Vegetable Crops / Edition 1

by Dennis R. Decoteau

Overview

An ideal, state-of-the-art guide for anyone interested in the fundamentals of vegetables and crop production, this practical provides a broad overview of the history, principles and practices of growing vegetable crops. Although focusing on commercial production, much of the material is applicable for home use, with many facts, tips and guidelines ideal for backyard and weekend gardeners. Divides material into three sections: I - Overview of Vegetable Crops explains the history of vegetable crops and America's vegetable industry in easy-to-understand terms, and looks at classifying vegetables and how environmental factors affect crop growth. II - Common Practices Used to Grow Vegetables considers general practices used in vegetable crop production, with discussions on preparing the field, choosing cultivars, planting, watering, extending the growing season, handling pests, harvesting, and marketing, and more, plus highlights the uses and nutritional benefits of eating vegetables. III - Crop Specific Characteristics and Growing Practices examines the botanical and production aspects of specific vegetable crops, pragmatically organizing discussions according to characteristics of family grouping and crop use. For agriculturists.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780139569968
Publisher:	Pearson
Publication date:	11/18/1999
Series:	Agribooks the Pearson Custom Publishing Program for Agriculture Series
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	464
Product dimensions:	7.90(w) x 9.80(h) x 1.10(d)

Table of Contents

I. OVERVIEW OF VEGETABLE CROPS.

1. History of Vegetable Crops.

2. Understanding the Vegetable Industry.

3. Classifying Vegetable Crops.

4. How Environmental Factors Affect Vegetable Production.

II. COMMON PRACTICES USED TO GROW VEGETABLES.

5. Plant Selection Considerations.

6. Preparing the Field.

7. Planting the Field.

8. The Need for Water and Irrigation.

9. Extending the Growing Season.

10. Dealing with Growing Problems.

11. Harvesting.

12. Handling the Crops after Harvest.

13. Marketing the Crop and Delivering It to the Buyer.

14. Uses of Vegetables.

15. Nutritional Value of Vegetables.

III. SPECIFIC VEGETABLE CROP CHARACTERISTICS AND GROWING PRACTICES.

16. Cole Crops.

17. Greens.

18. Leafy Salad Crops.

19. Perennial Crops.

20. Root Crops.

21. Bulb Crops.

22. Legumes or Pulse Crops.

23. Sweet Corn.

24. Solanum Crops.

25. Cucurbits.