Cereal cyst nematode (CCN) is acknowledged globally as a biotic constraint for wheat production, particularly under rain-fed conditions and drought stress. The first meeting of the International Cereal Cyst Nematode Initiative, held 21-23 October 2009 in Turkey, involved over 22 countries and 60 scientists from wheat-growing regions in Asia, Australia, Europe, North Africa and North America. It featured over 50 scientific presentations to provide valuable insight into the impact of CCN.

This book is a compendium of current information on all aspects of these economically important parasites. It provides comprehensive coverage of their biology, management, morphology and diagnostics, in addition to up-to-date information on molecular aspects of taxonomy, host-parasitic relationships and resistance. Written by a team of international experts, Cyst Nematodes will be invaluable to all researchers, lecturers and students in nematology, parasitology, agriculture and agronomy, industries with an interest in chemical and biological control products for management of plant-parasitic nematodes, and any courses, quarantine and advisory services.

When Franklin published her book on cyst nematodes in 1951, the cyst nematodes were already known as serious pests of brassicas, cereals, potatoes and sugar beets. However, at that time this group of nematode, with about 12 species, was considered tobe largely temperate in distribu tion. Now a total of 105 species (including those that are considered as synonyms or species inquirende by some or all) within six genera of cyst nematodes have been described from temperate, tropical, and subtropical regions and at least five species are important constraints to crop produc tion in tropical agriculture. The previous impression of localization of cyst nematodes in the temperate region was seemingly an artifact due to a greater concentration of nematologists in the temperate regions. Based on my own experience of working in several Asian and African countries, I believe that many more undescribed species are present in the tropical countries of Asia and Africa, and probably in other tropical regions. Most growers, extension workers, and research managers in these regions are still not aware of the possible harm of presence of these nematodes in their agricultural soils. The cyst nematodes are perhaps smaller than the smallest available computer chip but they are very well programmed to survive and pro pagate despite severe hardships. These nematodes are very selective in their choice of food; about 50% of known species are parasites of plants mainly in the families Poaceae and Fabaceae.

Volume 8 in the series, appearing in two parts, A and B, deals with the systematics of cyst nematodes of the subfamily Heteroderinae. Cyst nematodes are important pathogens causing extensive damage and significant yield loss to many crops in both temperate and tropical regions. Part A presents summarised information on various aspects of morphology, biology, ecology, pathology, biogeography, control measures and diagnostics of these nematodes. Molecular diagnostic tables and comprehensive tabular and dichotomous keys for species identification, together with descriptions of protocols for extraction, light and electron microscopy studies, and molecular diagnostics are also included. The taxonomic section of part A provides diagnoses for six genera, viz., Globodera, Punctodera, Cactodera, Dolichodera, Betulodera and Paradolichodera, and includes descriptions and morphometrics of 30 valid species. The work is illustrated by 101 drawings and photos. The genus Heterodera is mainly covered in part B, complete descriptions and morphometrics of the 80 known valid species being provided and the species illustrated by 159 line drawings and photos. Identification of the species using morphological and molecular techniques is also covered. Each part includes an extensive bibliography.

The second volume of the IMPD series describes aspects related to the most important phytoparasitic nematodes, considering the integration of biological control methods with other management practices and technologies, including the use of predatory nematodes and microbial rhizosphere antagonists. A focus is given on regional issues. A review on nematode management in cotton is integrated by a chapter on management of nematodes on wheat. New technologies are also revised.

Plant Nematode Biology and Parasitism; Migratory ectoparasites; Soybean: Glycine max; Peanut (groundnut): Arachis hypogeae; Other beans and peas; Vegetables; Vegetable crops; Flowers; Flower crops; Cereais; Rice: Oryza sativa; Maize: Zea mays L.; Wheat: Triticum aestrivum; Root and Tuber Crops; Potato: Solanum tuberosum; Sweet potato: Ipomoea batatas; Yams: Dioscorea spp.; Cassava: Manihot esculenta; Taro: Colocasia esculenta; Ginger: Zingiber officinale; Carrot: Daucus caro ta; Sugar beet: Beta vulgaris; Tree, Plantation, and Cash Crops; Banana and plantain: Musa spp.; Black pepper: Piper nigrum; Citrus crops; Coconut: Cocos nucifera; ail palm: Elaeis guineensis; Cotton: Gossypium spp.; Tobacco: Nicotiana tabacum; Coffee: Coffeae spp.; Sugarcane: Saccharum officinarum; Pineapple: Ananas comosus; Deciduous fruit and nut crops; Collection, Extraction, and Preservation of Nematodes for Oiagnosis; Collecting samples; Care of samples after collection; Extraction of nematodes from soiI and plant samples; Staining nematodes in plant tissues; Nematode identification.

The cyst nematodes are a major group of plant pathogens of economic importance in many countries throughout the world. Considerable yield losses have been attributed to cyst nematodes attacking potatoes, sugar beet, soybean and cereals. Because of the protective cyst that is formed, which encloses the eggs, they pose special problems in their control and also in preventing their distribution in soil from infested areas. There has been much research on many aspects of the biology of cyst nematodes and the large number of publications are testimony to their importance as crop pests and of the interest of nematologists in the group. Nevertheless, they continue to pose problems because of the complexity of their phylogeny and taxonomy and there is still much to be investigated on their biology, particularly with those aspects which relate to improving the effectiveness of control. In many respects the biology of the various cyst nematode species is similar, although with variations due to different interactions with hosts and geographical location. Thus, research on any one species has general applicability and this is particularly so with regard to evaluation of control measures, or to the methodology of soil sampling for the assessment of populations prior to growing crops.

Allohexaploid bread wheat and diploid barley are two of the most cultivated crops in the world. This book reports novel research and reviews concerning the use of modern technologies to understand the molecular bases for wheat and barley improvement. The contributions published in this book illustrate research advances in wheat and barley knowledge using modern molecular techniques. These molecular approaches cover genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and phenomic levels, together with new tools for gene identification and the development of novel molecular markers. Overall, the contributions for this book lead to a further understanding of regulatory systems in order to improve wheat and barley performance.

Wheat: Science and Trade is an up-to-date, comprehensive reference work designed to expand the current body of knowledge on this staple crop, incorporating new information made available by genetic advances, improvements in the understanding of wheat's biology, and changes in the wheat trade industry. Covering phylogeny and ontogeny, manipulation of the environment and optimal management, genetic improvement, and utilization and commercialization, the book focuses on the most economically significant diseases and impacts