The series Underutilized and Underexploited Horticultural Crops are reviewed in several science journals for its uniqueness and richness in content and botanical information. Enlarging the food base and food basket along with validated information on plants for industry, dyes, timber, energy and medicine is the core theme of the series. The third volume has 25 s written by 46 scientists from UK, Mexico, Spain, India, USA, Turkey and Nigeria. The crops covered are atuna, African de bolita, capers and caper plants, kair, natural dye plants, plants used for dye sources, underutilized wild edible fruits of Kerala, bael, carambola, tropical plum, citrus, fig, guava, star gooseberry, hog-plum, underutilized leaf vegetables of sub-Himalayan terai region, underutilized vegetables of Tripura, agathi and chekkurmanis, celosia, colocasia, edible begonias, kangkong, underutilized palms, Atuna and African de bolita are new crops to Indian readeNatural dyes are attaining significant commercial importance in view of the negative effects of synthetic dyes which are allergic and in a few cases carcinogenic. Underutilized fruits like bael, carambola, tropical plum, fig, star gooseberry and hog-plum are receiving attention in view of their wider adaptability and suitability to grow under conditions of stress. Underexploited leaf vegetables like agathi, chekkurmanis, celosia, edible begonias and kangkong have been given prominence. Prof.Ghillean T Prance, FRS has contributed the on Atuna. The Editor is Dr K V Peter Former Vice-Chancellor, Kerala Agricultural University.

There is Global concern on shrinking food base depending on a meager three crops-wheat, rice and maize-.New Crops are to be encouraged to fit into the changing food habits, life styles and above all climate change. Underutilized Horticultural Crops are getting attention world around. The High Impact Journal HortScience reviewed vol. II Underutilized and Underexploited Horticultural Crops and reported its global value. The series projects the nutritional values, ecological compatibility, fitness to ecological niches and above all optimum uses of natural resources like water, energy, space and time. Volume 4 deals with edible plant foods in Africa, African Leafy Vegetables, Amaranths, Chilies, Annual Drumstick, Clove bean, Cluster bean, Curry leaf, Ivy Gourd, Snap melon, Sweet Gourd, Teasles Gourd, Tree borne vegetables, Fruits of North Eastern Region, Dragon Fruit, Wood apple, Strobilanthes, Seed Spices, Yam bean and Trees for Energy. Twenty s in the 4th volume are compiled by the Eminent Scientists in the respective crops. The volume 4 envisages a world free from hunger and under nutrition and full of health and wellness.

It has been recognized that an important factor in improving the viability of rural livelihoods in developing countries is the promotion of sustainable agriculture. As opposed to relying solely on cash crops, this can be more easily achieved through the domestication of various indigenous fruit trees that can be cultivated and owned by smallholder farmers. Through multi-functional and integrated farming systems, these tree crops can support environmental and social sustainability by providing food as well as promoting economic growth. Twenty years ago, little was known about the biology, ecology or the social impact of indigenous fruit trees on rural populations. Since then, new concepts and approaches have been developed, case studies have been produced and the potential and feasibility of their domestication and commercialization has been explored. This focused study on the tropics brings together a comprehensive review of this research.

This volume contains the proceedings of a meeting organised by the Commission of the European Communities and the International Organisation for Biological ad Integrated Control. It includes full communications by experts from 17 different countries and 3 international organisations. The work of the IOBC/WPRS Working Group 'Fruit flies of economic importance is also reported.

The book post harvest technology assumes great attention during recent years since preservation of agricultural produce is a basic necessity to sustain agricultural production. It helps to add value of produce, thus having great scope for employment generation at the production catchments. In this book, the authors have attempted to consolidate different methods of post harvest technology of fruits and vegetables focusing on recent advances. This book will benefit both practicing food technologist/post harvest technologist who are searching for answers to critical technical questions of post harvest technology. Further, it will be useful to agricultural engineers, food processors, food scientist ,researchers and progressive farmers and tom those who are working in relevant fields. it is intended to fill a gap in presently available post harvest technology literature

This book "Spices" comprehends and provides latest information on economic importance, botany, chemical composition , crop improvement, agro-technology, post harvest technology and end uses of 52 spices identified by the spices board. The book is organized into 6 chapteThe authors with their vast experience in tropical spices have brought their scientific as well as practical experience in collecting and presenting the information concisely. Although the book is a sublimate of the Indian expertise in spices, the contents are very useful and relevant internationally. the book is targeted to the students and researchers in the area of horticulture, agriculture, industry people, exporters processors and end users.

The book focuses on conventional and recent propagation techniques delving upon crop-wise depictions of different propagation methods in horticultural crops. Adequate insight is given to crop botany, ecology and economic importance of important fruit crops, vegetables, plantation crops and spices. The content of the book undoubtedly will provide a good guidance to students of Agriculture and Botany, Nurserymen and Agricultural Extension workers.

Underutilized and underexploited horticultural crops form an integral part of health food green parks, neutraceutical industry, home decorations, renewable sources of green energy and above all food reserves during calamities. Leaf vegetables like agathi, chekkurmanis, waterleaf, drumstick leaf, basella and colacasia leaf are rich in fibre, minerals and beta carotenes. Cucurbits like ash gourd, pointed gourd, ivy gourd, kekrol, snap melons and chow-chow are rich in iron and amino acids. Fruits like karonda, aonla and cherries are highly nutritious and are suited to less moisture soils. Noni is a fruit for health. Noni juice is recommended against diabetes, obesity and sleeplessness. Among spices, long pepper, mint, celery, fenugreek and garcenia possess medicinal properties. There are a large number of underexploited medicinal plants like tulsi and peppermint with considerable economic value. Underutilized crops like in Tripura, Orissa and Kerala are specially mentioned. There is need to broaden the food basket with lesser know crops. There is a shift from Health Care to Wellness Industry. Prevention is always better then cure. The present volume deals with underexploited and underutilized horticultural crops in its totality. The contributors of each are working scientists in the specific crop.

The present book is the second volume in the series Underutilized and Underexploited Horticultural Crops edited by Prof. K.V.Peter. As in the 1st volume the present volume also covers 6 s on underexploited fruits, 5 on vegetables, 1 on tuber crops, 3 each on flowers and trees and 2 on spices. Dr. Bhuwon Sthapit, IPGRI, Malaysia contributes a on In Situ Conservation of Horticultural Crops. Underutilized fruits of Andaman and Nicobar Islands are dealt with in detail by Dr. D.R. Singh, Giant Granadilla, Apricot, Low Chilling Peaches, Aonla and Ber are dealt by eminent scientists in respective crops. Dr. Umesh Srivastava, ICAR, New Delhi deals Genetic Resource Management in Cucurbits. Dr. Samadia from Central Institute of Arid Horticulture, Bikaner writes on Arid Vegetables. Dr. S.K. Pandey, Director, CPRI, Shimla elaborates Taxonomy of Temperate Underutilized Root and Tuber Crops. Underutilized flowers surrounding the homesteads are narrated by Dr. U. Sreelatha, Kerala Agricultural University. An overview on Liliums is given by Dr. K. Valliappan, Mahua, Chironji and Drumstick are the trees dealt with. Turmeric and Long Coriander are elucidated by Dr. A.M. Rao and Dr. P. Indira respectively.

This Trilogy explains What is Horticulture? . Volume two of Horticulture: Plants for People and Places analyses in depth the scientific, managerial and ecological concepts which underpin Environmental Horticulture. Chapters describe: Horticulture and the Environment, Woody Ornamentals, Herbs and Pharmaceuticals, Urban Greening, Rural Trees, Urban Trees, Turfgrass Science, Interior and External Landscaping, Biodiversity, Climate Change and Organic Production. Each is written by leading international experts. Sustainable use of resources and careful conservation are critically essential for the continuation of life on this Planet. Achieving this is where horticulture, natural flora and fauna and the environment interact in achieving sustainable development. Horticulture is the fundamental partner of ecological and environmental science and provides an understanding of eco-system services. Live plant networks are essential for rural and urban life. They are integral parts of natural communities, the context of historic and modern architecture and a means for rejuvenating cities and uniting communities. Plants provide urban, peri-urban and rural employment, business and tourism opportunities, leisure, rest and relaxation. These facets of Environmental Horticulture are clearly described in this book."

Temperate horticulture is a very important component of horticulture as it is only confined to the hilly regions of a country. For fruit crops, it represents a group, which is physiologically diverse from the sub-tropical and tropical fruit crops grown in other regions. For vegetables and floriculture it has immense potential for the keeping the nation well supplied with off-season and exotic vegetables and flowers all the year round. This book, being published to mark the centenary year of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute 1905 u 2005, strives to highlight the status of temperate horticulture in India. Articles on biotechnological and bioinformatics, genetic resources and manipulation, cropping patterns, drip irrigation, hill horticulture and economics of temperate horticulture contributed by scientists from IARI, Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, NBPGR, CIPHET, CPRI and various RRS's of IARI , NBPGR and ICAR Research Complex for Eastern and NEH Regions. The book will prove as a complete handbook of temperate horticulture as it will not only serve as a reference material for research workers in horticulture, but will also play a vital role in combating problems and planning future strategies in the field of horticulture.

This book is a compendium of information related to innovations, commercialization and registration of biopesticides, recent advances in mass production, formulation, extension of shelf life, delivery systems of antagonists and entomopathogens and synergistic and antagonistic response of biopesticides with agrochemicals. The information on all the important laboratory protocols and techniques in isolation, identification, selection, culturing, mass production, formulation, enhancement of shelf life and biosafety issues of bioinoculants used as biopesticides in horticulture crops have been included for the benefit of research scientists, teachers, research scholars and students working in the field of biopesticides. Note: T&F does not sell or distribute the hardback in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

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.

Mites are among the most important arthropods in greenhouses, both as pests causing economic injury to greenhouse crops, and as natural enemies used in the biological control of pest insects and other mites. Because of their minute size, mites are much less well known than insects. This book describes the biology, identification and control of such mites and the topics covered include an introduction to the Acari, illustrated keys to orders, families and selected species, the control of pest mites, and the role of beneficial mites in biological control. The book will be of interest to those working in entomology, crop protection and horticulture.

Since the second half of the 20th Century, our agricultural bee pollinators have faced mounting threats from ecological disturbance and pan-global movement of pathogens and parasites. At the same time, the area of pollinator-dependent crops is increasing globally with no end in sight. Never before has so much been asked of our finite pool of bee pollinators. This book not only explores the evolutionary and ecologic bases of these dynamics, it translates this knowledge into practical research-based guidance for using bees to pollinate crops. It emphasizes conserving wild bee populations as well as culturing honey bees, bumble bees, and managed solitary bees. To cover such a range of biology, theory, and practice from the perspectives of both the pollinator and the crop, the book is divided into two volumes. Volume 1 focuses on bees, their biology, coevolution with plants, foraging ecology and management, and gives practical ways to increase bee abundance and pollinating performance on the farm. Volume 2 (also available from CABI) focuses on crops, with chapters addressing crop-specific requirements and bee pollination management recommendations. Both volumes will be essential reading for farmers, horticulturists and gardeners, researchers and professionals working in insect ecology and conservation, and students of entomology and crop protection.

The Illustrated Plant Glossary is a comprehensive glossary of over 4000 terms related to plant sciences, featuring superb colour illustrations to aid comprehension of many of the plant terms. The topics covered in this glossary include anatomy, angiosperms, bryophytes, chemistry, cytology, family specific terms, ferns and fern allies, flowers, fruit, genetics, gymnosperms, habit and growth, habitat and ecology, indumentum, inflorescence, leaves, reproduction, roots, seeds, systematics and more. The Illustrated Plant Glossary sets a new standard in glossaries and is a must-have reference for plant scientists, plant science teachers and students, libraries, horticulturalists, ecologists, gardeners and naturalists.

Gail Damerow is the foremost authority on chickens in the United States, and her classic reference The Chicken Health Handbook (originally published in 1994) is now completely revised with up-to-the minute information and full-colour photography and illustrations. This essential guide thoroughly addresses every aspect of chicken health, including good nutrition; bacterial, viral, and fungal diseases; parasites and worms; reproductive issues; immune health; metabolic dysfunctions; and much more, with detailed solutions for any health problem your chickens encounter. This new second edition emphasizes natural and preventive approaches and covers issues specific to raising chickens in the city.

The standard guide to fruit-growing success.

Despite the harsh climate that prevails in the Upper Midwest, even amateur gardeners can successfully grow fruit when armed with some basic information. Focusing on Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, South Dakota, and North Dakota, Growing Fruit in the Upper Midwest is a practical how-to guide to the cultivation of a wide variety of fruit including apples, pears, plums, apricots, strawberries, blueberries, cherries, grapes, currants, gooseberries, and brambles.

To assist readers ranging from home gardeners to small commercial growers, Don Gordon covers site selection, soil types, pruning, fertilization, harvesting, pests, and preventing winter injury as well as describing literally hundreds of excellent species for this region. Many technical aspects of pruning and planting are accompanied with illustrations. Growing Fruit in the Upper Midwest includes maps that indicate the fruit hardiness zones for each state, augmented by an easy-to-use guide to cultivar selection.

The introduction is a basic botany lesson, covering plant classifications, growth and development. The section on apple growing, by far the most widely adapted fruit species in this region, will help growers decide which types of trees will thrive on their land. Gordon also provides an overview of interesting and overlooked historic and economic aspects of fruit production across the Upper Midwest.

This practical guide is essential reading for home gardeners, small commercial growers, and anyone who has considered this rewarding and fascinating hobby.

"The concise information about plant care will assist even the most inexperienced gardener. This book is an excellentreference tool, and I would recommend it highly to anyone growing fruit in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota or South Dakota". Rochester Post Bulletin

Thirty years ago, in vitro propagation was a new technique for producing plants, and Lydiane Kyte s Plants from Test Tubes became the standard work on the topic.The new fourth edition has been thoroughly revised and updated to reflect the many advances in science and technology, including the five accepted sequential stages of micropropagation. Ten new plants have been added. This in turn has greatly expanded the already extensive bibliography. Among the new topics that have been introduced or expanded on are embryo culture for breeding, somaclonal variation, anther culture, somatic embryogenesis, cryopreservation, and genetic engineering. More ornamental plant examples are given and many new illustrations provided, including a chronology of discoveries in micropropagation."

Despite bananas being the world's most exported and valuable fruit, banana production faces a number of challenges, primarily the extremely narrow genetic base currently available for commercial cultivation which increases the rate of vulnerability to diseases and other stresses. The sector faces increasing pressure to improve existing varieties, as well as to develop new varieties which retain key yield and quality characteristics and improved resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses. Achieving sustainable cultivation of bananas Volume 2: Germplasm and genetic improvement offers an authoritative discussion on the progress of identifying and broadening the genetic base for Musa species. This collection reviews the current conventional and molecular breeding techniques for breeding new varieties of banana, as well as providing coverage on improving traits in Cavendish. With its distinguished editors and international range of expert authors, Achieving sustainable cultivation of bananas Volume 2: Germplasm and genetic improvement will be a standard reference for university and other researchers in tropical fruit science, government and other agencies supporting banana cultivation, as well as commercial banana growers and retailers. This title is accompanied by a companion volume: Achieving sustainable cultivation of bananas Volume 1: Cultivation techniques.

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.

Based on contributions from members of the Legumes Future research consortium and complemented by articles from other research teams, this book provides a comprehensive overview of knowledge relevant to developing legume-supported cropping systems in Europe. It reflects the growing interest in using legumes to improve cropping and the current debate over the imbalance in European systems where the low use of legumes has caused concern in the agricultural policy community. This book supports informed debate and decision-making that addresses the associated challenges. Legumes in Cropping Systems presents current knowledge on this subject across 15 coordinated chapters. Each chapter addresses a specific aspect of legume cropping and provides insight into the relevant literature to help support understanding and explore the underlying processes that influence cropping system development. This book includes coverage of: * the role of legumes in cropping systems; * the role of legumes in European protein supplies; * environmental effects of grain and forage legumes; * current status of the major grain and forage legume crops; * economic effects; and * policy development. Written by an international team of expert authors and presented in full-colour throughout, this book is an invaluable resource for researchers in agronomy and crop sciences, agricultural professionals, policy makers, and students.

Handbook of Plant Disease Identification and Management presents the fundamentals of plant diseases identification based on symptomology and management focusing mainly on integrated pest management approach. It discusses a variety of techniques for the diagnosis of crop disease, losses due to crop diseases, and theories behind disease management. It describes how society is constraining the possibilities for management of crop diseases by changing the environment; biologically controlling crop diseases; and the epidemiologic and genetic concepts of managing host genes. This book discusses managing diseases through diverse chemical, biological, and physical methods. It highlights climatic factors affecting crops by creating favorable condition for most of the diseases. This book serves as a complete guide for growers, researchers, and graduate students to understand basics of plant disease identification. It explains the disease cycle for respective crops with favorable conditions promoting disease development. It intends to aid growers in managing diseases and help scientists with future research.

Farmers have developed a range of agricultural practices to sustainably use and maintain a wide diversity of crop species in many parts of the world. This book documents good practices innovated by farmers and collects key reviews on good practices from global experts, not only from the case study countries but also from Brazil, China and other parts of Asia and Latin America. A good practice for diversity is defined as a system, organization or process that, over time and space, maintains, enhances and creates crop genetic diversity, and ensures its availability to and from farmers and other users. Drawing on experiences from a UNEP-GEF project on "Conservation and Sustainable Use of Wild and Cultivated Tropical Fruit Tree Diversity for Promoting Livelihoods, Food Security and Ecosystem Services", with case studies from India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand, the authors show how methods for identifying good practices are still evolving and challenges in scaling-up remain. They identify key principles effective as a strategy for mainstreaming good practice into development efforts. Few books draw principles and lessons learned from good practices. This book fills this gap by combining good practices from the research project on tropical fruit trees with chapters from external experts to broaden its scope and relevance.

Tamsin Westhorpe's delightfully funny memoir of making a living with mud permanently under her fingernails will delight any reader. A cast of colourful characters pepper the pages of her hapless horticultural exploits, which range from dispensing gnome-placement advice on live TV to how to deal with nudist neighbours or the inside scoop on why the roses surrounding the beautifully manicured English lawn bowling greens grow quite so vigorously...