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...

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 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 examines food security at the global and regional levels and assesses the effects of the cultivation of GMOs (transgenic crops) on world hunger. It is revealed that the gap in agricultural productivity between the rich and the poor has deepened in the last 20 years. Without reducing...

This chapter considers in detail the question of whether transgenic food production affects world food prices. Sections examine: the long-term trends in international prices; the effects of increased Asian demand on food prices; the relationship between US ethanol production and maize prices; the...

This chapter describes how transgenic technology issues can be understood in the light of food regime concepts and lead to different experience with genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in different countries. It discusses GMO neoregulation in the USA, the European Union (with particular reference ...

This chapter presents a description of the historical evolution of biotechnology and how biotechnology reflects human history. Definitions of biotechnology, genetic engineering, genetically modified (GM) organisms and GM food are given.

This chapter focuses on the benefits of the use of modified atmosphere (MA) packaging using various plastic films in reducing losses and preserving quality in fruits and vegetables. The various plastic films, absorbent materials and fumigation techniques used in MA packaging are highlighted and the ...

This chapter focuses on the importance of the quality maintenance of high value fruits and vegetables during air, sea and land transport. Some factors affecting the storage life and quality of high value fruits and vegetables under controlled atmosphere storage during transport are also discussed.

This chapter provides information on the recommended conditions in the controlled atmosphere storage of various crops and their cultivars and strains, such as apples, apricots, aubergines, avocados, bananas, basil, breadfruits, broccoli, Brussels sprouts (Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera), lima...