Silicon in growing and postharvest

Bioactive silicon has some important positive effects on post-harvest characteristics and nutritional value of fruits and vegetables. The book ?Silicon Solutions? explains the importance of this element; it was launched at the VI International Silicon in Agriculture Conference, Stockholm, 26-30 August.? The author, Edward Bent, has wide experience in horticulture, ranging from research to education, marketing and promotion. The book is written in a straightforward style for growers, extension services, distributors and food processors, educational establishments, students and consumer associations. The work is divided into sections addressed to agricultural, horticultural and floricultural crops together with a series of tables showing positive results obtained from experimental trials. It contains some detailed technical information on methods of application together with a list of suppliers. Of particular note, it emphasizes the important contributions that silicon can make to improving the internal quality of produce and its post-harvest characteristics in terms of nutritional value, packing, transport, storage and distribution. The book ?puts silicon on the shelf? - providing the basis for a better understanding and appreciation of the potential of silicon to help improve yields and internal quality by increasing the resistance of crops to a range of stresses, whilst at the same time, reducing the need for plant chemicals. The main parts of the book are:- Part I: AGRICULTURE- Part II: FUNCTIONS OF SILICON- Part III: HORTICULTURE- Part IV: FLORICULTURE- Part V: NATURAL STRENGTH. The book is available from Sestante Edizione.