P. T. N. SPENCER-PHILLIPS Co-ordinator, Downy Mildew Working Group of the International Society for Plant Pathology University of the West of England, Coldharbour Lane, Bristol BS16 1QY, UK Email: [email protected] It is a very great privilege to write the preface to the first specialist book on downy mildews since the major work edited by D. M. Spencer in 1981. The idea for the present publication arose from the Downy Mildew Workshop at the International Congress of Plant Pathology (ICPP) held in Edinburgh in August 1998. Our intention was to invite reviews on selected aspects of downy mildew biology from international authorities, and link these to a series of related short contributions reporting new data. No attempt has been made to cover the breadth of downy mildew research, but we hope that further topics will be included in future volumes, so that this becomes the first of a series following the five year ICPP cycle.

Emphasis in this second volume of Advances in Downy Mildew Research is on the biology of compatible interactions, forecasting and epidemiology, host specialisation, genetic variability amongst pathogen populations, novel methods for detection and systematics, and induced resistance. Two chapters focus on the related oomycete Albugo candida, which shares many pathogenic characteristics with the downy mildews and provides a valuable comparative pathosystem. Contributions on specific downy mildews include Bremia lactucae, Peronospora destructor, Peronospora sparsa, Peronospora viciae, Plasmopara halstedii, Plasmopara viticola, Pseudoperonospora cubensis and Sclerospora graminicola. Review chapters on compatibility, forecasting and systematics consider a broader range of downy mildew fungi, and compare them with other oomycete and biotrophic pathogens. The book is relevant to anyone with an interest in these unique biotrophic pathogens, either in their own right as causes of damaging diseases or as model systems for research on host-pathogen interactions. It should be read by: students, teachers and researchers in academic and research institutes; research and development personnel in the agrochemical industries; agricultural and horticultural advisers, and other extension workers.

This book brings together the knowledge from and tools for genetic and genomic research into oomycetes to help solve the problems this pathogen poses to crops and animals. Armed with the information presented here, researchers can use oomycete data to solve practical problems and gain insight into future areas of interest. Key Features: Offers an up-to-date coverage of research into oomycetes – which has advanced with biochemical and molecular analyses in recent years Helps researchers use oomycete data to solve practical problems, like damage to crop and animal resources Includes a section on interactions with animal hosts Offers perspective on future areas of research Assembles an international author base

Knowledge of downy mildew pathogens and diseases has increased significantly in taxonomy, phylogeny, genetics, molecular biology, host-parasite interactions, ecology, epidemiology and control. The opportunity to update comprehensively the major advances in these areas was created by the 2nd International Symposium on Downy Mildews held in July 2007 at Olomouc (Czech Republic). Keynote contributions from this meeting are published here in 14 chapters that provide the most authoritative and recent analysis of these biotrophic plant pathogens and their interactions with plants. It will be an invaluable resource to students and researchers in plant pathology, mycology, taxonomy, plant biology and crop protection.

Among the Horticultural Crops, Fruits and Vegetables (FV) are of primary - portance as the key source of essential components in an adequate and balanced human diet. FV have supported largely the daily food requirement of mankind since ages and even before man learned to grow cereal crops systematically. Over the years, growing FV has been the mainstay of rural economy and has emerged as an indispensable part of agriculture world over, offering farmers a wide range of crops in varied topography and climate. In certain parts of the world, FV are the major dietary staple. Apart from being a rich source of vitamins and minerals, this sector also contributes significantly in economy of the region or the nation. The increased income from per unit area of FV is far ahead and can not be compared with that of cereal crops. A recent survey by the Economist revealed that the world population has - creased by 90 % in the past 40 years while food production has increased only by 25 % per head. With an additional 1. 5 billion mouth to feed by 2020, farmers worldwide have to produce 39 % more. Looking at the load of the future food requirement, the global increased production of FV during last few years has absorbed the additional food requirement and accordingly the eating habits are also changing and shifting - wards more consumption of these commodities worldwide.

Horticultural Reviews presents state-of-the-art reviews on topics in horticultural science and technology covering both basic and applied research. Topics covered include the horticulture of fruits, vegetables, nut crops, and ornamentals. These review articles, written by world authorities, bridge the gap between the specialized researcher and the broader community of horticultural scientists and teachers.

This new edition of The Fungi provides a comprehensive introduction to the importance of fungi in the natural world and in practical applications, from a microbiological perspective.

Biocontrol of major grapevine diseases provides a timely research update on the use of biological control agents and plant resistance inducers against phytopathogenic infections of the grapevine by fungi, oomycetes, bacteria and phytoplasma.Taking a holistic approach, this book presents in detail the ecology, mechanisms and the application methods of these agents. Its 19 chapters, authored by international experts, cover diseases such as grey mould, trunk diseases, powdery and downy mildews, as well as phytoplasma diseases, and, by nature, emphasise applications of biocontrol in organic viticulture and as part of integrated pest management systems.