of its unfavourable correlations with milk production. Poor udder health increases veterinary and farm labour costs, increases rates of involuntary culling, decreases farm revenue, and adversely impacts animal welfare. However, genetic selection can be used to improve udder health just as it has been used to increase production. This chapter reviews advances in dairy cattle breeding to improve resistance to mastitis. It includes sections on both conventional and new phenotypes for improving resistance to clinical mastitis, and also on both national and international genetic improvement programmes for resistance to clinical mastitis. It concludes with a section on increasing rates of genetic gain through genomic selection.
Breeding fruit cultivars with durable disease resistance
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Resistance breeding can make a lasting contribution to pest and disease control in an integrated management strategy provided that the resistance is durable. This chapter discusses strategies for achieving durable resistance based on genes that target pathogen fitness, gene pyramiding and nonhost resistance. The chapter examines the application of breeding tools. Finally, the chapter looks ahead to future trends in resistance breeding and provides guidance on further reading in this area.
Apple mosaic virus: biology, epidemiology and detection
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Apple mosaic virus (ApMV) has been detected in apple and also in a number of other plant taxa including other members of the Rosaceae, hazelnut, hop, birch and a number of perennial weed species. This chapter comprehensively details how the virus is spread and describes the symptoms displayed by affected host plants. It goes on to discuss the geographical distribution of the virus, its epidemiology and the economic impact of infection on the fruit and nut industry. Ways to obtain virus-free material are reviewed with meristem culture in combination with thermo- or cryotherapy used to eradicate ApMV from propagation material. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the most reliable molecular detection methods for ApMV and a look towards future trends in ApMV research.
The future of crop modeling for sustainable agriculture
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Crop growth simulation models have become increasingly important as accepted tools with uses in education, research, crop management, industry, and government policy decisions related to improving and sustaining agricultural production of food, feed, fiber, and ecosystem services. This chapter begins with a brief review of history of crop modeling that has led to excellent collaborations among the world’s crop modeling community. It discusses present and future potential uses of crop models in education, academic research, plant breeding, strategic crop management, in-season advisory tools, famine risk tools, climate change impact assessment, ecosystem services, sustaining long-term soil fertility, and integration with livestock and economic models. It concludes with a look to the future with a review of what is new in crop models, the processes that need improvement, along with suggestions of new features needed.
Towards sustainable plant factories with artificial lighting (PFALs): from greenhouses to vertical farms
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Plant factories with artificial lighting (PFALs) have hitherto proved too costly to be economically viable, consuming too much electricity to be considered truly sustainable. However, recent advances are changing this, and the potential advantages of PFALs are making them an attractive option. This chapter discusses the requirements of sustainable plant production systems, exploring the potential and actual benefits of PFALs. The chapter considers the resource consumption, production cost and cost performance associated with current PFALs, as well as methods for reducing resource consumption and production costs. Finally, the chapter examines future challenges of environmentally and economically sustainable plant production for smart PFALs.
The role of food banks in food security and food loss and waste (FLW) prevention
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The current deficit of food supply in which more than 820 million people do not have enough to eat puts a real threat on the upcoming generations to satisfy their most basic need of food sufficiency. This chapter describes the development of food banks over the years, explains the difference between the traditional and contemporary food banking models and presents a case study on one of the most successful food banks in the Middle East region that diverts more than 17,000,000 meals monthly from the landfill.
Models, sensors and decision support systems in greenhouse cultivation
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Model-based decision support and automation in horticulture is accompanied today by the development of Industry 4.0, that is, today’s greenhouses are advanced production systems with the possibility of controlling the indoor climate (and with that, the crop) very accurately with intelligent algorithms based on models and/or data. This chapter discusses the potential of sensors and models within the growing mechanisation in greenhouses. The chapter examines differences in development and application of deterministic explanatory and data-based models for real-time control and decision support systems (DSS) using soft sensors and the application of planning tools. Finally, the chapter looks ahead to future research trends in this area.
Data for developing, testing, and applying crop and farm models
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This chapter focuses on the data needed for developing, testing, and applying crop and farm models. The chapter reviews the kinds of data available to crop and farm modellers. The chapter describes practices concerning storage, exchanging, and combining data from various sources, examining the socio-economic and ethical implications. The chapter looks at the role of companies in data flows and generating recommendations to farmers. The chapter presents examples of successful use of agricultural data, both for science and for agricultural practice. Finally, the chapter looks ahead to future research trends in this area.
Trade-offs between management and conservation for the provision of ecosystem services in the southern Patagonian forests
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Forests provide critical ecosystem services for human well-being; however, some ecosystem services are more valued (e.g. provisioning services) than others (e.g. regulating or supporting services). Temperate regions contain several forests affected by humans, mainly with regard to ecosystem services and biodiversity. This chapter focuses on Nothofagus forests in southern Patagonia. It analyzes potential trade-offs between ecosystem services and biodiversity, and how new silvicultural approaches (such as silvopastoral and variable retention harvesting) allow multi-objective management at the landscape level. The authors first discuss forest ecosystem service characterization. Further sections are included on the provision of forest ecosystem services in southern Patagonia and developing strategies of sustainable forest management. The chapter closes with an overview of forest ecosystem services in a changing world. The authors conclude that future proposals (such as land-sharing) will require fewer trade-offs and promote positive synergies within the provision of ecosystem services, generating more resilient alternatives that can mitigate potential climate change effects.
Advances in monitoring forest growth and health
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Information derived from monitoring the status of and trends in forest resources is a critical tool for policymakers, managers, and other environmental decision makers. Advances in forest monitoring technology, particularly in the use of remote sensing, have helped deliver higher quality information in a timelier manner than in the past. This chapter gives background information on the practical and statistical principles behind both ground-based and remote sensing-based forest measurement and monitoring, provides historical context for each, identifies information gaps and practical challenges, and proposes solutions for harmonizing the two sources of information. This is done through the use of a hypothetical forest management case study aimed at providing a conceptual framework for forest managers seeking to design forest monitoring systems. Finally, the chapter looks ahead to future research trends and suggests further reading.
Crop improvement in jackfruit
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This chapter focuses on advances in breeding of jackfruit. It reviews the origin, distribution and varieties of the fruit. It then looks at uses and nutritional composition, before discussing breeding and providing examples of improved varieties of jackfruit.
Automation and robotics in greenhouses
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This chapter provides an overview of the state of the art of automation technology in protected cultivation and looks ahead to future directions for achieving further progress in this field. The chapter provides a generic description of the greenhouse crop production process and then uses it as a reference for reviewing the state of the art in automation and robotics. The chapter explains those tasks in protected cultivation that have already been automated and identifies those tasks that are predominantly still the domain of human labour. The chapter outlines the requirements for the technology capable of doing these tasks. The chapter describes the ongoing research in automation and robotics in protected cultivation and concludes with a description of the challenges facing high-tech systems in protected cultivation.
The role of probiotics in optimizing gut function in poultry
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The spread of antibiotic resistance genes has created public concerns leading to new laws that restrict the use of antibiotics as growth promoters in domestic and meat-producing animals in several countries around the world. In this chapter, the safety and efficacy of individual monocultures for prophylactic and/or therapeutic efficacy against Salmonella infections in poultry under both laboratory and field conditions are summarized. In addition, the development of novel, cost-effective, feed-stable, direct-fed microbials with potential for widespread utilization and improved production, delivery and clinical efficacy for animal use are presented. Following an introduction, a section on the use of probiotics in poultry is presented; a discussion on probiotics and inflammation is also provided. The risks on the overuse of antibiotics are discussed, and the chapter concludes with an introduction to the use of direct-fed microbials in commercial poultry diets.
Advances in screenhouse design and practice for protected cultivation
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The increasing world population, along with water and land shortages and climate change, lead growers worldwide to protected cultivation systems. The screenhouse, built with a skeleton of basic construction elements enveloped by a porous screen, is one example of such systems. Another protected cultivation system is a screen cover without sidewalls, usually used for shading only. This chapter describes common types of structures and materials used by growers and discusses studies where microclimate and evapotranspiration were measured and modelled under the screens. The chapter considers the question of whether it is possible to increase water-use efficiency in screenhouses. The chapter reviews studies in which product quality under screens was examined. Finally, the chapter draws attention to knowledge gaps and suggests future research directions.
Advances in breeding of papaya
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This chapter discusses the origins and distribution of papaya. It reviews the origins and distribution of the fruit as well as breeding methods such as back crossing, mutation breeding and marker-assisted selection. It also reviews how breeding programmes can be used for particular traits and resistance to certain diseases. Case studies on breeding programmes in India and Malaysia are also discussed. The chapter concludes by discussing various developments in papaya and reviews possible future trends in research. It also provides readers with various sources for further information on papaya breeding.
Advances in greenhouse design
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Greenhouses are effective structures for producing high-value crops since they use natural resources as well as production inputs very efficiently. Consequently, greenhouses occupy large areas of the world. This chapter examines recent developments in greenhouse designs on three relevant production systems, namely low-tech greenhouses, high-tech greenhouses and the Chinese solar greenhouse (CSG). The chapter reviews advances in natural ventilation, light transmission and passive improvement of night-time conditions. The chapter discusses new greenhouse roofing for glasshouses as well as the concept of the semi-closed greenhouse, a type of high-tech greenhouse. The chapter describes types of CSGs and relevant technical features of CSGs in northeast, northwest and northern China.
Harvesting citrus: challenges and perspectives in an automated world
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Harvesting oranges has been a challenge for all countries that grow and export juice or fresh fruit. Despite the many advances in agriculture and technology, the majority of harvesting is still performed manually. This crop is formed on trees of high canopy, subjecting pickers to risks and physical effort. Furthermore, growers face labour seasonality and shortage, along with an annual increase in harvesting costs; hence, alternatives are needed in order to increase the feasibility of harvesting. Currently, harvesting can be achieved mechanically, with the aid of unit equipment and robotics, being the last one more in an experimental level. One point to be considered is tree modification, as a short canopy could facilitate harvesting, and possibilities for improvement exist. All the technology, current research and economic pressure, might enable the feasible mechanical, commercial automation of harvesting; however, planning will be fundamental in order to prepare orchards, growers and also work possibilities for pickers that will have jobs excluded.
Key challenges in forest management
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Forest managers face many challenges, both now and in the future, driven by society’s need as well as by the impacts dictated by the climate change threat. Growing populations will also strain the forest’s ability to provide traditional products sustainably while catering to the growing demands for ecosystem services not previously and explicitly managed for across forested landscapes. The objective of this chapter is to provide an overview of current and pending threats and challenges for forest managers around the world as well as current research focussed on these topics. The chapter starts with reviewing current and future concerns in forest management, which include climate change impacts, changing land-use and ecosystem services. Key research areas such as climate change impacts (e.g. species shifts, growth rates, extreme weather events, water, forest pests and invasive species), urbanization/forest fragmentation (e.g. wildland–urban interface) and ecosystem services (e.g. valuation) are discussed. A case study on forest management in North America is included.
