Solanum Tuberosum A Promising Crop For Starvation Problem

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is the fourth-largest food crop produced in the world with approximately 370 million tonnes. This product is a staple in many diets throughout the world and the underground swollen tubers of the plant are rich sources of proteins, carbohydrates, minerals (K, Mn, Mg, Fe, Cu and P), and vitamins (C, B1, B3, B6, K, folate, pantothenic acid). Improvement of new potato cultivars resistant to biotic and abiotic factors is extremely important, as these are the main reasons for decreased potato production. Seed tuber production and tuber storage under healthy conditions after harvest are two important issues in potato cultivation. As such, this book discusses the importance of the potato plant and examines ways to increase its production and develop new cultivars resistant to stress factors via conventional and biotechnological methods.

This book reviews a wide-range of genetically modified (GM) crops to understand how they are produced, the impacts on the agricultural industry, and their potential for improving food security. The production of GM crops has now become an invaluable asset in the agricultural toolbox. With a significant portion of the world suffering from hunger and poverty, this book examines how food security can be achieved through GM crops. A wide variety of crops are examined, from the earliest developments of GM tomatoes and potatoes to recent interest in the development of low-cost, high yielding biofuels, such as microalgae. Chapters also discuss the role of GM crops in pest management and the consequential reduction in the use of insecticides. Overall, this book provides an important synthesis of GM crops from their commercial value to the agricultural industry, as well as their potential for improving food security. This book will be of great interest to students and scholars of agricultural engineering, crop science, food biotechology, food security, and those interested in food and agriculture and sustainable development more broadly.

This book gathers the proceedings of the 32nd Scientific-Experts Conference of Agriculture and Food Industry, held on December 1-2, 2022, in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. It reports on the application of molecular, nano- and engineering technologies for food sciences, and plant and animal production. It discusses important agricultural economics and social and environmental issues, proposings some answers to current and future challenges. The chapters reflect the special focus of this conference edition, which was on discussing strategies for developing a more resilient and sustainable agrifood systems. Offering a timely snapshot of cutting-edge and multidisciplinary research and methods, this book addresses researchers, professionals, and stakeholders in the broad field of agriculture and food sciences, biotechnology, and bio- and nanoengineering.

Plant hormones are among the most essential biochemicals found in plants. Since Charles and Francis Darwin identified auxin action, several plant hormones have been discovered. These small signaling molecules regulate not only developmental and growth activities, but also stress responses throughout the plant’s life cycle. This book discusses recent advances, new perspectives, and applications of plant hormones. It is a useful resource for academics, scientists, students, and industry professionals.

Almost no one knew what a potato was in 1500. Today they are the world's fourth most important food. How did this happen?

Genetically engineered (GE) crops were first introduced commercially in the 1990s. After two decades of production, some groups and individuals remain critical of the technology based on their concerns about possible adverse effects on human health, the environment, and ethical considerations. At the same time, others are concerned that the technology is not reaching its potential to improve human health and the environment because of stringent regulations and reduced public funding to develop products offering more benefits to society. While the debate about these and other questions related to the genetic engineering techniques of the first 20 years goes on, emerging genetic-engineering technologies are adding new complexities to the conversation. Genetically Engineered Crops builds on previous related Academies reports published between 1987 and 2010 by undertaking a retrospective examination of the purported positive and adverse effects of GE crops and to anticipate what emerging genetic-engineering technologies hold for the future. This report indicates where there are uncertainties about the economic, agronomic, health, safety, or other impacts of GE crops and food, and makes recommendations to fill gaps in safety assessments, increase regulatory clarity, and improve innovations in and access to GE technology.

Sibert Award Winner: This true story of five years of starvation in Ireland is “a fascinating account of a terrible time” (Kirkus Reviews). In 1845, a disaster struck Ireland. Overnight, a mysterious blight attacked the potato crops, turning the potatoes black and destroying the only real food of nearly six million people. Over the next five years, the blight attacked again and again. These years are known today as the Great Irish Famine, a time when one million people died from starvation and disease and two million more fled their homeland. Black Potatoes is the compelling story of men, women, and children who defied landlords and searched empty fields for scraps of harvested vegetables and edible weeds to eat, who walked several miles each day to hard-labor jobs for meager wages and to reach soup kitchens, and who committed crimes just to be sent to jail, where they were assured of a meal. It’s the story of children and adults who suffered from starvation, disease, and the loss of family and friends, as well as those who died. Illustrated with black and white engravings, it’s also the story of the heroes among the Irish people and how they held on to hope. “Bartoletti humanizes the big events by bringing the reader up close to the lives of ordinary people.”—Booklist (starred review)