This comprehensive book delivers everything we have come to appreciate and expect from a Schumann and D'Arcy offering. It tells the stories of plant pathology with a passionate voice and laces each tale with the essential research-based information to help readers understand the interrelationship between agriculture, the human condition, and the science that connects the two. Hungry Planet examines the effects plant diseases have had on human culture by weaving together true-life tales from ancient days and modern times. Hungry Planet explores sometimes controversial topics that challenge readers to think beyond the disease outbreaks to consider the impact these biological events have on our personal lives. Anyone interested in science, environmental issues, food production, or sustainability will find Hungry Planet fascinating.
This clearly written book is an ideal entry-level text for inquisitive college students who are majoring in a subject other than plant pathology, especially those in general education and core science classes. There is a student resources website organized around Hungry Planet's topics that will help bring the stories of plant diseases to life through podcasts, exercises, and other teaching tools. For those teaching with Hungry Planet, there is an instructor's-only web interface with resources that will be your course guide throughout the semester. If you wish to build a course around Hungry Planet, these award-winning educators have already done the preparation work for you – it is only a click away on APSnet. Anyone who has taught a course with Schumann's earlier book, Plant Diseases: Their Biology and Social Impact will find Hungry Planet to be an amazing update of one of the perennial favorites among APS PRESS books.
Preface
About the Authors
Chapter 1
The Irish Potato Famine: The Birth of Plant Pathology
Chapter 2
The Most Important Plant Pathogens: Fungi and Oomycetes
Chapter 3
Coffee and Rubber: Monocultures and Quarantines
Chapter 4
To Grow a Healthy Plant: Soil, Water, and Air
Chapter 5
Single-Celled Pathogens: Bacteria
Chapter 6
People Improving Plants: Genes and Genetic Engineering
Chapter 7
Roles People Play: Epidemics and Their Management
Chapter 8
Chemicals to Protect Plants: Pesticides
Chapter 9
The World Belowground: Soilborne Pathogens
Chapter 10
Natural Poisons and Gourmet Delicacies: Fungi in Food
Chapter 11
Ancient and Present-Day Foes: The Rusts
Chapter 12
Diseases of the Largest Plants: Trees
Chapter 13
The Smallest Pathogens: Viruses and Viroids
Chapter 14
Food for a Hungry Planet
Glossary
Figure Credits
Index
" [...] proves to be a complete and comprehensive primer on the nature of plant disease. For any collection focusing on plant biology, family, agriculture, and other related topics, Hungry Planet is a strong addition to any community or college library collection."
– Midwest Book Review
" [...] well-written and provides an interesting and informative read. Highly recommended [...] packed full of examples to illustrate important points [...] this book does a superb job of introducing readers to plant pathology."
– Journal of Agricultural & Food Information
"Two experienced Emerita Professors in plant pathology present this remarkable publication, which deserves attention far beyond a readership in plant protection only. In 14 informative chapters, they not only cover the biology and impact of important plant diseases, but give a wealth of additional information. The very broad scope, which is covered by this publication and the up-to-date information about acute problems and approaches to solve these, makes this book very interesting reading. It deserves broad attention, not only from students in agriculture, but also from others interested in environmental issues and can be highly recommended."
– Journal of Phytopathology