Agricultural Research Updates. Volume 22

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In Agricultural Research Updates. Volume 22, the authors begin by presenting research on the ecological features and adaptation of white-rot fungi in relation to the possible applications of these fungi in bioremediation strategies. The selection of an appropriate species should consider the production of ligninases and their activity as well as the ecological factors that could stimulate and increase the process. Following this, Streptomyces sр strains were tested for apple scab control in vitro and field conditions. Two applications of Streptomyces strain C1-4 within 35 days completely stopped the scab disease in seedling leaves. The authors also address the necessity for farmers to adapt to these challenges such as restricted land boundaries, adversity of climate changes and environmental degradation to prevent low crop output and maintain livelihoods of people. This is especially true in developing countries. As land becomes less productive, ground-breaking organic crop production systems that cover different cultivating pattern must be implemented.

The subsequent chapter provides important information about different possibilities for citric acid production, including the use of alternative agro-industrial substrates. Fermentation techniques, such as submerged fermentation and solid-state fermentation, and conditions that affect the acid synthesis are reported with the presentation of concrete examples of developed research. Wild ginger, or Siphonochilus aethiopicus, is discussed in the context of its usage as an anti-inflammatory, anti-plasmodial, anti-thrush and an indication for allergies, asthma, candidiasis, headache, influenza, menstrual cramps, sinusitis and sore throat among other conditions.

Next, the book focuses on the unique characteristics of lavender hydrosols obtained from Polish cultavations of Lavandula angustifolia and describes a new lavender derivative fluidolate® acquired in an innovative technology relying on raw material drying. The scientific knowledge acquired on Tara is reviewed in order to sustainably manage the Tara plantations and increase their productivity and stability. The botanical description of this tree species, as well as its ecology, is addressed. Later, a study is presented focusing on factors of different rainfall interannual variability using monthly precipitation in 22 stations for the period 1950-2012. El Niño, El Niño Modoki, the positive phase of the Indian Ocean Dipole, and the shift to the south of the South Atlantic High are shown to lead to an increase in spring precipitation in central Buenos Aires. In another study, an efficient protocol for somatic embryogenesis using leaf explants was developed with three elite cacao cultivars (CRIN TC1, CRIN TC2 and CRIN TC5). The zygotic embryos of these cultivars were aseptically excised and cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal medium without growth regulators. The compilation ends with an investigation of salt tolerance and the changes of antioxidative ability in mycorrhizal strawberry plants. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi Gigaspora margarita were inoculated in strawberry (Fragaria×ananssa. Duch) plants. Plants were treated with no salt, 200mM and 500mM NaCl solution.