About Book

Microorganisms play critical roles in Earth's biogeochemical cycles as they are responsible for decomposition and nitrogen fixation. Microorganisms are found in almost every habitat present in nature, including hostile environments such as the North and South poles, deserts, geysers, and rocks. They also include all the marine microorganisms of the oceans and deep sea. Plant microbiology is a branch of microbiology that studies the benefits of microorganisms found in the soil. Soil microorganisms provide nutrients, improve soil structure and reduce soil erosion. Some of the microorganisms present in the soil are protozoa, actinomycetes, fungi and bacteria. Fungi like mycorrhiza form a mutualistic relationship with the roots of plants and provide constant access to nutrients like glucose, sucrose, iron, etc. This book discusses the fundamentals as well as modern approaches of plant microbiology. It strives to provide a fair idea about this discipline and to help develop a better understanding of the latest advances within this field. It explores various topics such as abiotic stress, contamination of soils, postharvest physiology, multi-agent system technology, horticultural plants, horticultural therapy and insect pest control. Most of the topics introduced in this textbook are of utmost importance to gain understanding about the topic. Coherent flow of topics, student-friendly language and extensive use of examples make this text an invaluable source of knowledge. Students, researchers, experts and all associated with plant microbiology will benefit alike from this book.

Preface............................................................................................................v

Chapter 1 Essential Oil Nanoformulations as a Novel Method for Insect Pest Control in Horticulture..............................................................................1

Abstract...................................................................................................1

1. Introduction............................................................................................1

2. Plant essential oils as biopesticides...................................................3

3. Essential oil nanoformulations...........................................................5

4. Essential oil nanoformulations and insect pest control................8

5. Conclusion............................................................................................10

Conflict of interest..............................................................................11

Chapter 2 Peat Use in Horticulture.........................................................................20

Abstract ................................................................................................20

1. Introduction ........................................................................................21

2. Historical use of peat in horticulture ............................................22

3. Advantages of peat as growing media in horticulture .............24

4. Peat physical properties ...................................................................25

5. Peat chemical properties....................................................................26

6. Peat organic properties .....................................................................26

7. Peat as a substrate in horticulture .................................................30

8. Disadvantages of peat ......................................................................33

9. Conclusion ...........................................................................................34

Chapter 3 New Flower Bed Design and Verification Supporting Horticultural Therapy Classes Based on Behavioral Observation.........................40

Abstract ................................................................................................40

1. Introduction ........................................................................................40

2. Method .................................................................................................45

3. Results...................................................................................................48

4. Discussions ..........................................................................................53

5. Conclusions .........................................................................................58

Chapter 4 ALSV Vector Substantially Shortens Generation Time of

Horticultural Plants .................................................................................64

Abstract.................................................................................................64

1. Introduction ........................................................................................64

2. Characteristics of ALSV vector........................................................66

3. Early flowering of horticultural plants through expression of the

AtFT gene ............................................................................................73

4. Differential activities of FT genes in the ALSV vector ..............75

5. FT/TFL1 gene family .........................................................................79

6. Early flowering by combination between FT expression and TFL1

suppression in apple .........................................................................81

7. Conclusion ..........................................................................................82

Acknowledgements.............................................................................83

Funding ...............................................................................................83

Chapter 5 SamenMarkt®, a Proposal for Restoring Trust in the Horticultural

Fresh Food Market by Using Multi-Agent System Technology...88

Abstract ...............................................................................................88

1. Introduction ........................................................................................89

2. Analysing the current crisis using the YUTPA framework for

identifying factors of trust in relation to survival and

well-being ............................................................................................91

3. Participatory system for the horticultural fresh food market..100

4. Strength and weaknesses of SamenMarkt®.................................102

5. Research design for the creation of SamenMarkt® ...................104

6. Conclusion ........................................................................................105

Acknowledgements .........................................................................106

Chapter 6 Contamination of Soils and Substrates in Horticulture...............109

Abstract...............................................................................................109

1. Introduction ......................................................................................109

2. Heavy metals in fertilizers and waste materials........................110

3. Effect of intensive fertilization on chemical composition of soil

in greenhouse....................................................................................112

4. Organic contaminants released from plant residues.................118

Chapter 7 Effects of Abiotic Stress (UV-C) Induced Activation of Phytochemicals on the Postharvest Quality of Horticultural Crops..........................................................................................................132

1. Introduction........................................................................................132

2. UV radiation and its interactions with biological systems......134

3. Postharvest abiotic stress and the production of

phytochemicals..................................................................................135

4. UV-C as a postharvest treatment...................................................137

5. UV-C radiation and its effects on phytochemicals....................139

6. Conclusions........................................................................................151

Chapter 8 Physico-Chemical, Biochemical and Microbiological Phenomena of the Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Extract Used in the Preparation of Tassabount Date Juice in Morocco ..............................................160

1. Introduction........................................................................................160

2. Materials and methods ...................................................................162

3. Results and discussion ...................................................................168

4. Conclusion..........................................................................................182

5. Acknowledgment .............................................................................183

Citation......................................................................................................187

Index...........................................................................................................189

About Author

Prerna Doran pursued her Ph.D. in Molecular Plant and Microbial Sciences from Science College, Maryland. She has served as a Visiting Professor at various universities across America and Europe. Her academic interests are in plant biology, ecosystems and plant diversification. Doran has authored and edited more than 57 articles, journal papers and book chapters in the field of plant pathology and pest control techniques. She has also won an “Excellence in Graduate Education” award for her outstanding contribution especially in the undergraduate programs.