Biology Of Plant Volatiles

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Biology of Plant Volatiles

Author : Eran Pichersky
Publisher : CRC Press
ISBN 13 : 0429849257
Total Pages : 398 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (298 download)

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Book Synopsis Biology of Plant Volatiles by : Eran Pichersky

Download or read book Biology of Plant Volatiles written by Eran Pichersky and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2020-05-19 with total page 398 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Plant volatiles—compounds emitted from plant organs to interact with the surrounding environment—play essential roles in attracting pollinators and defending against herbivores and pathogenes, plant-plant signaling, and abiotic stress responses. Biology of Plant Volatiles, with contributions from leading international groups of distinguished scientists in the field, explores the major aspects of plant scent biology. Responding to new developments in the detection of the complex compound structures of volatiles, this book details the composition and biosynthesis of plant volatiles and their mode of emission. It explains the function and significance of volatiles for plants as well as insects and microbes whose interactions with plants are affected by these compounds. The content also explores the biotechnological and commercial potential for the manipulation of plant volatiles. Features: Combines widely scattered literature in a single volume for the first time, covering all important aspects of plant volatiles, from their chemical structures to their biosynthesis to their roles in the interactions of plants with their biotic and abiotic environment Takes an interdisciplinary approach, providing multilevel analysis from chemistry and genes to enzymology, cell biology, organismal biology and ecology Includes up-to-date methodologies in plant scent biology research, from molecular biology and enzymology to functional genomics This book will be a touchstone for future research on the many applications of plant volatiles and is aimed at plant biologists, entomologists, evolutionary biologists and researchers in the horticulture and perfume industries.

The Chemistry and Biology of Volatiles

Author : Andreas Herrmann
Publisher : John Wiley & Sons
ISBN 13 : 1119956986
Total Pages : 408 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (199 download)

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Book Synopsis The Chemistry and Biology of Volatiles by : Andreas Herrmann

Download or read book The Chemistry and Biology of Volatiles written by Andreas Herrmann and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2011-06-15 with total page 408 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Coming to a conclusion, this wonderful, informative and very interesting book presents an excellent overview of small volatile organic compounds and their role in our life and environment. Really fascinating is the entirety of scientific disciplines which were addressed by this book." –Flavour and Fragrance Journal, 2011 "... this book deserves to be a well-used reference in the library of any laboratory specialising in VOC". –Chemistry World, 2011 Volatile compounds are molecules with a relatively low molecular weight allowing for an efficient evaporation into the air. They are found in many areas of our everyday-life: they are responsible for the communication between species such as plants, insects or mammals; they serve as flavours or fragrances in many food products or perfumed consumer articles; and they play an important role in atmospheric chemistry. This book takes an interdisciplinary approach to volatile molecules. Review-style introductions to the main topics in volatile chemistry and biology are provided by international experts, building into a broad overview of this fascinating field. Topics covered include: The structural variety of volatile compounds Biogeneration of volatiles Synthesis of natural and non-natural volatiles Analysis of volatiles Volatile compounds as semiochemicals in plant-plant or plant-insect interactions Volatiles in pest control Pheromones and the influence of volatiles on mammals Olfaction and human perception Volatiles as fragrances The generation of flavours and food aroma compounds Stabilisation and controlled release of volatiles The impact of volatiles on the environment and the atmosphere

Biology of Floral Scent

Author : Natalia Dudareva
Publisher : CRC Press
ISBN 13 : 1000611655
Total Pages : 299 pages
Book Rating : 4.0/5 (6 download)

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Book Synopsis Biology of Floral Scent by : Natalia Dudareva

Download or read book Biology of Floral Scent written by Natalia Dudareva and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2006-03-27 with total page 299 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: As with nearly all living creatures, humans have always been attracted and intrigued by floral scents. Yet, while we have been manufacturing perfumes for at least 5000 years to serve a myriad of religious, sexual, and medicinal purposes, until very recently, the limitation of our olfactory faculty has greatly hindered our capacity to clearly and ob

Sensing in Nature

Author : Carlos López-Larrea
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN 13 : 146141704X
Total Pages : 316 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (614 download)

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Book Synopsis Sensing in Nature by : Carlos López-Larrea

Download or read book Sensing in Nature written by Carlos López-Larrea and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2012-03-07 with total page 316 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Biological systems are an emerging discipline that may provide integrative tools by assembling the hierarchy of interactions among genes, proteins and molecular networks involved in sensory systems. The aim of this volume is to provide a picture, as complete as possible, of the current state of knowledge of sensory systems in nature. The presentation in this book lies at the intersection of evolutionary biology, cell and molecular biology, physiology and genetics. Sensing in Nature is written by a distinguished panel of specialists and is intended to be read by biologists, students, scientific investigators and the medical community.

Osmoprotectant-Mediated Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Plants

Author : Mohammad Anwar Hossain
Publisher : Springer Nature
ISBN 13 : 3030274233
Total Pages : 342 pages
Book Rating : 4.0/5 (32 download)

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Book Synopsis Osmoprotectant-Mediated Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Plants by : Mohammad Anwar Hossain

Download or read book Osmoprotectant-Mediated Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Plants written by Mohammad Anwar Hossain and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2019-11-01 with total page 342 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In nature, plants are constantly challenged by various abiotic and biotic stresses that can restrict their growth, development and yields. In the course of their evolution, plants have evolved a variety of sophisticated and efficient mechanisms to sense, respond to, and adapt to changes in the surrounding environment. A common defensive mechanism activated by plants in response to abiotic stress is the production and accumulation of compatible solutes (also called osmolytes). This include amino acids (mainly proline), amines (such as glycinebetaine and polyamines), and sugars (such as trehalose and sugar alcohols), all of which are readily soluble in water and non-toxic at high concentrations. The metabolic pathways involved in the biosynthesis and catabolism of compatible solutes, and the mechanisms that regulate their cellular concentrations and compartmentalization are well characterized in many important plant species. Numerous studies have provided evidence that enhanced accumulation of compatible solutes in plants correlates with increased resistance to abiotic stresses. New insights into the mechanisms associated with osmolyte accumulation in transgenic plants and the responses of plants to exogenous application of osmolyte, will further enhance our understanding of the mechanisms by which compatible solutes help to protect plants from damage due to abiotic stress and the potential roles compatible solutes could play in improving plants growth and development under optimal conditions for growth. Although there has been significant progress made in understanding the multiple roles of compatible solute in abiotic stress tolerance, many aspects associated with compatible solute-mediated abiotic stress responses and stress tolerance still require more research. As well as providing basic up-to-date information on the biosynthesis, compartmentalization and transport of compatible solute in plants, this book will also give insights into the direct or indirect involvement of these key compatible solutes in many important metabolic processes and physiological functions, including their antioxidant and signaling functions, and roles in modulating plant growth, development and abiotic stress tolerance. In this book, Osmoprotectant-mediated abiotic stress tolerance in plants: recent advances and future perspectives, we present a collection of 16 chapters written by leading experts engaged with compatible solute-induced abiotic stress tolerance in plants. The main objective of this volume is to promote the important roles of these compatible solutes in plant biology, by providing an integrated and comprehensive mix of basic and advanced information for students, scholars and scientists interested in, or already engaged in, research involving osmoprotectant. Finally, this book will be a valuable resource for future environmental stress-related research, and can be considered as a textbook for graduate students and as a reference book for front-line researchers working on the relationships between osmoprotectant and abiotic stress responses and tolerance in plants.

Volatiles and Metabolites of Microbes

Author : Ajay Kumar
Publisher : Academic Press
ISBN 13 : 0323851649
Total Pages : 513 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (238 download)

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Book Synopsis Volatiles and Metabolites of Microbes by : Ajay Kumar

Download or read book Volatiles and Metabolites of Microbes written by Ajay Kumar and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 2021-06-22 with total page 513 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Volatiles and Metabolites of Microbes compiles the latest research and advancement in the field of volatiles, metabolites synthesized from the microbial strains such as actinomycetes, bacteria, cyanobacteria, and fungal species and their potential applications in the field of healthcare issue and sustainable agriculture. There is an urgent need to explore new and advanced biological methods for health industries and sustainable agriculture and to protect the environment from environmental pollution or contaminates, global warming, and also control the health of human beings from the side effects of various pharmaceuticals products. Focusing all these factors, Volatiles and Metabolites of Microbes explores new aspects of microorganism in terms of volatiles, enzymes, bioactive compounds synthesized from the microbes and their potential applications in the field of sustainable agriculture and health-related issues Provides a broad aspect about volatiles, bioactive compounds, and secondary metabolites of microbes compiled in one cover Gives the latest research and advancement in the field of volatiles, secondary metabolites, and bioactive compounds synthesized from the different microbial strains Responds to new developments in the detection of the complex compound structures of volatiles Offers insight to a very broad audience in Biotechnology, Applied Microbiology, Agronomy, and Pathology

Insect-Plant Biology

Author : Louis M. Schoonhoven
Publisher : Oxford University Press on Demand
ISBN 13 : 019852594X
Total Pages : 441 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (985 download)

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Book Synopsis Insect-Plant Biology by : Louis M. Schoonhoven

Download or read book Insect-Plant Biology written by Louis M. Schoonhoven and published by Oxford University Press on Demand. This book was released on 2005-12 with total page 441 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Half of all insect species are dependent on living plant tissues, consuming about 10% of plant annual production in natural habitats and an even greater percentage in agricultural systems, despite sophisticated control measures. Plants are generally remarkably well-protected against insect attack, with the result that most insects are highly specialized feeders. The mechanisms underlying plant resistance to invading herbivores on the one side, and insect food specialization on the other, are the main subjects of this book. For insects these include food-plant selection and the complex sensory processes involved, with their implications for learning and nutritional physiology, as well as the endocrinological aspects of life cycle synchronization with host plant phenology. In the case of plants exposed to insect herbivores, they include the activation of defence systems in order to minimize damage, as well as the emission of chemical signals that may attract natural enemies of the invading herbivores and may be exploited by neighbouring plants that mount defences as well." "Insect-Plant Biology discusses the operation of these mechanisms at the molecular and organismal levels, in the context of both ecological interactions and evolutionary relationships. In doing so, it uncovers the highly intricate antagonistic and mutualistic interactions that have evolved between plants and insects. The book concludes with a chapter on the application of our knowledge of insect-plant interactions to agricultural production." "This multidisciplinary approach will appeal to students in agricultural entomology, plant sciences, ecology, and indeed anyone interested in the principles underlying the relationships between the two largest groups of organisms on earth: plants and insects."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Plant Resistance to Insects

Author : Paul Arthur Hedin
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 392 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (319 download)

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Book Synopsis Plant Resistance to Insects by : Paul Arthur Hedin

Download or read book Plant Resistance to Insects written by Paul Arthur Hedin and published by . This book was released on 1983 with total page 392 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Twenty chapters explore the role of secondary plant substances as the central aspect in plant-insect interactions. Such substances can act as repellents, attractants, growth retardants, antifeedants, teratogens, sterilants and behavior modifiers

Biology, Controls and Models of Tree Volatile Organic Compound Emissions

Author : Ülo Niinemets
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN 13 : 9400766068
Total Pages : 547 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (7 download)

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Book Synopsis Biology, Controls and Models of Tree Volatile Organic Compound Emissions by : Ülo Niinemets

Download or read book Biology, Controls and Models of Tree Volatile Organic Compound Emissions written by Ülo Niinemets and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2013-07-08 with total page 547 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Plant-driven volatile organic compound (BVOC) emissions play a major role in atmospheric chemistry, including ozone and photochemical smog formation in the troposphere, and they extend the atmospheric lifetime of the key greenhouse gas, methane. Furthermore, condensation of photo-oxidation products of BVOCs leads to formation of secondary organic aerosols with profound implications for the earth's solar radiation budget and climate. Trees represent the plant life form that most contributes to BVOC emissions, which gives global forests a unique role in regulating atmospheric chemistry. Written by leading experts in the field, the focus is on recent advancements in understanding the controls on plant-driven BVOC emissions, including efforts to quantitatively predict emissions using computer models, particularly on elicitation of emissions under biotic and abiotic stresses, molecular mechanisms of volatile synthesis and emission and the role of emissions in plant stress tolerance.

The Ecology of Plant Secondary Metabolites

Author : Glenn R. Iason
Publisher : Cambridge University Press
ISBN 13 : 1107375703
Total Pages : 361 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (73 download)

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Book Synopsis The Ecology of Plant Secondary Metabolites by : Glenn R. Iason

Download or read book The Ecology of Plant Secondary Metabolites written by Glenn R. Iason and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2012-04-19 with total page 361 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Plant secondary metabolites (PSMs) such as terpenes and phenolic compounds are known to have numerous ecological roles, notably in defence against herbivores, pathogens and abiotic stresses and in interactions with competitors and mutualists. This book reviews recent developments in the field to provide a synthesis of the function, ecology and evolution of PSMs, revealing our increased awareness of their integrative role in connecting natural systems. It emphasises the multiple roles of secondary metabolites in mediating the interactions between organisms and their environment at a range of scales of ecological organisation, demonstrating how genes encoding for PSM biosynthetic enzymes can have effects from the cellular scale within individual plants all the way to global environmental processes. A range of recent methodological advances, including molecular, transgenic and metabolomic techniques, are illustrated and promising directions for future studies are identified, making this a valuable reference for researchers and graduate students in the field.

Plant Volatile Analysis

Author : Hans F. Linskens
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN 13 : 3662033313
Total Pages : 280 pages
Book Rating : 4.6/5 (62 download)

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Book Synopsis Plant Volatile Analysis by : Hans F. Linskens

Download or read book Plant Volatile Analysis written by Hans F. Linskens and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2013-06-29 with total page 280 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Modern Methods of Plant Analysis When the handbook Modern Methods ofPlant Analysis, was first introduced in 1954, the considerations were: 1. the dependence of scientific progress in biologyon the improvement of existing and the introduction of new methods; 2. the difficulty in finding many new analytical methods in specialized journals which are normally not accessible to experimental plant biologists; 3. the fact that in the methods sections of papers the description of methods is frequently so compact, or even sometimes so incomplete, that it is difficult to reproduce experiments. These considerations still stand today. The series was highly successful, seven volumes appearing between 1956 and 1964. Since there is still today a demand for the old series, the publisher has decided to resume publication of Modern Methods ofPlant Analysis.It is hoped that the NewSeries willbejust as acceptable to those working in plant sciences and related fields as the early volumes undoubtedlywere.It is difficult to single out the major reasons for the success of any publication, but we believe that the methods published in the first series were up-to-date at the time and presented in a waythat made description, as applied to plant material, complete in itselfwith little need to consult other publications. Contribution authors have attempted to follow these guidelines in this New Series of volumes. Editorial The earlier series of Modern Methods ofPlant Analysis was initiated by Michel V.

Deciphering Chemical Language of Plant Communication

Author : James D. Blande
Publisher : Springer
ISBN 13 : 3319334980
Total Pages : 326 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (193 download)

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Book Synopsis Deciphering Chemical Language of Plant Communication by : James D. Blande

Download or read book Deciphering Chemical Language of Plant Communication written by James D. Blande and published by Springer. This book was released on 2016-07-26 with total page 326 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book provides an overview of the intricacies of plant communication via volatile chemicals. Plants produce an extraordinarily vast array of chemicals, which provide community members with detailed information about the producer’s identity, physiology and phenology. Volatile organic chemicals, either as individual compounds or complex chemical blends, are a communication medium operating between plants and any organism able to detect the compounds and respond. The ecological and evolutionary origins of particular interactions between plants and the greater community have been, and will continue to be, strenuously debated. However, it is clear that chemicals, and particularly volatile chemicals, constitute a medium akin to a linguistic tool. As well as possessing a rich chemical vocabulary, plants are known to detect and respond to chemical cues. These cues can originate from neighbouring plants, or other associated community members. This book begins with chapters on the complexity of chemical messages, provides a broad perspective on a range of ecological interactions mediated by volatile chemicals, and extends to cutting edge developments on the detection of chemicals by plants.

Communication in Plants

Author : František Baluška
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN 13 : 3540285164
Total Pages : 438 pages
Book Rating : 4.5/5 (42 download)

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Book Synopsis Communication in Plants by : František Baluška

Download or read book Communication in Plants written by František Baluška and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2007-02-15 with total page 438 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Plant neurobiology is a newly emerging field of plant sciences. It covers signalling and communication at all levels of biological organization – from molecules up to ecological communities. In this book, plants are presented as intelligent and social organisms with complex forms of communication and information processing. Authors from diverse backgrounds such as molecular and cellular biology, electrophysiology, as well as ecology treat the most important aspects of plant communication, including the plant immune system, abilities of plants to recognize self, signal transduction, receptors, plant neurotransmitters and plant neurophysiology. Further, plants are able to recognize the identity of herbivores and organize the defence responses accordingly. The similarities in animal and plant neuronal/immune systems are discussed too. All these hidden aspects of plant life and behaviour will stimulate further intense investigations in order to understand the communicative plants in their whole complexity.

Volatiles and Food Security

Author : Devendra K. Choudhary
Publisher : Springer
ISBN 13 : 981105553X
Total Pages : 373 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (11 download)

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Book Synopsis Volatiles and Food Security by : Devendra K. Choudhary

Download or read book Volatiles and Food Security written by Devendra K. Choudhary and published by Springer. This book was released on 2017-12-06 with total page 373 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book presents research on volatiles produced by microbes and plants along with their biotechnological implications for sustainable agriculture. A greater understanding of how plants and microbes live together and benefit each other can provide new strategies to improve plant productivity, while at the same time helping to protect the environment and maintain global biodiversity. To date, the use of chemicals to enhance plant growth or induced resistance in plants has been limited due to the negative effects and the difficulty in determining the optimal concentrations to benefit the plant. The book discusses extensive studies on biological alternatives that avoid these problems, and the research presented suggests that these compounds could offer an environmentally sound means to better grow and protect plants under greenhouse or field conditions. To understand the nature of VOCs and gene expression profiling of plant genes responding against these compounds can be conducted. It is possible that VOCs produced by microbes while colonizing roots are generated at sufficient concentrations to trigger plant responses. In conclusion, positive or negative effects of VOCs on plant productivity will be dependent on upon specific VOCs microbial strain, plant genotype, and presence/absence of abiotic/biotic stresses

Floriculture and Ornamental Plants

Author : S. K. Datta
Publisher : Springer
ISBN 13 : 9789811535178
Total Pages : 0 pages
Book Rating : 4.5/5 (351 download)

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Book Synopsis Floriculture and Ornamental Plants by : S. K. Datta

Download or read book Floriculture and Ornamental Plants written by S. K. Datta and published by Springer. This book was released on 2022-07-06 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The volume on oilseed crops is developed as a part of a series on “Handbook of Agrobiodiversity: Conservation and Use of Plant Genetic Resources”. The handbook would function as a ready reference book for availability of PGR globally, along with specific source, wherefrom they can be procured, and used breeding programs, particularly to overcome various crop production constraints and to improve productivity and quality. The volume on floriculture and ornamental plants will be the source of basic information on origin and evolution and global dispersal of cultivated species of ornamentals. Presently, floriculture has established its credibility in improving income through increased productivity, generating employment and in enhancing exports. All research and developmental activities on ornamental crops are essentially multi-disciplinary in nature recognizing local issues as well as country issue. Floriculture is developing as an area of high technology based frontier interdisciplinary area on scientific excellence. Floriculture has progressed both scientifically and commercially due to concentrated efforts made on multidisciplinary research. It is developing as an area of high technology based frontier interdisciplinary area on scientific excellence. The volume will contain all information about different ornamentals. This shall be put together to develop a complete documentation of the results of the research and demonstrations conducted by different scientists. The volume will provide an illustrated horto-taxonomical account of important ornamental species and cultivars, germplasm status and their usages, propagation, nursery management, techno-economics, conventional breeding, induced mutagenesis, new varieties, cytogenetics, tissue culture, characterization of varieties, dehydration of flowers etc. This volume will give a coherent and concise account on recent developments. It will deal with all the important and relevant aspects of floriculture. The publication of this volume is planned to reveal multifarious activities done on different aspects of floriculture so that innovations made so far can be used judiciously for this sector. This book shall provide authoritative review account of many aspects of current interest and progress in the field of floriculture. The topics included in the book are interdisciplinary and cater not only classical floriculture but also relevant modern aspects. The book will provide valuable data on different aspects and will be widely accepted by by professional scientists, researchers, teachers, students, floriculturists, technocrats and planners. The volume will be an invaluable asset to floriculture scientists.

Advances in Insect Chemical Ecology

Author : Ring T. Cardé
Publisher : Cambridge University Press
ISBN 13 : 9781139453257
Total Pages : 358 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (532 download)

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Book Synopsis Advances in Insect Chemical Ecology by : Ring T. Cardé

Download or read book Advances in Insect Chemical Ecology written by Ring T. Cardé and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2004-06-21 with total page 358 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Chemical signals mediate all aspects of insects' lives and their ecological interactions. The discipline of chemical ecology seeks to unravel these interactions by identifying and defining the chemicals involved, and documenting how perception of these chemical mediators modifies behaviour and ultimately reproductive success. Chapters in this 2004 volume consider how plants use chemicals to defend themselves from insect herbivores; the complexity of floral odors that mediate insect pollination; tritrophic interactions of plants, herbivores, and parasitoids and the chemical cues that parasitoids use to find their herbivore hosts; the semiochemically mediated behaviours of mites; pheromone communication in spiders and cockroaches; the ecological dependency of tiger moths on the chemistry of their host-plants; and the selective forces that shape the pheromone communication channel of moths. The volume presents descriptions of the chemicals involved, the effects of semiochemically mediated interactions on reproductive success, and the evolutionary pathways that have shaped the chemical ecology of arthropods.

The Language of Plants

Author : Monica Gagliano
Publisher : U of Minnesota Press
ISBN 13 : 1452954127
Total Pages : 424 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (529 download)

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Book Synopsis The Language of Plants by : Monica Gagliano

Download or read book The Language of Plants written by Monica Gagliano and published by U of Minnesota Press. This book was released on 2017-04-25 with total page 424 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The eighteenth-century naturalist Erasmus Darwin (grandfather of Charles) argued that plants are animate, living beings and attributed them sensation, movement, and a certain degree of mental activity, emphasizing the continuity between humankind and plant existence. Two centuries later, the understanding of plants as active and communicative organisms has reemerged in such diverse fields as plant neurobiology, philosophical posthumanism, and ecocriticism. The Language of Plants brings together groundbreaking essays from across the disciplines to foster a dialogue between the biological sciences and the humanities and to reconsider our relation to the vegetal world in new ethical and political terms. Viewing plants as sophisticated information-processing organisms with complex communication strategies (they can sense and respond to environmental cues and play an active role in their own survival and reproduction through chemical languages) radically transforms our notion of plants as unresponsive beings, ready to be instrumentally appropriated. By providing multifaceted understandings of plants, informed by the latest developments in evolutionary ecology, the philosophy of biology, and ecocritical theory, The Language of Plants promotes the freedom of imagination necessary for a new ecological awareness and more sustainable interactions with diverse life forms. Contributors: Joni Adamson, Arizona State U; Nancy E. Baker, Sarah Lawrence College; Karen L. F. Houle, U of Guelph; Luce Irigaray, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Paris; Erin James, U of Idaho; Richard Karban, U of California at Davis; André Kessler, Cornell U; Isabel Kranz, U of Vienna; Michael Marder, U of the Basque Country (UPV-EHU); Timothy Morton, Rice U; Christian Nansen, U of California at Davis; Robert A. Raguso, Cornell U; Catriona Sandilands, York U.