The Genus Epimedium and other Herbaceous Berberidaceae

Many summarized current research information; some cited the most recent reviews and reviewed the published research since then.The book is divided into six parts.Part I: Introduction.This part resents a discussion on the taxonomy, origin, and probable domestication of the apple, followed by a chapter on world production trends, cultivars, markets, trade, and distribution.Part II: Plant Materials.This section escribes the characteristics of the major apple cultivars currently being produced.Most originated as a chance seedling or mutation.Public and private breeding programs around the world and their objectives are reviewed, including transgene technology.Rootstocks and interstocks are described, and their infl uence on scion vigor or dwarfi ng and cropping as well as adaptation to different environmental conditions.One chapter explains propagation methods and nursery tree management and their effect on tree quality.Part III: Apple Physiology and Environmental Infl uences.The discussion on water relations of apple trees covers the basics of water relations, uptake, monitoring, and factors affecting water utilization and moisture management.The review on light-quality, quantity, and distribution and light effects on tree and fruit physiology-stresses the need to ensure high levels of light distribution throughout the tree canopy.The discussion on temperature relates its effect on length of growing season, tree and root growth, adaptation, and fruit development, and rate of development of all physiological processes.Part IV: Orchard and Tree Management.Factors reviewed that affect orchard planning and establishment include the geography, soil, site preparation, replanting, cultivar, rootstock, tree quality, and type of support.The chapter on nutrition included determining tree nutrient status, method of fertilization, individual nutrient requirements, and management.The orchard fl oor management presentation included options to minimize competition between the tree and ground cover and selection and management of the ground cover.Pruning and training discussion included types of pruning cuts, pruning effect on the tree, time of pruning, tree age considerations, and effect of fruiting.Orchard planting systems described numerous conic-shaped, fl at planar, and V-shaped canopy systems, and pruning and training techniques for each, and management practices for successful high-density orchards.The underlying principles include high tree density, precocious and dwarfi ng rootstocks,