This is the first volume in a three volume comprehensive reference work presenting detailed information on the breeding of horticultural crops. In a systematic way, the work presents: the history and commercial importance of each fruit, the origin and early development of cultivation, regional characteristics, breeding objectives, fruit characteristics such as color and shape, and disease resistance. Volume 1 deals with tree fruits: Apples, Apricots, Avocado, Banana/Plantain, Cherry, Peach, Pear, and Plum.

Jules Janick is James Troop Distinguished Professor in Horticulture within the Department of Horticulture & Landscape Architecture at Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN, USA. James N. Moore is the editor of Fruit Breeding, Volume 1, Tree and Tropical Fruits, published by Wiley.