Desert Plants (eBook)

186229_1_En_BookFrontmatter_OnlinePDF 1
186229_1_En_Part1_Chapter_OnlinePDF 20
Part A: General Biology 20
186229_1_En_1_Chapter_OnlinePDF 21
Chapter 1: Biodiversity, Biology and Conservation of Medicinal Plants of the Thar Desert 21
Introduction 21
Deserts of the World 22
The Thar Desert 22
Climate 23
Topographical Features 23
Phytogeography 23
Ethnobotanical Studies 24
Biology of Desert Plants 24
Medicinal and Biological Activities 25
Methods of Propagation 34
Biotechnological Approaches 37
Conclusions 41
References 41
186229_1_En_2_Chapter_OnlinePDF 55
Chapter 2: Potentiality of Hydrocarbon Yielding Plants for Future Energy and Chemicals 55
Introduction 55
Screening and Processing of Biomass for Bio-Crude 57
Extraction and Characterisation of Plant Extracts 60
Processing of Bio-Crude for Hydrocarbon 63
Current Research in India 65
The Economics of Plant Hydrocarbon Production 66
Research at NEIST Jorhat 67
Conclusion 69
References 71
186229_1_En_3_Chapter_OnlinePDF 75
Chapter 3: Biology and Biotechnological Advances in Jatropha curcas - a Biodiesel Plant 75
Introduction 76
Jatropha curcas - a Biodiesel Plant 76
J. curcas as Folk Medicine 77
J. curcas Seed Cake as Fertiliser 77
Other Uses of J. curcas 78
Toxicity of J. curcas 78
Genetic Diversity and Phylogenetics of Jatropha Species 78
Intraspecific Genetic Diversity in J. curcas 80
Markers for Toxic and Non-Toxic Varieties of J. curcas 82
Tissue Culture and Genetic Transformation 82
In Vitro Micropropagation of Jatropha 83
Genetic Transformation Studies 83
Conclusions and Prospects 85
References 85
186229_1_En_4_Chapter_OnlinePDF 90
Chapter 4: Biology of Annual Plants in Arid and Semi-Arid Desert Regions of China 90
Introduction 90
Species Diversity and Distribution Characteristics 91
Annual Plants in the Alashan Desert of Inner Mongolia 92
Ephemeral Plants in the Gurbanturggut Desert of Xingjiang 92
Seed Germination Traits and Strategies 93
Seed Germination Traits and Process 93
Seed Germination Strategies and Adaptability to Different Environments 95
Soil Seed Bank and its Relationship to Vegetation 97
Study Status of Soil Seed Banks in Deserts 97
Proportion of Annual Species in Soil Seed Banks 98
Temporal and Spatial Patterns of Soil Seed Banks 99
Relationship of Soil Seed Banks to Aboveground Vegetation 101
Population Competition and Environmental Effects 101
Effects of Animals on Annual Species 102
Conclusion 102
References 103
186229_1_En_5_Chapter_OnlinePDF 107
Chapter 5: Soil Biology in Traditional Agroforestry Systems of the Indian Desert 107
Introduction 108
Agroforestry in Western Rajasthan 108
Desert Soils 109
Soil Fertility 110
Nature of the Organic Matter 112
Litter Decomposition 114
Microorganisms 117
Soil Enzymes 120
Microcosm Experiment Drying and Wetting 120
References 129
186229_1_En_6_Chapter_OnlinePDF 137
Chapter 6: Aspects of Mycorrhizae in Desert Plants 137
Introduction 137
Deserts 137
Mycorrhizae 138
Mycorrhizal Fungi 138
Taxonomy of Desert Mycorrhizal Fungi 139
Initiation of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Symbioses 140
Economics, Agriculture, and Mycorrhizae in the Desert 140
Disease Resistance 141
Endemic Mycorrhizal Plants as Food 141
Water 141
Ecological Considerations 142
Succession 142
Physiognomy and Mycorrhizae 142
Seedling Establishment 143
Phenology 143
Salinity 144
Mycorrhizal Helper Bacteria 144
Ectomycorrhizal Associated Bacteria 145
Glomalin 146
Glomalin and Agriculture 146
Glomalin, Ecosystems, and Carbon 146
Conclusion 147
References 147
186229_1_En_7_Chapter_OnlinePDF 151
Chapter 7: Anatomical Variations in the Woody Plants of Arid Areas 151
Introduction 152
Materials and Methods 153
Site Description 153
Methods 153
Results 155
Wood Anatomical Variation in Secondary Xylem Cells 155
Ecological Perspectives on the Variations in Wood Anatomy 161
Horizontal Variations in Vessel Element Length and Fibre Length 163
Discussion and Conclusions 164
Comparison of Wood Anatomy and Diagnostic Value 164
Ecological Wood Anatomy Perspectives and Significant Functions 166
Horizontal Variations in Vessel Element Length and Fibre Length 168
References 169
186229_1_En_8_Chapter_OnlinePDF 172
Chapter 8: Diversity and Conservation in the Cactus Family 172
Introduction 172
Taxonomic Diversity 174
Diversity Patterns on a Global Scale 175
Factors Explaining Cactus Diversity 176
Threatened Species 180
Conservation Strategies 183
Concluding Remarks 185
References 186
186229_1_En_Part2_Chapter_OnlinePDF 189
Part B: Reproductive Biology 189
186229_1_En_9_Chapter_OnlinePDF 190
Chapter 9: Reproductive Biology of Some Gum-Producing Indian Desert Plants 190
Introduction 191
Gum and Gum-Resin Yielding Plants 192
Phenology 192
Floral Morphology and Sexuality 193
Trioecy 195
Cryptic Monoecy 196
Pollination Biology 197
Breeding System 200
Late-Acting Self-Incompatibility 200
Apomixis 202
Pollination Efficiency and Fruit Set 202
Seed Germination and Seedling Establishment 203
Concluding Remarks 205
References 207
186229_1_En_10_Chapter_OnlinePDF 209
Chapter 10: Reproductive Biology of Cactaceae 209
Introduction 210
The Cactus Family 212
Evolution and Systematics 212
The Cactus Flower 213
Breeding Systems 214
Self Incompatibility 225
Mating Systems 227
Inbreeding Depression 231
Pollination Syndromes 232
Clonal Reproduction 233
Genetic Diversity 234
Conclusions 235
References 236
186229_1_En_11_Chapter_OnlinePDF 243
Chapter 11: Parthenocarpy and Seed Production in Burseraceae 243
Introduction 243
Parthenocarpy 244
Parthenocarpy in Burseraceae 245
Bursera morelensis 246
Fruit Crop by B. morelensis 247
References 249
186229_1_En_Part3_Chapter_OnlinePDF 252
Part C: Ecophysiological Studies 252
186229_1_En_12_Chapter_OnlinePDF 253
Chapter 12: Photosynthesis of C4 Desert Plants 253
Introduction 254
Photosynthetic Structure of Assimilating Organs 255
Photosynthetic Structure of Assimilating Shoots of Haloxylon ammodendron and Calligonum mongolicum 255
Photosynthetic Structure of Leaves of Salsola arbuscula and Salsola collina 255
delta13C Values of Photosynthetic Organs 257
Diurnal Course of Gas Exchange 262
Diurnal Changes in Chlorophyll Fluorescence 264
Changes of Photosynthetic and Physiological Parameters under CO2 Enrichment 266
References 268
186229_1_En_13_Chapter_OnlinePDF 270
Chapter 13: Polyamines and Plant Adaptation to Saline Environments 270
Introduction 271
What are Polyamines? 272
Biosynthesis 272
Catabolism 274
Intracellular and Inter-Organ Transport 274
Polyamine Conjugates 275
Components of Signalling Systems 275
Polyamines and Protection of Plants against Salt Stress 276
Regulation of Endogenous Plants Polyamine Content under Stress 276
Possible Mechanisms of the Protective Actions of Polyamines in Plants under Salt Stress 278
Polyamine-Mediated Regulation of K+/Na+ Homeostasis 278
Antioxidant Role of Free and Conjugated Polyamines 279
Pro-oxidant Role of Polyamines and H2O2 282
Molecular Mechanisms of Polyamine Protective Activity 285
Interactions Between Polyamines and Other Signal Molecules 287
Polyamines and Abscisic Acid 287
Polyamines and Ethylene 288
Polyamines as Components of Stress-Signalling Systems 291
Some Modern Approaches Toward Elucidation of Polyamine Metabolism and their Protective Functions under Stress 293
Tolerance of Transgenic Plants with Changed Polyamine Content 293
Tolerance of Plant Mutants Displaying Defects in Polyamine Metabolism 295
A New Model Halophytic Species for Elucidating the Molecular Mechanisms of Polyamine Participation in Salt Tolerance 296
Conclusions 299
References 300
186229_1_En_14_Chapter_OnlinePDF 308
14: Ecology of Inland Saline Plants 308
Introduction 308
Classification of Inland Saline Vegetation in Western Rajasthan 311
Adaptive Strategies of Inland Halophytes 317
Proline Accumulation under Salt Stress 322
Soil-Plant Analyses 323
Metabolic Behaviour 325
Conclusions 326
References 327
186229_1_En_15_Chapter_OnlinePDF 330
15: Ecophysiology of Prosopis Species From the Arid Lands of Argentina: What Do We Know About Adaptation to Stressful Environme 330
Introduction 331
Germination and Early Seedling Growth 334
Growth Patterns 335
Phenology and Fruit Production 337
Mechanisms to Avoid or Tolerate Water Stress 338
Water Sources and Soil Exploration 338
Morpho-Physiological Adaptations to Tolerate Water Deficits 339
Salinity Tolerance 341
Other Factors Affecting Prosopis Growth 342
Implications for Prosopis Use and Management 343
Concluding Remarks 345
References 345
186229_1_En_16_Chapter_OnlinePDF 350
Chapter 16: Plant Growth Inhibitors From Mesquite (Prosopis juliflora) 350
Introduction 351
Allelopathy of Mesquite Leaves in the Laboratory 352
Plant Growth Inhibitors from the Exudates of Mesquite Leaves 355
Leaching of L-Tryptophan from the Leaves of Mesquite Plants 357
Plant Growth Inhibitory Alkaloids in the Extracts of Mesquite Leaves 358
References 359
186229_1_En_Part4_Chapter_OnlinePDF 362
Part D: Biotechnological Studies 362
186229_1_En_17_Chapter_OnlinePDF 363
Chapter 17: Genetic Variation in the Tunisian Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) 363
Introduction 363
History 363
Botanical Profile 364
Production Levels and Locations 365
Propagation 366
Date Varieties 366
Date Palms in Tunisia 366
Genetic Variation in Date Palm 368
Molecular Diversity and Development of an Identification Key 372
Biotechnology in Tunisian Date Palms 373
Conclusions 374
References 375
186229_1_En_18_Chapter_OnlinePDF 379
18: Biology and Multiplication of Prosopis species Grown in the Thar Desert 379
Introduction 379
Origins and Distribution 381
Prosopis cineraria 381
Socio-Cultural Values 383
Tree Description and Characters 384
Abiotic Resistance 386
Biotic Stresses 387
Diseases 387
Insect Pests 388
Propagation 389
Seeds 389
Cuttings 390
Suckers and Grafting 390
Tissue Culture 391
Juvenile Tissues 392
Mature Tissues 392
Nodal Explants 392
Root Explants 395
Organogenesis 396
Plantlet Formation 396
Cultures of Gall Tissues 397
Economic Importance 397
Environmental Protection 398
Land Stablisation 399
Food and Fodder 399
Medicinal Properties 400
Prosopis juliflora 400
Tree Description and Characters 401
Pests and Diseases 402
Propagation by Seeds 403
Seed Collection and Storage 403
Seed Extraction 403
Germination Pretreatment 403
Vegetative Propagation 404
Cutting and Grafting 404
In Vitro Propagation 404
Economic Importance 406
Fuel 407
Fodder and Food 407
Folk Medicine 407
Conclusion 408
References 409
186229_1_En_19_Chapter_OnlinePDF 415
19: Biotechnology Advances in Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) 415
Introduction 416
Genetic Improvement 416
Selection of Male Plants 417
Selection of Female Plants 417
Breeding 419
Seed Oil Content and De-oiled Cake Applications 420
Sex Identification 421
Molecular Aspects of Oil Synthesis 421
Vegetative Propagation 422
Micropropagation 422
Somatic Embryogenesis 423
Conclusions and Prospects 424
References 425
186229_1_En_20_Chapter_OnlinePDF 430
20: Date Palm Cultivation in the Changing Scenario of Indian Arid Zones: Challenges and Prospects 430
Introduction 431
Indian Arid Zone 431
Vegetation 432
Climatic Features 432
Project IGNP 433
Requirements for Date Palm Cultivation 433
Agro Climatic Zones 433
Soils 435
Temperature 435
Horticultural Aspects of Date Palm 436
Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) 436
Production Status 437
Nutritional Status 437
Promising Cultivars 438
Irrigation 438
Fertiliser 439
Intercropping 440
Pruning and Training 440
Flowering and Pollination 440
Fruit Thinning 441
Fruit Development 443
Harvesting 443
Post Harvest and Storage 443
Diseases and Pests 444
Propagation 444
Seed Germination 445
Offshoots 445
Transplantation Methods 445
Selection 445
Rooting 446
Detachment 446
Planting 446
Spacing and Density 446
Tissue Culture 447
Somatic Embryogenesis 449
Suspension Culture 451
Somaclonal Variation 454
Direct Organogenesis 456
Advantages of Direct Organogenesis 459
Molecular Characterisation 460
Conclusion 461
References 462
186229_1_En_21_Chapter_OnlinePDF 467
21: Runoff-Rainwater for Sustainable Desert Farming 467
Introduction 467
The Scenario of Precipitation in a Stern Desert 467
Historical Reminiscence 469
Methods of Sustainable Water Use by Desert Farming 471
Kanats 472
Terraces in Secondary and Tertiary Wadis 472
Desert Farms with Runoff Water-Flooding from Large Catchment Areas 472
Canal Systems 474
Micro Catchments 477
Reconstruction of Runoff-Rainwater Farms in the Negev Desert 479
Conclusions and Outlook: Applicability of Runoff-Rainwater Farming for Sustained Management to Support Local Communities in Ar 481
References 482
186229_1_En_22_Chapter_OnlinePDF 484
186229_1_En_BookBackmatter_OnlinePDF 501
: Index 501