This new and updated edition of a popular text provides a broad, balanced review of the scientific knowledge of strawberries and their cultivation. The worldwide strawberry industry has grown substantially since the original book was published, and methods of culture have undergone extensive modifications. Important changes have been made to the taxonomy of strawberries and there is a much better understanding of how its ancestors evolved. New disease and pest control methods have been developed and a large amount of genomic information has been generated. This information has greatly broadened our knowledge of how flowering and fruiting is regulated and will revolutionize the breeding of strawberries.
Drawing on extensive research and practical experience, the author presents an essential text that:
- Includes new content on genomic data, trait genetics, and marker assisted strategies for varietal improvement.
- Provides a thorough review of the evolution of the strawberry and the history of strawberry cultivation.
- Contains an up-to-date comparison of the cultural systems employed across the world and the physiology behind these practices.
Presented in full color throughout, this is a core guide for academic and professional researchers, breeders and growers, advisors, extension personnel and students of horticulture.