Edward Weiss - Böcker

Oilseeds are a very important component of semi-tropical and tropical agriculture, providing easily available and highly nutritious human and animal food. Many also have industrial uses and are relatively easy to incorporate into locally manufactured products. This book gathers together scientific, economic and field practice information on the most widespread oilseed crops. After a discussion on world production and trade in oilseeds there are separate chapters on castor, groundnut, safflower, sesame, soya and sunflower, crambe, niger and jojoba. A final chapter looks in detail at oilseed processing operations and the great variety of products and uses for oilseeds. This new edition has been completely rewritten to include the latest agricultural research, the influence of biotechnology on crops and processing, and advances in farm machinery and equipment.The book is a valuable reference for all involved directly or indirectly with oilseed production, research and processing.

Plants producing an aromatic oil, fruit, or seed have been used in religious ceremonies, for personal use and adornment, and for flavouring throughout history. There is now also world-wide pressure by consumers to use perceived natural compounds in edible and personal products. It is vital that producers should be able to service this growing demand efficiently, economically and above all reliably. Many essential oil crops are part of the economy of countries with expanding populations, resulting in increasing pressure on land to produce food and fuel. It is thus important to ensure the optimum social and economic benefit from establishing and growing essential oil crops. This book is concerned with growing essential oil plants profitably to obtain an aromatic derivative. Each chapter covers a different family. A brief history of the use and economic development is given, and cultivation, harvesting and distilling described. Results of current research and recommendations for improved agronomic practices, together with methods of adding value to the crop, such as producing honey or processing the oil, are also discussed.