Basic Growth Analysis: Plant growth analysis for beginners - Softcover

Hunt, R.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0044453736 ISBN 13: 9780044453734

Publisher: Springer, 1989

Synopsis

This handbook is intended as an introductory guide to students at all levels on the principles and practice of plant growth analysis. Many have found this quantitative approach to be useful in the description and interpretation of the performance of whole plant systems grown under natural, semi-natural or controlled conditions. Most of the methods described require only simple experimental data and facilities. For the classical approach, GCSE biology and mathematics (or their equivalents) are the only theoretical backgrounds required. For the functional approach, a little calculus and statistical theory is needed. All of the topics regarding the quantitative basis of productivity recently introduced to the Biology A-level syllabus by the Joint Matriculation Board are covered. The booklet replaces my elementary Plant Growth Analysis (1978, London: Edward Arnold) which is now out of print. The presentation is very basic indeed; the opening pages give only essential outlines of the main issues. They are followed by brief, standardized accounts of each growth-analytical concept taken in turn. The illustrations deal more with the properties of well-grown material than with the effects of specific environmental changes, even though that is where much of the subject's interest lies. However, detailed references to the relevant parts of more com­ prehensive works appear throughout, and a later section on 'Inter­ relations' adds perspective. Some 'Questions and answers' may also help to show what topics will arise if the subject is pursued further.

About this title

Review

`... A no-nonsense introduction to the subject, a working manual which sets out clearly, mostly in the form of double page spreads, how to calculate a variety of growth rates, growth ratios and other growth parameters, with a range of relevant examples from the literature.'
New Phytologist

Synopsis

An introductory textbook for students, offering a condensed yet detailed overview of the principles and practise of plant growth analysis. Each topic is explained by the use of standardized accounts of each growth analytical concept, and there are questions and answers to aid experimental design. The book gives concise outlines on the design and implementation of growth experiments, and clear guidelines to the interpretation of results. This, together with supporting commentary, facilitates full assessment of the performance of whole plant systems and plant cell cultures grown under natural, semi-natural and controlled conditions.

Edition details

• Publisher: Springer
• Publication date: 1989
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0044453736
• ISBN 13: 9780044453734
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 112