Combines an easy-to-use format with a complete review of essential facts about the world's top fruit crops, making this both an introductory textbook for students and a reference for gardeners, country agents, and horticulture educators. Each fruit is studied and clearly explained through its taxonomy, origin, history of cultivation, production, botanical description, optimum soil and climate, harvesting, and post-harvest handling. The book provides a comprehensive introductory section on fruit culture and, in following chapters, a standard outline for each crop to allow readers to find facts rapidly without having to read the entire chapter. Includes detailed references and reading lists.