Jose Roby strana 3 z 3

'Growing Edible Mushrooms' is a BRIEF account of TEN popular edible mushrooms and their production practices. There are SIX steps involved in mushroom growing and these steps are, preparation of mushroom compost, pasteurization of compost, spawning, casing, pinning and cropping.

Scientific name of spine gourd is Momordica dioica. Spine gourd is a cucurbitaceous vegetable which is closely related to bitter gourd. However, it is not bitter in taste as bitter gourd. As in case of other cucurbitaceous vegetables (cucurbits) which mainly include melons and gourds, spine gourd is also grown as a summer vegetable in tropical and subtropical countries.Zucchini is a type of summer squash grown as a summer vegetable for its tender, edible long fruits. It is the most popular, widely grown and economically important summer squash vegetable. Scientific name of zucchini is Cucurbita pepo.Gherkins are known as ‘small cucumbers’ as it belongs to the same family as cucumber. Scientific name of gherkin is same as that of cucumber i.e. Cucumis sativus, but cultivar is different. Gherkin is a cucurbitaceous plant grown for its small, prickly, cylindrical green fruits which are with thin green rinds and white flesh. Gherkin is a tropical gourd plant and is climbing in growth habit. Small immature fruits of gherkins are used for pickling and hence it is commonly called as pickling cucumber.

The book begins with a short narration of current packaging practices followed by present day horticulture industry. After pointing out the disadvantages of some of the current practices, the author categorically states that we do not need to religiously follow traditional packaging practices if we are serious about curtailing the supply chain loss of fruits and vegetables. The author goes on listing out various types of packaging materials that are available today before addressing the major theme of the book, i.e. ‘Modern Innovations in Packaging Materials and Packaging Technologies’. MAP films, MIP films and active and intelligent packing materials are described in detail under this topic. Manufacturing process of polymer-based packing materials is also described for the better understanding of the reader. The author then elaborates on how to select a suitable packing material for your horticultural produce. Major two parameters that are to be considered are packing material properties and product-specific properties. The author makes a reference of various packaging designs and packaging standards also for those who are interested in these topics. According to the author advanced packaging technologies such as modified atmosphere packaging, modified interactive packaging, active and intelligent packaging, TBG technology and packaging technology for microwaveable containers are going to make a big difference in the way how highly perishable fruits and vegetables are packed and consumed. Finally, the author gives a short narration of various types of packaging machines that are available today and also lists out major global suppliers of packaging solutions for horticulture industry.

This small book on "Bell Peppers" explains in detail ideal growing practices and nutritional information of various types of bell peppers such as green bell peppers, red bell peppers, orange bell peppers, white bell peppers, and purple bell peppers. Bell peppers are also known as sweet peppers because they are non-pungent unlike other chili peppers. In some parts of the world, bell peppers are known as capsicums and/or capsicum vegetables.

This small book explains in detail about various domesticated and wild species of Chile pepper plants. Though there are about 30 species of Chile pepper plants have been recognized so far, only FIVE species such as Capsicum annum, Capsicum chinense, Capsicum frutescens, Capsicum baccatum and Capsicum pubescens have been commercially exploited till date. This book gives some basic insights into various Chile pepper plants, their specific features, and their growing practices.

Some flowers are eaten as vegetables in many parts of the world. Most popular among them are pumpkin flowers, Sesbania flowers, calabash gourd flowers and broccoli flower clusters. Nutritional information and food significance of these 4 popular flowers are briefed in this small book for informational purposes only.

This small book explains in detail growing practices, health benefits, food preparations, and nutrient information of four popular vegetables namely, artichokes, crosnes, broccoli and chives. Artichokes and crosnes are perennial vegetables and are used in rare and exotic food preparations. Crosnes are also known as 'Chinese artichokes' and these are one of the most delicious root vegetables available today. Broccoli and chives are considered as one of the most nutrient-dense, plant-based food groups.

Minerals are essential elements that are required by a human body in minute quantities to perform its metabolic functions as well as for healthy growth and development. Minerals such as potassium, calcium, sodium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, chlorine etc help in body fluid movement and tissue building. When a human body does not have sufficient amount of minerals, its deficiency is manifested in human body as diseases. This small booklet is intended to provide some insights into mineral-rich vegetables.

The word “nightshade” is often used in herbal medicines to refer a poisonous species of plant, but a highly regarded medicinal plant, belonging to the plant family Solanaceae. This plant is often called ‘deadly nightshade’ because of its toxic properties. Common name of this medicinal plant is ‘belladonna.’ Nightshade family is mainly known for its toxic and poisonous member plants and many of them are medicinal plants. However, the nightshade family i.e. Solanaceae family includes some of the most popular and economically important vegetable plants such as potatoes, tomatoes, tomatillos, brinjals or eggplants, chile peppers, bell peppers and jalapeno peppers also. These vegetables are very popular among consumers and are used by the whole world on daily basis. These vegetables are often referred as ‘nightshade vegetables’ or ‘Solanaceous vegetables.’ In other words, ‘Nightshade Vegetables’ are a group of vegetables belonging to the plant family Solanaceae.

This is a small booklet that explains general GROWING PRACTICES for rhubarb plant and is meant for growers of this plant. Rhubarb is popularly known as ‘the pie-plant’ because of its significance as a major ingredient in preparing pies. Botanical name of Rhubarb is Rheum rhabarbarum. Rhubarb is a cool season crop which is grown as an herbaceous, perennial vegetable. Rhubarb belongs to the family Polygonaceae. The economically significant portion of the plant is its fleshy leafstalks and the plant is normally grown for these fleshy leaf stalks (petioles) only. Color of petioles may be red, white or green depending upon the cultivar.

This small book is about ‘Spinach Herbs’ and it deals with mainly four types of edible herbaceous plants; these are Spinach (Spinacia oleracea), Malabar Spinach (Basella spp.), New Zealand Spinach (Tetragonia tetragonioides) and Mustard Spinach(Brassica rapa perviridis). Food value and nutritive value of spinach herbs are very high. There are very few vegetable greens which equal the nutritive value of spinach herbs. Spinach herbs are highly nutritious salad greens and can also be cooked as delicious, nutritious leafy vegetables. Description of growing practices, nutrient data, health benefits, and food uses of the spinach herbs is given in detail in this small book.