Diseases of Fruits and Vegetables

Among horticultural crops, fruits and vegetables are of primary importance for an adequate and balanced human diet. In certain parts of the world, fruits and vegetables are the major dietary staple. Apart from being a rich source of vitamins and minerals, the production of fruits and vegetables also contributes significantly to regional and national economies through national and international trade. However, the cultivation of these crops for optimum yield and quality is highly technical and needs improved technological support. Management of perennial fruit crops requires further close monitoring especially for the management of diseases which affect production and subsequent post-harvest losses significantly. During the twentieth century, plant pathology has witnessed a dramatic advance in management of fruit and vegetable diseases through in-depth investigations of host-pathogen interactions, development of molecular diagnostic tools, integration of new concepts, principles and approaches. The new millennium promises excitement and hope for the future by new advances in eco-friendly technologies in integrated disease management of fruits and vegetables. This book contains a com