Plant defense: warding off attack by pathogens, pests and vertebrate herbivores

Plants are sources of nourishment for thousands of different species of fungi, bacteria, invertebrates, vertebrates and even other plants. In order to thrive, plants possess a remarkable diversity of mechanisms to fend off attacks: recent research has demonstrated many complex and sophisticated defence mechanisms including internal signalling networks co-ordinating defence responses within the plant , and even the ability to warn neighbouring plants. The ability of plants to defend themselves is important for plants in their natural environment and of course for plants under cultivation. Indeed, man has made use of an increasing knowledge of plant defences over the years to breed crop plants able to resist pest or pathogen attack. "Plant Defence" provides an overview of all major aspects of plant defence, including defence against pathogens, parasites, and invertebrate and vertebrate herbivores. The book looks at defense mechanisms including structural and chemical defences, and constitutive and inducible defences. Coverage includes details of how plants 'sense' attack and how this is communicated within the plant and also to neighbouring plants, how plants coordinate defence responses to simultaneous multiple attacks, and the energy and resources expended by a plant in maintaining and implementing its defence systems. A final section of the book covers the breeding and modification of plants to enhance their defence systems. This important book, written byProfessor Dale Walters, well known and respected internationally, is essential reading for students studying plant pathology, agricultural and plant sciences and ecology. Researchers in these subjects and all those involved in crop protection, including workers in the agrochemical industry, will find much of commercial and research interest within this exciting title. Libraries in all universities and research establishments where these subjects are studied and taught will need copies of this book on their shelves.

• ISBN: 978-1-4051-7589-0
• Editorial: Wiley-Blackwell
• Encuadernacion: Cartoné
• Páginas: 224
• Fecha Publicación: 01/08/2010
• Nº Volúmenes: 1
• Idioma: Inglés