Saffron is a precious spice which is mainly grown in Iran, India, Spain, Greece, Italy, Pakistan, Morocco, and central Asian countries. Until recently, saffron was perceived only for its value as a spice. However, with recent research findings pointing to the medicinal properties of saffron such as its antimicrobial, anticarcinogenic and antioxidant effects, interest in this plant has increased. The book presents a comprehensive account of saffron which includes the historical background, acerage underproduction, yield and applications, botanical ecophysiology, production technology, irrigation, pests, diseases and weeds, genetics, sterility, reproduction and production of secondary metabolites by in vitro method, economic aspects, indigenous knowledge in saffron production, processing, chemical composition and quality control, and research strategies.

This book documents local and international literature on cumin. These findings have been analyzed comprehensively and compared with results of international origin. This book contains ten chapters covering topics such as history, importance, acreage, production and utilization of cumin. It further discusses botany and plant characteristics, ecophysiological criteria of cumin, production technology, water requirement, pest and diseases of cumin and the genetic and breeding aspects. Economic aspects of cumin, processing, chemical composition and standards, are the main areas to this important crop which are further described in this book. The book also touches upon important research strategies which help develop this crop.