It is well-known that selection of the proper soil is of paramount importance in the success or failure of a fruit crop. Similarly, the effect of plant nutrition on quality fruit production has been well recognized. In the past, not much attention was paid to fruit quality parameters, as the...

This chapter examines some fundamental concepts of plant nutrition and describes the critical factors influencing blueberry nutrition. These factors include: (i) supply of nutrients from the soil (substrate); (ii) soil pH; (iii) role of ericoid mycorrhizae; (iv) determination of nutrient status;...

This chapter focuses on pineapple nutrient management, discussing soil sampling and analysis (for minerals, chemicals, texture, pH and liming), as well as plant tissue analysis (for nutrient concentrations). The distribution of nutrients within the plant; plant macro- and micronutrients; plant...

This chapter talks mainly about mineral substances that the vines need to grow and produce fruit. The nutrient analysis (including soil and plant analysis) and correction strategies and well as the different macronutrients (N, P, S, K, Ca and Mg) and micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Mo, B and Cl)...

Following the discovery of ozone layer depletion in the late 1980s, large numbers of studies investigated the effects of ambient and/or enhanced levels of ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation on plants, animals, humans and microorganisms. Initial studies reported severe, inhibitory UV effects on plant...

In order to apply crop inputs on an as need basis, map and sensor-based precision agriculture (PA) technologies could be implemented in lime (Rutaceae) production for effective management of inputs to improve crop productivity. PA has several components, i.e. a differential global positioning...

The development of fermentation processes of microbial bioproducts has come a long way, with scientists modifying existing technologies and inventing new and more efficient methods. Surfactants, especially those produced by biological systems, are highly useful and unique molecules that have a...

This chapter aims to define what nutritionists mean when they use the term sugar, provide information on how much sugar is found in foods, discover how much sugar Americans are consuming, and explore whether sugar intake does lead to physiological and psychological woes. The results of recent...

This chapter, divided into 6 sections, examines the nutritional and health implications of millet, both in terms of the whole grain and in terms of processed products - specifically sorghum products - which have been studied in detail under the auspices of the Indian government's National...