It was a compliment to me to be asked to prepare the fourth edition of Westcott's Plant Disease Handbook, and the decision to accept the responsi bility for the fourth edition and now the fifth edition was not taken lightly. The task has been a formidable one. I have always had a great respect professionally for Dr. Cynthia Westcott. That respect has grown considerably with the completion of the two editions. I now fully realize the tremendous amount of effort expended by Dr. Westcott in developing the Handbook. A book such as this is never finished, since one is never sure that everything has been included that should be. I would quote and endorse the words of Dr. Westcott in her preface to the first edition: "It is easy enough to start a book on plant disease. It is impossible to finish it. " This revision of the Handbook retains the same general format contained in the previous editions. The chemicals and pesticides regulations have been updated; a few taxonomic changes have been made in the bacteria, fungi, and mistletoes; the changing picture in diseases caused by viruses and/or viruslike agents has been described. A few new host plants have been added, and many recently reported diseases as well as previously known diseases listed now on new hosts have been included. In addition, photographs have been replaced where possible, and the color photograph section has been retained.

Postharvest is an important element of getting fresh, high-quality fruit to the consumer and technological advances continue to outpace infrastructure. This book provides valuable, up-to-date information on postharvest handling of seven fruit and nut crops: almond, fig, peach, persimmon, pistachio, pomegranate and table grape. These crops are of particular importance in the Mediterranean region, but also to those countries that export and import these crops, where intensive economic resources are dedicated to developing information to understand and solve their postharvest problems. Written by a team of internationally-recognized postharvest experts, this manual collates and verifies essential, but often difficult to access, information on these important crops, that is pertinent to the world's agricultural economy and affects agricultural communities.

Citrus production is complex, requiring a delicate balancing act during the growing season and lots of preparation. This new manual covers the many steps in the process in a clear and accessible way. This manual also details the latest horticultural and disease issues affecting citrus production. From deciding scion variety and rootstock, to establishing an orchard, to managing production, to postharvest handling, you'll find it all here in a readable format. Colorful photos and clear diagrams and illustrations guide you through important concepts. Chapters cover: History Botany and Physiology Orchard Establishment Pest and Disease Management Postharvest Handling

Symptoms of disease in plants; Non-parasitic diseases; Diseases due to deficiences of food materials in the soil; Diseases due to excesses of soluble salts in the soil; Diseases due to unfavorable water relations; Diseases due to improper air relations; Diseases due to high temperatures; Diseases due to low temperatures; Diseases due to unfavorable light light relations; Diseases due to manufacturing or industrial processes; Diseases due to control practices; Virus and related diseases; Parasitic diseases; Bacterial diseases of plants; Diseases due to slime molds; The conditions of a fungus in or on the substratum; Diseases due to downy mildews and allies; Diseases due to pondscum parasites; Diseases due to black molds and allies; Diseases due to leaf curls and related fungi; Diseases due to cup fungi and allies; Diseases due to powdery mildews and allies; Diseases due to sphere fungi and allies; Diseases due to imperfect fungi; Diseases due to smut fungi; Diseases due to rust fungi; Diseases due to palisade fungi and allies; Parasitic seed plants and the troubles they cause; Nematodes and the diseases they cause.

This handbook contains 13 chapters covering banana (Musa and Ensete) diseases caused by various groups of causal agents and disorders caused by unknown and known factors. Topics discussed include fungal diseases of the foliage, root, corm, pseudostem, fruit (pre- and postharvest), as well as diseases caused by bacteria and phytoplasmas, viruses and nematode pathogens. Information is given on their economic impact, distribution, symptoms, disease cycle and epidemiology, host reaction, and control. Non-infectious disorders, mineral deficiencies, injuries caused by adverse climate and extreme weather, chemical injuries and genetic abnormalities are also described. Topic on quarantine and the safe movement of Musa germplasm is also given. This book, like the last, is for all 'banana doctors' around the world. It is hoped that it serves as a useful field and laboratory guide plus a source of information to all those investigating problems of the banana, abacá and enset crops.

Written in easy-to-read non-technical language, this manual is the perfect field application guide. Inside you’ll find the professionalism, expertise and science-based answers you’ve come to expect from the University of California—with contributions from more than 40 Cooperative Extension professionals, UC faculty, USDA scientists, and highly skilled prune industry experts.

Chapters include:
An industry overview
A detailed description of prune biology
Information on understanding soils, varieties, irrigation and fertilization
Pest management techniques
A lesson on harvest and postharvest management

The breadth of expertise and knowledge contained in the 320 pages of this manual, along with the more than 300 photos and 56 color illustrations make this one of the most comprehensive prune production manuals in the world.