Climate change is resulting in heightened incidences of plant heat stress episodes. Production of transgenic crops with enhanced heat stress tolerance is a highly desired agronomic trait for the sustainability of food production in 21st century. We review the current status of our understanding of the high temperature stress response of plants. We specifically deliberate on the progress made in altering levels of heat shock proteins (Hsp100, Hsp70/Hsp40 and sHsps), heat shock factors and specific metabolic proteins in improving plant tolerance to heat stress by transgenic approach.

Nanotechnology opens a large scope of novel application in the fields of biotechnology and agricultural industries, because nanoparticles (NPs) have unique physicochemical properties, i.e., high surface area, high reactivity, tunable pore size, and particle morphology. Nanoparticles can serve as “magic bullets”, containing herbicides, nano-pesticide fertilizers, or genes, which target specific cellular organelles in plant to release their content.

Crop plants are adversely affected by abiotic stresses. Drought is the most widespread and damaging of all environmental stresses. At the global level, significant proportion of cultivable land masses is affected by high salt levels. Heat and cold stresses profoundly affect agricultural yields of major crops. Also, the level of abiotic stresses is on the rise due to both natural and man-made interventions. The ambient temperature is gradually increasing due to the increased levels of CO2 and other greenhouse gases.

This book presents a holistic view of the complex and dynamic responses of plants to nanoparticles, the signal transduction mechanisms involved, and the regulation of gene expression. Further, it addresses the phytosynthesis of nanoparticles, the role of nanoparticles in the antioxidant systems of plants and agriculture, the beneficial and harmful effects of nanoparticles on plants, and the application of nanoparticles and nanotubes to mass spectrometry, aiming ultimately at an analysis of the metabolomics of plants.

Plant nutrient is certainly a boon for plant growth and development. Among the nutrients, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulphur and potassium are key nutrients and improve crop productivity by enhancing growth and physiological function of plant. However, it is necessary not to further improve the productivity of rapeseed-mustard and to maintain the crop quality and soil fertility lost due to excess fertilization. The present monograph deals with the origin distribution and different uses of rapeseed-mustard.