Tropical and Subtropical Fruit Crops - Production, Processing, and Marketing

This new volume is a rich and comprehensive resource of the basic information and latest developments and research efforts on tropical and subtropical fruits. It presents an extensive overview of crop production techniques, processing, marketing, breeding efforts, harvesting, and postharvest handling, as well as pest and disease management of banana, citrus, durian, grapes, guava, jackfruit, litchi, mango, and papaya. Each chapter in Tropical and Subtropical Fruit Crops: Production, Processing, and Marketing focuses on a specific fruit and provides a general introduction along with an overview of these areas: Area and production Marketing and trade Composition and uses Origin and distribution Botany and taxonomy Varieties and cultivars Breeding and crop improvement Soil and climate Propagation and rootstock Layout and planting Irrigation Nutrient management Training and pruning Intercropping and intercultural operation Flowering and fruit set Fruit growth, development, and ripening Harvesting and yield Packaging and transport Postharvest handling and storage Processing and value addition Pests, diseases, and physiological disorders Fruits are delicious eating and attractive horticultural crops that are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and other nutraceuticals and are considered necessary for a healthy diet. Past decades witnessed a notable increase in the production of fruit crops, which has been facilitated in part by advancements in agro-techniques, timely harvests, and proper postharvest handling and care. Even though production has increased, demand continues to grow, and consistent improvement of fruit production of fruit crops is needed. This volume arms professionals, scientists, researchers, and students involved with the cultivation, production, and processing of tropical and subtropical fruits with the important and up-to-date information they need for continued improvement in this area. It will also be helpful for breeding programs to develop varieties with improved fruit characteristics, shelf life, and the ability to withstand the adverse effects of climate change.