This comprehensive reference on all aspects of pomology at the organ, tree and orchard level describes the main varieties and rootstocks, and the factors controlling their growth, cropping, fruit quality, storage life, fertilizer and irrigation needs. It emphasizes the principles underlying modern high-density planting and the production of fruits in environments ranging from temperate to tropical. The book will be suitable for fruit farmers and technical advisors as well as scientific researchers and students of pomology and horticulture.

John Jackson was formerly Head of the Pomology Department and Deputy Director at the East Malling Research Station, UK and Officer-in-Charge at the Horticultural Research Centre, Marondera, Zimbabwe.

Introduction; 1. The growing of apples and pears; 2. Apples and pears and their relatives; 3. Apple and pear root systems: induction, development, structure and function; 4. The graft union, grafting and budding; 5. Mechanisms of rootstock and interstock effects on scion vigour; 6. The shoot system; 7. Leaves, canopies and light interception; 8. Photosynthesis, respiration, and carbohydrate transport partitioning and storage; 9. Flowers and fruits; 10. Eating quality and its retention; 11. Mineral nutrition; 12. Water relations; 13. Diseases, pests and resistance to these; 14. Biotechnology of apples and pears; Index.