Description

---

This book contains the most up-to-date data on the most important crops grown in various regions. Extensive discussion is given to the origins of agriculture, the evolution of agricultural plants, the discovery of plants, the migration of plants, the domestication of plants, and the proliferation of plants. Following a study of the ancestry and diversification of cultivated plants, we turn to a review of tropical, subtropical, and temperate crops used for food, beverages, spices, and medicines, as well as plant insecticides, timber plants, and essential oil-producing plants. Products from these crops range from food and drink to spices and even medicine. Plants that are used to make essential oils are also discussed. The beneficial impacts of a number of plants are examined in light of their unique genetic and evolutionary properties. Commercially important subtropical and temperate plants, as well as petro-crops, ethnobotanical studies, and biodiversity conservation, are discussed in this volume. The most important plant species belonging to each group are identified, and their significance is discussed at length. This book is an excellent resource for students of botany, food science, nutrition, forestry, agriculture, horticulture, plant breeding, and environmental science. One of the book's strongest selling qualities is that it was written by a person who has devoted their entire life to the field of economic botany. Extensive photographs and line drawings are provided, all of which include descriptive captions.

About the Author

---

Prof. N.C. Gautam is M.Sc. Ph.D. in Botany-Genetics & Plant Breeding. He is a former Vice-Chancellor, M.G.C.G.V., State University Chitrakoot, Satna (M.P.) and VBS Purvanchal University, Jaunpur, UP. He has also worked as a Dean, Post graduate studies. NDUAT, Faizabad and Dean & Faculty of Hort., NDUAT, Faizabad. He has over 49 years experience in academics and more than 46 years of experience in teaching of Post Graduate and Under Graduate courses at University level. He also has 48 years experience, guided more than 8 Ph.D. students and 15 M.Sc Ag theses. He has published 20 books and many research papers. He is a Fellow of Indian society of Vegetable science, Fellow of Indian Botanical Society and Fellow of CHAI. He has received 15 awards and honors at national and international level. He has also worked on improving 30 Varieties of rice & vegetable crops besides other viable technology. He has also served as Chairperson/member of Expert Committee-UGC, Chairman/Member in Vice Chancellor Search Committees for many universities and Chairman-UGC and ICAR State Universities.