This three volume reference set provides encyclopedic coverage on breeding commercial horticultural crops and includes modern biotechnical techniques. Every contributor uses a systematic approach to describe the history and commercial importance of each fruit, the origin and early development of cultivation, regional traits, breeding objectives, and fruit characteristics such as color, shape, and disease resistance. Volume I deals with apples, pears, brambles, and other temperate fruits. Volume II is concerned with nuts and the last volume treats subtropical and tropical fruits including bananas, avocados, and citrus.