Vegetables I: Asteraceae, Brassicaceae, Chenopodicaceae, and Cucurbitaceae (Handbook of Plant Breeding (1))

The production and consumption of vegetables has expanded dramatically in the last years, with a global growth in the production of more than 50% in the last decade and it is expected that in the coming years, vegetable crops production will continue its expansion. The vegetables seed market is very dynamic and competitive, and predominant varieties are quickly replaced by new varieties. Therefore, updated information on the state of the art of the genetic improvement of specific crops is of interest to vegetable crops breeders, researchers and scholars. During the last years an immense quantity of new knowledge on the genetic diversity of vegetables and the utilization of genetic resources, breeding methods and techniques, and on the development and utilization of modern biotechnologies in vegetables crop breeding has accumulated, and there is a need of a major reference work that synthesizes this information. The Handbook of Plant Breeding Vegetables I and II are two volumes devoted to 20 of the most important vegetable crops. These crops belong to eight different botanical families grouped by taxonomic category. The first volume focuses on four families: Asteraceae or Compositae (chicory and endive, globe artichoke and cardoon, and lettuce), Brassicaceae or Cruciferae (cabbage, and cauliflower and broccoli), Chenopodiaceae (spinach and sugar beet) and Cucurbitaceae (cucumber, melon, pumpkin and winter squash, summer squash, and watermelon). The second volume concentrates on four other families: Fabaceae or Leguminosae (garden pea, and snap bean), Liliaceae (asparagus, and onion), Solanaceae (eggplant, pepper, and tomato) and Umbelliferae or Apiaceae (carrot). Chapters have been written by outstanding breeders with wide experience in the crop breeding. Each chapter includes information on the origin and domestication, varietal groups, genetic resources, major breeding achievements and current goals of breeding, breeding methods and techniques, integration of the new biotechnologies in the breeding programmes, and the production of seed of specific crops. The production and consumption of vegetables has expanded dramatically in the last years, with a global growth in the production of more than 50% in the last decade, a rate of increase that is much higher than for other plant commodities. Vegetables constitute an important part of a varied and healthy diet and provide significant amounts of vitamins, antioxidants and other substances that prevent diseases and contribute to an improvement in the quality of life. In consequence, it is expected that in the coming years, vegetable crops production will continue its expansion. Improved varieties have had a main role in the increases in yield and quality of vegetable crops. In this respect, the vegetables seed market is very dynamic and competitive, and predominant varieties are quickly replaced by new varieties. Therefore, updated information on the state of the art of the genetic improvement of specific crops is of interest to vegetable crops breeders, researchers and scholars. During the last years an immense quantity of new knowledge on the genetic diversity of vegetables and the utilization of genetic resources, breeding methods and techniques, and on the development and utilization of modern biotechnologies in vegetables crop breeding has accumulated, and there is a need of a major reference work that synthesizes this information. This is our objective.

this First Volume Of The Handbook Of Plant Breeding Book Series Is Devoted To Vegetable Crops Breeding. Each Chapter Is Dedicated To A Major Vegetable Crop. Each Chapter Contains A Comprehensive Review Of The Diversity, Breeding Techniques, Achievements And Use Of The Most Advanced Molecular Techniques In The Genetic Improvement Of These Crops.

the Purpose Of The Book Is To Provide Breeders And Researchers From The Public And Private Sectors With Updated Information And The Latest Novelties In The Breeding Of Specific Crops Of Economic Relevance. Also, It Serves As A Major Reference Book For Post-graduate Courses And Phd Courses On Breeding Vegetable Crops, As Well A Book Of Consult For Horticulturists And Extension Agents Interested In Current Advancements In The Development Of New Vegetable Crops Varieties. Each Chapter Incorporates The Most Up-to-date Information On The Crops Examined, And An Important Novelty Is That, In Comparison To Other Books Already Published On This Subject This Book Contains The Most Up-dated Information On Molecular Breeding Techniques. Readers Can Benefit Of Having In A Single Book The Most Relevant Information For The Genetic Improvement Of The Most Important Vegetable Crops.

This major work has but one aim: to provide breeders and researchers from the public and private sectors with all the latest information on the breeding of crops of economic relevance. Also, it serves as a major reference book for post-graduate courses and PhD courses on breeding vegetable crops, as well a one-stop-shop for horticulturists and extension agents interested in current advancements in the development of new vegetable crops varieties. Each chapter incorporates the most up-to-date information on the crops examined, and an important novelty is that, in comparison to other books already published on this subject this one contains the most cutting-edge information on molecular breeding techniques.