Contents

## **Preface XI**


Preface

Chemical additives used for increasing plant productivity can contaminate the raw materi‐ als used in food production. Physical methods represent alternative promising sources for stimulating plant development and increasing vegetable production. Many physical factors are currently used for plant treatment, including electromagnetic waves, optical emission, laser, magnetic field, gamma rays and ultrasound and ionizing radiation. The sensitivity of

This book discusses such physical methods for stimulation of plant development and seed invigoration. Current research trends, future research directions and challenges are also dis‐ cussed. This book will be of interest to many readers, researchers and scientists who can find this information useful for the advancement of their research works towards a better

This book includes seven chapters. The first introductory chapter "Physical Methods for Stimulating Plant Growth and Development" presents an introduction to the physical meth‐ ods and their important applications in plant growth and development. The second chapter "The Effect of Leaf Removal-Based Physical Injury on High Seed and Crude Oil Yields in Sunflower (*Helianthus annuus* L.)" aims to increase the photosynthetic activity in the sun‐ flower via leaf defoliation and consequently to enhance seed and crude oil yields. The third chapter "A Bayesian Multiple-Trait and Multiple-Environment Model Using the Matrix Normal Distribution" provides an improved version of the Bayesian multiple-trait and mul‐ tiple-environment (BMTME) model that takes into account the correlation between traits (genetic and residual) and environments. The fourth chapter "Branch Formation and Yield by Flower Bud or Shoot Removal in Tomato" investigates the effects of flower bud or shoot removal on plant growth, flowering and yield. The fifth chapter "Using Abrasive Grit for Weed Management in Field Crops" evaluates a fertilizer grit and a non-fertilizer grit for abrasive in-row weed management in maize and soybean. The sixth chapter "Use of Some Bacteria and Mycorrhizae as Biofertilizers in Vegetable Growing and Beneficial Effects in Abiotic Stress Conditions" describes the effects of bacteria and mycorrhiza on vegetable growth and their responses to abiotic stresses. The seventh chapter "High-Voltage Methods for Stimulation of Mushroom Fruit Body Developments" describes the role of high-voltage

I would like to thank Mr. Teo Kos, Publishing Process Manager, for his wholehearted coop‐

**Mohamed Ahmed El-Esawi, PhD**

Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Egypt Sainsbury Laboratory, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom

plants to the effect of these physical factors has been demonstrated.

understanding of physical methods in plant development.

methods in stimulating the development of the mushroom body.

eration in the publication of this book.
