Principles of Plant Science : Environmental Factors and Technology in Growing Plants
Editorial Reviews
Book Description
Principles of Plant Science: Environmental Factors and Technology in Growing Plants was written to provide a unique plant science text that emphasizes understanding the role of the environment in plant growth and development instead of the more traditional focus topics of analyzing the industries and surveying important crops. By emphasizing the scientific principles associated with the biological effects that the various environmental factors have on plant development, I hope that the reader will be better equipped to understand current and emerging technologies that modify the environment to improve plant production. The overriding philosophy of this text is that conceptualization and evaluation are more important than memorization, especially when trying to understand and direct biological responses and organisms. Key Features To set the stage and provide some background information, Principles of Plant Science: Environmental Factors and Technology in Growing Plants begins with an overview of the plant sciences, including the role of plants in the development of societies, industries, and science. Its emphasis in plant science is on non-forest agricultural crops. A primer on plant growth and development follows that includes information on photosynthesis and respiration, plant hormones, and ecology. The influence of the environment on agricultural plant production constitutes the remainder of the presented material and is the primary emphasis of the text. The environmental factors that affect plant growth and development are discussed in one of two broad categories: the aerial environment or the rhizosphere (Fig. P.1). The factors covered in the aerial environment section include irradiance (light), temperature, gases, air pollutants, and mechanical disturbances. The factors covered in the rhizosphere section include water, mineral nutrients, soil organisms, and allelochemicals. Although some of the environmental factors (e.g., temperature, water, atmospheric gases) may affect both the aerial environment and the rhizosphere, for discussion they were placed in the section that their effect was considered greater. Material on each environmental factor covered is presented in three sections. The first section provides background information on the specific environmental factor. Appropriate physical definitions and explanations are presented. The second section discusses how the environmental factor affects plant growth. Direct effects on biological processes and specific effects on plants are discussed. Ttie third section illustrates how agricultural technologies affect the environmental factor, especially for the benefit of plant growth and production. Target Audience and Uses of the Book This book is designed for use in plant science (or horticulture) courses that would be taken before a student enrolls in the various advanced plant production courses such as agronomy, crop science, vegetable crops, small fruits, pomology, and floriculture. The material may also be utilized for plant growth and development or applied introductory plant physiology courses taught at universities, junior colleges, or community colleges. The primary emphasis of this book is on the environmental factors and their role in plant growth and production. Its intent is to provide sufficient introductory material on the various environmental factors and examples of effects of these environmental factors on plant growth and development to facilitate further discussions and study. Sources of Additional Information Complete and exhaustive discussions on the fields of plant science and the influence of the various environmental factors on plant growth are beyond the scope of any single textbook. Further information on the plant sciences can be gleaned from other introductory textbooks on plant science, crop science, and horticulture. Information from local extension services should serve as important sources of current location-specific marketing and crop production information. More in-depth information on the environment and plant growth can be obtained from plant physiology, plant ecology, and plant ecophysiology texts and/or articles on specific topics in scientific journals.
From the Back Cover
Principles of Plant Science: Environmental Factors and Technology in Growing Plants is a unique text ideally suited for use in any introductory Plant Science or Horticulture course as well as courses in Plant Growth and Development or introductory Applied Plant Physiology.
An overview of the plant sciences-including the role of plants in the development of societies, industries, and science-provides essential background information and an emphasis on non-forest agricultural crops in chapters 1 through 4. A primer on plant growth and development (chapters 5 through 8) follows, with coverage of photosynthesis and respiration, plant hormones, and ecology. The influence of the environment on agricultural plant production constitutes the remainder of the material (Chapters 9 through 20) and is the primary emphasis of the text. This emphasis on the scientific principles associated with effects of environmental factors on plant development is designed to also equip readers to better understand current and emerging technologies that modify the environment for improving plant production.
Principles of Plant Science : Environmental Factors and Technology in Growing Plants
Principles of Plant Science: Environmental Factors and Technology in Growing Plants,Dennis R. Decoteau,Prentice Hall,0130163015,Agriculture - Agronomy,Agriculture - General,Agroclimatology,Botany (General),Life Sciences - Horticulture,Science,Science/Mathematics,Technology,Technology / Agriculture & Animal Husbandry
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