This paper discusses the flowering and fruiting habit, cultivar pollen compatibility, pollination and fertilization of cherries. The major sweet cherry cultivars and their characteristics are described, including their key attributes for fresh markets.

This chapter focuses on designing the orchard, site preparation, orchard structures, nursery tree source selection, successful pollination, planting and the use of plant growth regulators in cherry production.

This chapter presents a detailed account of the G. assamicus reproductive ecology, which was revealed through pollination ecology experiments conducted in the field. Breeding systems in the genus Gymnocladus are confusing and described either as polygamous or dioecious or with unisexual flowers....

Most plant species rely on, or benefit from, animal pollination. Therefore, pollination interactions are expected to play a key role in the reproduction and invasion success of non-native plants in their new areas. Understanding this role will allow us to better predict certain plant invasions....

This chapter provides information on breeding and genetics of cucurbits. Manual pollination, tissue culture, interspecific hybridization, cytology, genes, genomics, and historical and novel breeding techniques are discussed.

This chapter deals with some aspects of fruit and seed production of cucurbit crops, such as cucumber, melon, squash and watermelon. The control of sex expression, pollination, harvesting, postharvest handling and storage (fruits and seeds) are discussed.

In cities around the world, agriculture in urban and peri-urban areas (i.e. areas immediately adjacent to, or surrounding, a city or urban area) provides an important source of fresh and affordable foods and offers an opportunity for urban dwellers to connect to nature and their community. Urban...

This chapter focuses on evolution, taxonomy, germination and seedling growth, flower differentiation, effects of environment and growth hormones on sex expression, flowering time, pollination, pollen germination, pollen growth, fruit set, parthenocarpy, fruit development, fruit dominance,...

There has been growing interest in the consequences of invasive non-native plants for the plant-pollinator mutualism, most likely because of its relevance for the maintenance of terrestrial biodiversity and food production. However, the development of this research field has been thematically...

Every organism on Earth, whether in natural or anthropogenic environments, is connected to a complex web of life, the famous 'entangled bank' coined by Darwin in 1859. Non-native species can integrate into local 'banks' by establishing novel associations with the resident species. In that context,...