BookAhmed Al-Harrasi, Abdul Latif Khan, Sajjad Asaf, Ahmed Al-Rawahi.
Summary: This book provides insight into the biology and genomics of the genus Boswellia (family Burseraceae), a natural resource used for the production of frankincense, an oleo-gum resin. The Boswellia species are ecologically, medicinally, commercially and culturally important. Significantly contributing to the paucity of comprehensive literature on this genus, this volume provides a detailed discussion on the genomics, physiology and ecology of Boswellia. The chapters cover a wide range of topics, including taxonomy, distribution, genetic diversity and microbiology. The production process of frankincense and its impact on the species are presented as well. In light of the recent decline of various Boswellia populations, species propagation and conservation are discussed. Plant scholars, ecologists and conservation biologists will find this book to be an important and informative reference.
Contents:
Intro; Foreword; Introduction; References; Contents; About the Authors;
Chapter 1: Frankincense and Human Civilization: A Historical Review; Etymology of Frankincense; Oleoresin (Tears of the Sun); Frankincense Trade Route; Frankincense Trade and Its Economic Importance; Religious and Cultural Uses; Cosmetic Use; Medicinal Use; References;
Chapter 2: Taxonomy, Distribution and Ecology of Boswellia; Burseraceae Family; Boswellia Genus; Historical Perspectives on Boswellia Taxonomy; Boswellia Species Description; Distribution of Boswellia Throughout the World; Boswellia sacra Flueck Boswellia ameero Balf. f. Boswellia dioscoridis Thulin; Boswellia popoviana Hepper; Boswellia nana Hepper; Boswellia elongata Balf. f; Boswellia socotrana Balf. f.; Boswellia serrata Roxb. ex Colebr; Boswellia ovalifoliolata Balakr & A.N. Henry; Boswellia rivae; Boswellia frereana Bird; Boswellia neglecta S. Moore; Boswellia dalzielii Hutch; Boswellia carterii Flueck; Boswellia bullata Thul. & Gifri; Boswellia globosa Thul.; Boswellia pirottae Chiov; B. papyrifera; Boswellia microphylla Chiov; References;
Chapter 3: Frankincense: Tapping, Harvesting and Production; What Is Resin? Boswellia Tapping Influences Its Carbohydrate MetabolismBoswellia Tapping Influences Leaf Gas Exchange Processes; Tapping Causes the Regulation of the Lipid Layer and JA Biosynthesis; Effects of Incisions on Endogenous Salicylic Acid Regulation; Effect of Wounding on Endogenous Abscisic Acid Regulation; Enhanced Elicitation of Endogenous GA in Boswellia; Boswellia Gene Expression Patterns During Wounding; References;
Chapter 5: Propagation and Conservation of Boswellia sacra; Ecology and Environmental Conditions; Environmental Effects on Plant Morphology; Soil Preparation and Planting How Do the Trees Produce Resin?How Is the Resin Synthesized?; Resin-Producing Plants; Composition of Frankincense Resin; Resin Production After Tapping; Uses of Frankincense; Production of Frankincense; Marketing of Frankincense; Climatic Changes Influencing Frankincense Production; References;
Chapter 4: Frankincense Tree Physiology and Its Responses to Wounding Stress; Wounding Stress Physiology in Plants; Wounding or Tapping of Frankincense Trees; Boswellia Physiochemical Responses to Tapping; Effect of Wounding on Essential Nutrients and Amino Acid Accumulation Irrigation of Boswellia PlantsNutrient Requirements for Boswellia Growth; Cultivation Practices and Conservation of Boswellia Populations; Pollination and Seed Formation; Germination Rate; Macropropagation; Seedling Propagation in Nurseries; Planting and Protecting Seedlings; Root Cutting Propagation; Root Sucker Propagation; Root Tuber Propagation; Seedling and Rooted Cutting Requirements; Micropropagation; In Vitro Micropropagation of Boswellia; Axillary Bud Break and Axillary Shoot Proliferation; Effects of Seasonal Changes on Explants; Effects of Phytohormones