**Meet the editor**

Dr. Mohamed Ahmed El-Esawi is currently a visiting research fellow at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom and an associate professor of Molecular Genetics at the Botany Department of Tanta University in Egypt. He received his BSc and MSc degrees from the Tanta University and his PhD degree in Plant Genetics and Molecular Biology from the Dublin Institute of

Technology in Ireland. Afterwards, he joined the University of Warwick in the UK, University of Sorbonne (Paris VI) in France and University of Leuven (KU Leuven) in Belgium as a visiting research fellow. His research focuses on plant genetics, genomics, molecular biology, molecular physiology, developmental biology, plant-microbe interaction and bioinformatics. He has authored several international journal articles and book chapters and participated at more than 60 conferences and workshops worldwide. He is currently involved in several research projects in biological sciences.

Contents

**Preface VII**

Chapter 1 **Introductory Chapter: Physical Methods for Stimulating Plant**

Chapter 2 **The Effect of Leaf Removal–Based Physical Injury on High Seed**

Chapter 3 **A Bayesian Multiple-Trait and Multiple-Environment Model Using the Matrix Normal Distribution 19**

Chapter 4 **Branch Formation and Yield by Flower Bud or Shoot Removal**

Chapter 5 **Using Abrasive Grit for Weed Management in Field Crops 53**

Chapter 6 **Use of Some Bacteria and Mycorrhizae as Biofertilizers in**

Özlem Altuntaş and İbrahim Kutalmış Kutsal

Chapter 7 **High-Voltage Methods for Mushroom Fruit-Body**

Michael Carlson, Frank Forcella, Sam Wortman and Sharon A. Clay

**Vegetable Growing and Beneficial Effects in Salinity and**

Koichi Takaki, Katsuyuki Takahashi and Yuichi Sakamoto

**and Crude Oil Yields in Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) 7** Mustafa Yildiz, Mehdi Taher, Marieh Javani, Ramazan Beyaz and

Osval A. Montesinos-López, Abelardo Montesinos-López, José Cricelio Montesinos-López, José Crossa, Francisco Javier Luna-

**Growth and Development 1**

Vázquez and Josafhat Salinas-Ruiz

**Drought Stress Conditions 65**

**Developments 95**

Mohamed A. El-Esawi

Mehtap Gursoy

**in Tomato 35** Katsumi Ohta
