Sunflowers Growth and Development, Environmental Influences and Pests/Diseases

This book presents a broad number of recent discoveries, advances and important results concerning sunflower (Helianthus annus) crops and its related fields, with emphasis on the detailed study of several diseases and pests that can affect sunflowers (production, water resources needed, economy impact) in different regions of the globe, including Russia, both North and South America, Africa, India and Europe. We are all well aware of the increasing importance, as well as the economic impact that these plants have reached in recent years, not only in the food industry but also in the western energy market, with the increasing use of sunflower oil as a natural energy resource for biodiesel and biofuel. Apart from the interesting recent advances, results and conclusions presented in every chapter, plenty of visual and graphical content comprised of tables, charts, graphs, pictures and high quality detailed photographs and images showing different issues and problems regarding sunflower crops are also included. The manuscript chapters have been authored by experts in the field and in addition all of them underwent a stringent peer review process by expert reviewers to assure a high final scientific quality.