Anyone who observes fruit trees may wonder how or why they behave in specific ways. Some trees grow upright while others have a spreading habit. Some produce many flowers and small immature fruit only to drop most of the fruit later on; others grow more strongly on their sunny side than their shady side. It is common to ascribe such behavior to the tree as a whole and state that trees preferentially "allocate" resources to specific organs. However, this is the wrong approach to understanding tree functioning and behavior. Trees are not in control of what they do. What trees do and how they function is shaped by the individual organs that make up the tree, not by the tree as a whole. The genetic code only indirectly determines the habit, structure and behavior of a tree by defining the behavioral and functional limits of the component organs, tissues and cells. Unlike animals that have a mechanism for collective control of the whole organism - a central nervous system - trees (and plants in general) are more appropriately considered as collections of semi-autonomous organs. These organs are dependent on one another for resources, such as water, energy and nutrients, but control their own destiny.This book presents a clear set of integrative concepts for understanding the overall physiology and growth of temperate deciduous fruit trees. The emphasis is on overarching principles rather than detailed descriptions of tree physiology or differences among the numerous species of fruit trees. Although the focus is on deciduous fruit trees, many aspects apply to evergreen fruit trees and trees that grow naturally in unmanaged situations.Highly relevant for students and researchers in pomology, horticulture and plant sciences, the book is also suitable for practitioners, extension staff, and novice fruit tree growers.

This book describes critically reviewed key aspects of organic farming and provides a unique and timely science-based resource for researchers, teachers and extension workers, undergraduates, postgraduate students, primary producers and others interested in organic farming.The first section of the book provides an overview of organic farming: a general introduction followed by the origins of organic farming, the principles of organic farming, challenges for organic farming, crop protection in organic farming and environmental impacts of organic farming. The next section deals with the management of various crop diseases through botanical biopesticides and Integrated Pest Management practices, followed by overarching regulatory and management concerns.The book is written by a range of specialists with direct experience of organic farming over many years. Authors from over a dozen countries in several continents have contributed to this unique and indispensable resource that offers a diverse range of valuable information, data and perspectives on organic farming, at a time when the world community is increasingly aware of the problems of our current agricultural practices and the importance of creating sustainable agricultural and systems for the long-term health of humankind and the biosphere as a whole.

This second edition has been extended to include new information and developments in the preservation of fungi but maintains the coverage of methodology as presented in the first edition published in 1983. The book enables readers to select suitable preservation procedures for their purposes, gives information on the growth and maintenance of fungi and provides the background to manage a collection of microorganisms both safely and effectively. The methods described are those in operation or experimented upon at IMI, and cover the simple to the more complex techniques. The methods listed are of use in all situations where living cultures of fungi are required, from teaching and research to industry and technology.

Places with perceived high environmental quality and distinctive culture are globally attracting amenity migrants. Today this societal driving force is particularly manifest in mountain areas, and while beneficial for both the new comers and locals, is also threatening highland ecologies and their human communities. This book describes and analyses the challenges and opportunities of amenity migration and its management, and offers related recommendations.The book's chapters cover the subject through case studies at international, regional and local levels, along with overarching themes such as environmental sustainability and equity, mountain recreation users, housing, and spiritual motivation. A crucial issue addressed is the relationship of amenity migration to tourism, and migration motivated by economic gain. The introduction and concluding chapters bring all of the information and analyses together strategically, summarising in a manner of theoretical and practical value for both academics and practitioners.

The gap between theory and practice in the leisure, sport and tourism studies areas seems to have widened as scholars have become more specialized. Nevertheless, it is imperative that students be as familiar as possible with a wide range of social and political theory, and also be able to reconcile that knowledge with their own current and future roles as practicing professionals. A comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to public policymaking and planning in the leisure, sport and tourism sectors, this book:- examines the theoretical issues underpinning public sector policymaking such as political ideologies, leisure wants, needs, demand and benefits, and human rights in leisure, sport, tourism and culture;- discusses the debates surrounding the role of the state versus market, and models of organizational decision-making; and- uses applied sections addressing strategic planning and performance evaluation to provide a link between theory and practical analytical techniques.As well as extensive updating of sources, this new edition examines such topics as libertarianism, theocracy, anti-establishment politics, and the concept of generations. A new chapter presents discussions of a number of 'issues and challenges' facing the leisure, sport and tourism sector. Introducing the subject for undergraduate and postgraduate students of leisure, sport and tourism, this book is also a useful addition to the shelf of any policy maker or practitioner within the industries.This book is accompanied by Open Resources.