This chapter provides details on how parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus) interferes with and negatively affects: (i) crop production, including grain, horticultural, vegetable, fibre and field crops, as well as agroforestry; (ii) farm animal production, including pastures, fodder crops and...

The ecology of parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus), particularly its persistent soil seed bank, the multiple dispersal mechanisms and the ability to reach reproductive maturity quickly, allows it to persist in areas following initial control activities. To attain the desired level of...

This chapter discusses whether transgenic technology is an environmentally friendly technology. It analyses pesticide and fertilizer usage and efficiency over a period spanning 5 decades, with a clear distinction between before and after the adoption of transgenic technology. In addition, a...

This chapter demonstrates all the possible ways for transgenic ingredients to get into the food chain, and draws up a list of finished products that potentially contain transgenic ingredients. The genetically modified crops approved for use in food, and the contamination of foods by unapproved...

This chapter provides a critical summary of HarvestPlus-led research and implementation results (2003-2017) on the biofortification of staple crops. It discusses delivery experiences and an action-oriented agenda for scaling biofortification to improve nutrition globally. Delivery experiences are...

This chapter looks at the impact of mikania (M. micrantha) in plantation crops and reviews options for its management. A tabulated summary of the various impacts of mikania in plantations and commercial crops in the Asia-Pacific region is provided. Options for controlling mikania in plantations...

This chapter focuses on the use of seeds as food sources, historical trends in seed yields and the importance of the understanding of crop physiology in yield improvement. The role of the seed as an integral component of the yield production process is also discussed.

This chapter focuses on the general patterns of growth and development of seeds and the role of the individual seed in the production of yield.

This chapter focuses on the evaluation of genetic and environmental variation in seed growth rate and seed-fill duration. The plant processes responsible for this variation are also discussed.

This chapter focuses on the processes regulating the yield components of grain crops, such as seed growth rate and seed-fill duration. The relationships between seed number, seed size and yield are also discussed.