Berry crop production and protection

Abstract

Berry crops include, but are not limited to, the genera: Fragaria (strawberry, Rosaceae), Ribes (currant and gooseberry, Grossulariaceae), Rubus (brambles: raspberry and blackberry; Rosaceae), Vaccinium (blueberry, cranberry, and lingonberry; Ericaceae) and Vitis (grapes, Vitaceae). They possess economically important variously colored, soft-fleshed, small fruits that are grown all over the world. These fruits are consumed fresh or frozen, and are also processed as functional food supplements in industrial products. The significant role of these fruits in maintaining human health has dramatically increased their popularity and production across the world. This Special Issue Book covers berry crops in nine chapters, including one review paper. Various areas of production systems, propagation, plant and soil nutrition, health benefits, marketing and economics, and other related areas have been covered. The aim was to bring together a collection of valuable articles that would serve as a foundation of innovative ideas for the production and protection of health-promoting berry crops in a changing environment.