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.

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are biocontrol agents that are used to control a wide variety of insect pests within agriculture and forestry. In addition to their use as bio-pesticides, EPNs have a fascinating biology and are thus considered model organisms in ecology, symbiosis and pathogenesis.This book presents basic knowledge and diverse applications to illustrate how EPNs play an important role as potent biocontrol solutions. It describes:Fundamental concepts such as biology, taxonomy, symbiosis genomics and behavioural ecology.Aspects of commercialization, including mass production, formulation, safety and regulation, and marketing.Diverse cropping systems e.g. maize, wheat and grains, citrus, orchard systems, berries, vine crops, vegetables and turf.Other applications including urban, nursery, forestry, greenhouse, veterinary and medical.Ecological considerations and applications in conservation biocontrol.This book is a must have for all pest management professionals including those practicing integrated pest management strategies.

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.

There is increasing understanding that climate change will have profound, mostly harmful effects on human health. In this authoritative book, international experts examine long-recognized areas of health concern for populations vulnerable to climate change, describing effects that are both direct, such as heat waves, and indirect, such as via vector-borne diseases. Set in a broad international, economic, political and environmental context, this unique book expands these issues by reviving and championing a third ('tertiary') category of longer term impacts on global health: famine, population dislocation, conflict and collapse. This edition has an expanded foundation, with new chapters discussing nuclear war, population and limits to growth, among others. This lively yet scholarly resource explores all these issues, finishing with a practicaldiscussion of avenues to reform. As Mary Robinson, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, states in the foreword: 'Climate change interacts with many undesirable aspects of human behaviour, including inequality, racism and other manifestations of injustice. Climate change policies, as practised by most countries in the global North, not only interact with these long-standing forms of injustice, but exemplify a new form, of startling magnitude.'The book is dedicated to Tony McMichael, Will Steffen and Maurice King.This book will be invaluable for students, post-graduates, researchers and policy-makers in public health, climate change and medicine.

Since the publication of the first edition of this book, professional and public concern for the well-being of animals has continued to increase throughout the world. Advances in research and technologies have yielded an enormous amount of new knowledge about animal mental health and well-being.Thoroughly updated and revised, the third edition includes: · Expanded chapters covering fear, boredom and suffering in animals, the what and why of animal fun, and the treatment of mental health disorders in animals.· New chapters covering the new classification systems concerning mental and behavioral disorders of cats and dogs, the importance of resilience and mental states, nutritional factors and recognizing emotional and psychological suffering.· New internationally renowned expert contributors joining the existing list of prestige authors.· A focus on practical information, with clinical behavioral medicine advice, hints and tips.With additional illustrations and photographs throughout, this book remains invaluable to veterinary professionals, animal welfare researchers and advocates, ethologists and other animal caregivers.