Cucurbits (Crop Production Science in Horticulture) [Paperback]

R. W. Robinson (Author), D. S. Decker-Walters (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1997 | ISBN-10: 0851991335 | ISBN-13: 978-0851991337 | Edition: First

Cucurbits include cucumbers, gourds, muskmelons, pumpkins, squashes and watermelons. As such they represent one of the largest and most important groups of horticultural food plants, and are grown throughout the world. In common with other books in this series, the aim of this book is to present the scientific principles that relate to the biology and production of these crops, in a way that is accessible to a non-specialist audience. The first chapter describes the distribution, taxonomy, morphology and anatomy of cucurbits, before discussing their growth and development. The next two chapters cover evolution, uses, chemical composition, genetics and breeding. There is then a discussion of the main crops, including their botany, origin, uses, cultivars, breeding and culture. The book covers production in both greenhouses and in the open field, and in developing as well as industrialised countries. Overall, the book provides a comprehensive but succinct review, suitable for students of horticulture as well as scientifically-inclined growers.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Provides all of the information that most readers would ever need in a concise manner. . . .I am pleased to have a copy of Cucurbits in my personal library. Others--growers, students, extension faculty, teachers, researchers, fanciers--with an interest in the vine crops will find this book useful and enjoyable to read and to have as a ready reference."--HortScience

"Understandably, this volume is rich in information about the cultivated species....the book will be a valued addition to anyone's cucurbit and commercial horticultural library."--Quarterly Review of Biology

"Cucurbits ... is part of the Crop Production Science in Horticulture Series which emphasizes 'the scientific principles underlying crop production practices.' As stated, the book is scientifically oriented and not easy reading. However, it contains a great amount of 'one of the most genetically diverse groups of plants in the plant kingdom,' which range from cucumbers to squash to loofahs. Major and minor crops are discussed individually, and there is more general information about cultural requirements, pests and diseases, and genetics and breeding, among others. Although some sections reflect the tendencies of the current conventional agriculture, they are far outweighed by basic and practical information about these plants. The book should prove useful to serious growers."--Ecology Action Newsletter

About the Author

R. W. Robinson, Department of Horticultural Sciences, Cornell University.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: CABI; First edition (January 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0851991335
• ISBN-13: 978-0851991337
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,349,382 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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