Crop Production Science in Horticulture – serie

This volume considers ornamental bulbs, including the related storage organs of corms and tubers. An immense amount of research literature has been distilled, such that general principles are stressed throughout, but common examples are considered in some detail.

Traditionally, bedding plants are those plants used to provide colour in summer garden beds. Although some writers include any herbaceous plant started under controlled environmental conditions and sold for outdoor use, embracing a number of fruit and vegetable crops, in this book ornamental bedding plants include tender herbaceous ornamental annuals and biennials only. As with other titles in this series, the aim of this book is to present scientific principles that underlie production practices. The author discusses traditional and plug methods of production, the latter having revolutionized mass market production during the last decade. The principles of propagation and growing on, including the role of nutrition and media, temperature, light, supplemental carbon dioxide and growth regulators, are described. Aspects of postproduction, diseases and pests, and mechanization, are also considered. There is also an appendix providing production guidelines for 15 major bedding plant species, including begonia, impatiens, petunia, marigolds and pansies. Written by one of America’s foremost horticultural scientists and writers, the book is invaluable for plant producers or growers, as well as for students of ornamental or amenity horticulture.

While botanically quite different, coffee, cocoa and tea are often considered together in the teaching of students of horticulture or agriculture. This is because all three represent plantation cash crops that are used as stimulant beverages and are grown in many of the warmer, less developed regions of the world. While there are a number of specialist books available on aspects of each individual crop, as well as grower manuals focusing on particular regions, there is currently no book that provides a general introductory overview of the scientific principles underlying production of all three crops. This book fills this gap, and will serve as a broad-based text for students of agriculture, horticulture and food science, as well as professionals seeking an overview of the topic.

In common with other titles in this series, this volume describes the scientific principles that are the bases of crop production practices. This volume focuses on the leafy salad vegetables lettuce, endive and chicory. It opens with a review of world production data, crop uses, botany, taxonomy and evolution. It then describes the genetics and breeding of the crop, including cultivar development and germplasm resources. Physiological aspects, such as germination, growth and development, are then discussed. Production methods worldwide, including growing under cover in protected environments, are reviewed, before consideration of harvesting and seeds, pests and diseases, and economics and marketing. The book is written by one of the world’s leading authorities on the subject and will be indispensable for advanced students and growers in horticulture.

This book is the first single author work to be published for more than thirty years that provides a broad, balanced review of our scientific knowledge of strawberries. This title covers aspects from taxonomy, ecology, morphology and genetics to environmental physiology, disease and pest control, fruit ripening, storage and processing.

This practical book provides an accessible overview of all aspects of pea and bean production, including botany and physiology, breeding, agronomy, weed management, pests and diseases, harvesting, nutritional value and uses. It also reflects on the constraints and opportunities in the future for peas and beans, exploring their role in food sustainability and crop rotation, and various factors affecting supply and demand such as climate change and breeding technologies. Peas and beans are crops of economic, social and agronomic importance and this volume provides the specialist knowledge needed to ensure good quality standards are met. It includes: · coverage of the main types of peas and beans grown on a significant scale or commercially produced in large area farming; · key information relating to the role of peas and beans in biological nitrogen fixation; · extensive coverage from the technology of cultivation to postharvest industry; and · high-quality photos, presented in full colour throughout. Authored by a recognized authority with extensive experience in applied research, this book is an ideal resource for practical agronomists, advisors and producers, extension workers, horticulture students and all those involved in the production of peas and beans.

This new edition of a successful, practical book provides a comprehensive and accessible overview of all aspects of the production of the tomato crop, within the context of the global tomato industry. Tomatoes are one of the most important horticultural crops in both temperate and tropical regions and this book explores our current knowledge of the scientific principles underlying their biology and production. Tomatoes 2nd Edition covers genetics and breeding, developmental processes, crop growth and yield, fruit ripening and quality, irrigation and fertilisation, crop protection, production in the open field, greenhouse production, and postharvest biology and handling. It has been updated to: reflect advances in the field, such as developments in molecular plant breeding, crop and product physiology, and production systems. include a new chapter on organic tomato production. present photos in full colour throughout. Authored by an international team of experts, this book is essential for growers, extension workers, industry personnel, and horticulture students and lecturers.

This practical book provides a comprehensive and accessible overview of all aspects of the commercial production of blackberries and their hybrids, covering plant growth and development, cultivar description and selection, propagation, pruning, soil and water management, postharvest management, economics and marketing, and pest identification and management. Cultivated blackberries are a relatively new crop, but with new cultivars and cultural practices they are now grown and available worldwide. Production regions have expanded internationally due to innovative methods showing much promise and evidence of human health benefits. Blackberries and Their Hybrids explains the many complex steps involved in producing a conventional or an organic crop for the fresh and processed markets, and: - Contains information gathered from global sources - Is appropriate for areas that can produce blackberries for the local, domestic and/or export markets - Includes full-color images throughout Authored by a team of experts, this book is essential for growers, extension workers, fruit industry personnel, students, and lecturers involved in the commercial production of blackberries and their hybrids.

This new and updated edition of a highly successful practical book covers major topics of interest to blueberry breeders and researchers including: breeding, varieties, botany, physiology, nutrition, growth regulation, cultivation methods and practices, photosynthesis, plant interaction with the environment, weeds, pests, diseases and postharvest management. The focus is on the highbush blueberry, though information on other blueberries and related species is also provided. Blueberries are cultivated worldwide and this book explores plantings in a great diversity of environments, reflecting on the development of innovative cultural practices and conditions. It examines the increased scope and depth of research activities related to this crop and brings together the current status of knowledge on blueberry science and management. Explaining in an understandable manner the basic science behind the growth and development of blueberries, their botanical characteristics, as well as the implications and effects of various management practices and environmental conditions, Blueberries 2nd Edition also: - Highlights emerging genetic information on the blueberry. - Includes new information on pruning, grafting and irrigation. - Covers current and potential uses of plant growth regulators. - Gathers new information on fruit quality and consumer acceptance. This definitive guide to blueberry cultivation is an essential resource for soft fruit researchers, extension workers, academics, breeders, growers and students.

Completely updated with new content and full-colour figures throughout, the second edition of this successful book continues to provide complete coverage relating to the production of cucurbits, including cucumbers, gourds, muskmelons, pumpkins, squashes and watermelons. These crops are grown worldwide and represent one of the largest and most important groups of horticultural food plants. This second edition of Cucurbits provides up-to-date, succinct and authoritative knowledge on this variety of crops and reflects on significant advances in the areas of production, breeding and evolution. This new edition: - Contains new chapters on abiotic stresses and cucurbits for health - Includes major updates in research on the evolution, movement and distribution of species - Explores new genetic resources and breeding advancements - Delivers current information on methods of improving yield (e.g. grafting) and the management and resistance for pests and diseases - Has an updated list of the most recent taxonomic names This book represents a current and comprehensive guide to cucurbits, is highly illustrated and written in an accessible style. It is an essential resource for students, growers and researchers.

This new book provides comprehensive coverage of sustainable sweet cherry production including global trends, improved varieties and rootstocks, orchard establishment and management, the physiology of growth and cropping, and protecting the crop from adverse climates, pests, and diseases. Sweet cherries are a specialty crop, subject to significant production risks for growers, yet with high potential market returns due to strong consumer demand for the fruit's intensely enjoyable flavor and nutraceutical benefits. Written by a renowned team of experts, this book emphasizes fresh market sweet cherry production practices based on scientific principles. It serves as a resource for a scientific foundational understanding of cherry tree growth and fruit development, providing the keys to both reasoned choice of orchard practices and the solution of future problems across a wide range of growing conditions and environments. The book: - Covers improved sweet cherry varieties and rootstocks. - Describes state-of-the-art tree training and production systems. - Considers production risk management technologies and decisions. Heavily illustrated and presented in full color throughout, Sweet Cherries is written with practical details and underlying physiological concepts for use by beginning and established fruit growers, consultants, and advisors, in addition to students and professionals in horticulture.

Fully updated with new content and full-colour figures, the second edition of this successful book reflects developments and growth in our knowledge of carrots and related crops worldwide. It covers the scientific basis of their biology and production, with updated technical crop management content. This new edition is divided into three sections: the first considers the crops' importance and main features; the second focuses on carrot, from genetic diversity and breeding to cropping systems, pest and disease management, quality, postharvest and valorization; and the third presents the main aspects of 13 other cultivated Apiaceae. Containing a dedicated chapter on root-quality plus new chapters on organic production and consumer expectations, this book also: Highlights both unique and shared characteristics among cultivated Apiaceae species. Describes the links between scientific principles and cropping systems. Explores the relationship between crop management and product quality. An invaluable resource for all those involved in carrot and related vegetable production, this is essential reading for producers, and horticulture, plant science and food science students, as well as researchers in these areas.

This new and updated edition of a popular text provides a broad, balanced review of the scientific knowledge of strawberries and their cultivation. The worldwide strawberry industry has grown substantially since the original book was published, and methods of culture have undergone extensive modifications. This volume incorporates important changes to the taxonomy of strawberries and new understanding of how its ancestors evolved. It includes coverage of new disease and pest control methods and recent developments in genomic information. These advancements have greatly improved our understanding of how flowering and fruiting is regulated, and will revolutionize the breeding of strawberries. Drawing on extensive research and practical experience, the author presents an essential text that: Includes new content on genomic data, trait genetics, and marker-assisted strategies for varietal improvement. Provides a thorough review of the evolution of the strawberry and the history of strawberry cultivation. Contains an up-to-date comparison of the cultural systems employed across the world and the physiology behind these practices. Presented in full-colour throughout, this is a core guide for academic and professional researchers, breeders and growers, advisors, extension personnel and students of horticulture.

Root and tuber crops are important to agriculture, food security and income for 2.2 billion people in developing countries. These species produce large quantities of dietary energy and have stable yields under difficult environmental conditions. This second edition of Tropical Root and Tuber Crops is an authoritative treatment of four important root and tuber crops: cassava. sweet potato, yams, and aroids. The same format is followed for each crop: Origin and History, Taxonomy and Botany, Breeding and Genetics, Developmental Physiology, Agronomy, Pests and Diseases, Post-Harvest Quality and Marketing. This new edition reviews the scientific literature produced during the last decade and presents major technical advancements. Modern molecular tools have been used to clarify the phylogeny, taxonomy and origin of these species. Similar advances have been made in physiology, agronomy, pathology and product chemistry. It is essential reading for students, researchers and horticulturists.

The cut flower and foliage industry is a global business with major production locations in North America, South America, Central America, East Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. Few other horticulture crops are as ubiquitous, yet the production techniques and challenges are universal. This book describes the main international production locations and markets, including current trends and directions. The focus is on production in protected cultivation. The major species - including rose, chrysanthemum, carnation, orchid and gerbera - dominate the global market and these are individually explored in detail. Specialty species and cut foliages are also addressed, as well as significant details of production, including irrigation and fertilization, disease and disease management, and biological control of pests. Finally, the postharvest chapter covers details of harvesting, transporting and delivering high quality flowers that provide an excellent vase life. Highly illustrated with color photos throughout, this is an essential resource for students and researchers in horticulture, growers and producers, and those in the floriculture industry.

Chrysanthemum is one of the leading cut flowers and potted ornamental plants in the international flower market in both temperate and sub-tropical regions. This book provides a comprehensive exploration of the scientific principles underlying chrysanthemum genetics, breeding, physiology, and production. The book consists of 6 Sections: (A) Global Chrysanthemum Industry; (B) Genetics, Breeding, and Biotechnology; (C) Crop Physiology, Cultivation, and Modelling; (D) Pests and Diseases, and their Management; (E) Post-harvest Management and Value-addition; (F) Festivals and Landscape Gardening of Chrysanthemum. It provides comprehensive and accessible information on all aspects of the chrysanthemum crop. This book presents in-depth knowledge, supported by photographs and illustrations throughout, to enhance understanding. Authored by an international team of experts from Asia (India, China, Japan), Europe (Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Portugal), and the USA, this book serves as an essential reference for horticulture students, researchers, extension workers, industry professionals, chrysanthemum breeders, and commercial growers.

Peach is a highly valuable temperate fruit crop with significant consumer demand and nutraceutical benefits. This book provides comprehensive and up-to-date coverage on sustainable production processes for peach and nectarine. The latter is a natural mutation of peach that lacks fuzzy skin. It includes fundamental information to help reduce production risks for growers, improve fruit quality, and increase potential market returns, whilst addressing current emerging issues such as climate change and shifting global and regional production practices. Written by an international team of expert authors and highly illustrated in full colour throughout, Peach presents information in an organized and easy-to-follow manner, with content including: Peach tree architecture. Rootstocks. Cultivars. In-field operations (irrigation, fertilization, thinning, harvest) Fruit quality, composition and nutritional benefits. Peach fruit growth, development and ripening physiology. Postharvest technology, including supply chain management protocols. Preharvest and postharvest diseases. Biology and management of insect pests. The peach canning industry. This is an essential resource for students and researchers in horticulture, as well as professionals in pomology including fruit growers, consultants and extension specialists, and cold storage and transportation managers.

The Brassica genus contains diverse and economically important species and crops, for example, Brassica oleracea including cauliflower to kohlrabi, B.rapa including pak choi to mizuna, and aquatic crucifers such as watercress. These provide humankind with huge diversities of foods, promoting health and well-being. This substantially expanded second edition reflects the significant advances in knowledge of plant breeding and crop production which have occurred since publication of the original book in 2006. Embracing new Brassicaceae research and concepts of sustainable and automated crop production, topics include: Brassica evolution and transcontinental spread as the basis for crop breeding Gene-editing, rapid sequencing, genetic markers and linkage mapping to enable efficient plant breeding Seed development, F1 cultivars and rapid maturing crops for profitable cropping Environmental impacts on pests, pathogens, crop reliability and quality Soil health and fertility as agronomic principles Environmental sustainability, biocontrol and integrated pest management Vegetable brassicas as nutrient-rich foods for optimal health benefits An invaluable resource for all those involved in Brassica production, this is essential reading for researchers and students in horticulture and plant science, growers, producers, consultants and industry advisors.

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is a tree belonging to the palm family (Arecaceae) and is cultivated for its sweet edible fruits. Over the past century, it has become a major commercial fruit crop and a key component of agricultural production in the world's subtropical arid and semiarid regions. A crop suited both to the low-input small-farmer and the modern high-input commercial plantation, the date palm provides a livelihood for millions of people living in marginal land areas where farming options are restricted. Date palm is mainly grown for its fruits, but the whole tree is utilized. Research into date palm improvement for fruit production in recent decades has brought about improved elite cultivars, stress and pathogen resistance, and enhanced postharvest technologies. These developments have led to revised recommendations for date palm producers, and increased opportunity to promote novel fruit products. This book provides: · A practical manual on modern date palm cultivation methods. · Best practice guidelines for optimal production levels of high-quality fruit. · Opportunities for more complete utilization of date palm products at both the subsistence and commercial levels of production. With contributions from leading international experts, this is a valuable resource for researchers and students in horticulture, as well as date palm growers and processors.

The white button mushroom, Agaricus bisporus is one of the most widely cultivated mushroom species in the world. It is favored for its high nutritional value and multiple health benefits, especially by consumers interested in vegan and clean eating. This book presents fundamental guidelines for mushroom production as well as major scientific findings in this field. It covers mushroom production and trade, substrates properties, compost quality, breeding, pests and diseases, harvesting, and post-harvest technologies. With practical information on methods used by both commercial and small-scale growers, the book also addresses: The major steps of the mushroom production cycle - compost preparation, spawning, casing, pinning, cropping, and harvest. Ways to improve A. bisporus yield and quality, and disease resistance. Case studies to illustrate cultivation techniques in a range of different countries, making use of local agricultural or industrial wastes. This is a valuable resource for researchers and students in horticulture, as well as professionals and growers.

Over the past few years there has been an increase in the variety of tropical fruits available for consumption, due to improved breeding, postharvest management and distribution systems. The production and world trade of fresh tropical fruits is expected to expand further, aided by consumer demand for healthy diets and for trying new foods. The third edition of this book covers major tropical fruits such as avocado, banana, litchi, mango, papaya, and pineapple. The first five chapters describe general aspects of the tropical climate and its soils, fruit production techniques, tree management, and postharvest handling. Following these are self-contained chapters on single fruits that provide in-depth studies of botany, taxonomy, varieties, propagation, orchard management, biotic and abiotic problems, and utilization. The ancient and modern propagation and cultural practices are described to show the regional differences that environmental and biological pressures exert on fruit production and fruit quality. Tropical Fruits 3rd edition is essential reading for students and teachers of horticulture and tropical agriculture, as well as for horticultural industry personnel.

Thoroughly revised, augmented and updated, the third edition of Grapes provides comprehensive information about grape production around the world, the latest in research findings, and further updates on the effects of climate change. The new edition includes new sections on resistant grape cultivars, gentle pruning, curetage, grapevine yellows diseases, harvest, as well as a new chapter discussing different types of vineyard management systems, such as sustainability programmes, organics and biodynamics. New and improved photos have been added throughout the book, particularly enhancing the section on diseases and disorders. Covering a broad range of topics from grapevine growth and fruit development, to vineyard establishment, mechanization and postharvest processing, this book serves as a source of practical, science-based information. It is an invaluable resource for grape producers, horticulture and plant science students, as well as enthusiasts of the vine and its products.

This fully revised, expanded and updated edition of the successful text, Onions and Other Vegetable Alliums, relates the production and utilization of these familiar and important vegetable crops to the many aspects of plant science underpinning their production and storage technologies. Chapters cover species and crop types, plant structure, genetics and breeding, physiology of growth and development as well as pests and diseases, production agronomy, storage after harvest and the biochemistry of flavour, storage carbohydrates and colour and how this relates to nutritional and health benefits. From this wide perspective it is possible to see many examples where underlying scientific knowledge illuminates, explains and can improve agronomic practice. The reader will get an insight into how molecular methods are revolutionizing the study of taxonomy, genetics, pathology and physiology and how these methods are being applied in the breeding of improved crops.

Olive culture is growing rapidly, and expanding all over the world outside traditional centres of olive growth and production. Olives are not only a significant food source, but also contribute to human health and are becoming popular in health-conscious diets far beyond their Mediterranean origins. Reviewing an extensive array of literature from both a theoretical and practical perspective, this comprehensive guide deals with all aspects of olive culture, from its history, origins and traditional techniques to the latest horticultural procedures and basic physiology. The book's accessible and broadly illustrated format makes it an indispensable text for students, interested individuals and both active and amateur horticulturists.

Bananas and plantains are major fruit crops in the tropics and subtropics, making a vital contribution to the economies of many countries. In the last 15 years, substantial changes have occurred in banana production, among them the increased importance of fungal and viral diseases and their serious impact on Cavendish export cultivars, smallholder plantains and cooking bananas. Changes in production systems such as protected greenhouse cultivation, organic, fair-trade and integrated cultivation and their respective certification schemes have also become prominent. This book provides an accessible review of the scientific principles of banana production and how these relate to field practices. Revised and updated with expanded coverage of world trade statistics and policies, breeding of new cultivars in relation to disease resistance and markets, prospects for genetically-modified bananas and the increasing role of endophytes in controlling pests and diseases, this new edition is an essential resource for researchers and students in horticulture.

Volume 2 of this revised edition of Tropical Fruits examines the more specialist tropical fruits such as guava, durian, mangosteen, passion fruits and palm fruits. With growing interest in the cultivation, production, study, sales and marketability of these specialist fruits, this is a timely and informative book. Topics like botany, soil and climate requirements, cultivar development, world production and harvesting and postharvest handling are covered in-depth for each crop. This practical and accessible book is an ideal text for Horticulture academics, researchers, extension workers, students, breeders, growers and policy makers.

Raspberry production and consumption is increasing steadily worldwide, and the potential health benefits of the fruit are becoming more widely known. Providing an international overview of the modern raspberry industry, this book covers North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. It discusses all aspects of raspberry growing, including plant growth and development, cultivar description and selection, site selection and preparation (including soil and drainage), climate, pest control, irrigation, shipping, economics, harvesting and the marketing of the final product. Much of this publication covers research based information, including hundreds of references and nearly eighty full colour plates. Taking a global perspective, this book provides a comprehensive yet concise reference for all horticulture students, raspberry growers, producers and fruit industry personnel looking for the latest information in raspberry production.

Citrus fruit, originating in Southeast Asia, have been cultivated and enjoyed for over 4000 years. Moreover, they are grown in nearly every country within 40°north-south latitude, the major producers being China, Brazil, the USA, and countries bordering the Mediterranean. This new edition continues to adopt an international perspective on citrus, covering its biology and cultivation as well as considering issues in the citrus industry and providing examples from around the world. The authors include discussion on important topics such as biotechnical advances in citrus genetics, current techniques in breeding, the role of climatic factors in worldwide production, the importance of rootstocks, plant husbandry, pests and diseases, and postharvest technology. They emphasize current theories and technological advances in citriculture, citing specific examples of how they are used and in which regions. Citrus 2nd edition describes the scientific basis of production practices and is aimed at professionals in the industry as well as advanced students of horticulture and allied disciplines within plant science and food science.