Growth Regulation and Quality Improvement of Vegetable Crops: Physiological Molecular Features

This book compiles the latest advancements in vegetable crop growth, development, and quality improvement with potential implications for sustainable crop production. It covers aspects of light quality regulation, CO2 enrichment, beneficial microorganisms, epigenetic regulation, and perspectives on carbon-neutral protected vegetable production. Through this book, readers will gain new insights into the mechanisms of growth regulation, quality improvement, and stress tolerance in vegetable crops, encompassing the most recent biochemical, physiological, and molecular studies. The chapters cover topics such as seed germination processes, root trait regulation for defense mechanisms, essential nutrient management for optimal growth, stomatal function dynamics in vegetables, fruit development pathways, secondary metabolism roles in quality enhancement, abiotic stress response strategies, biotic stress resistance mechanisms, and post-harvest physiology in vegetable crops. The book provides a thorough examination of climate-smart technologies aimed at ensuring sustainable vegetable production amidst global climate change challenges. It addresses critical topics like food safety through detoxification of pesticide residues and explores innovative approaches such as hormonal regulation techniques, nanotechnology, the use of growth regulators, biostimulants, and grafting to enhance growth and stress tolerance in vegetables. This volume is an indispensable resource for professionals in olericulture, horticulture, and plant sciences. Researchers and advanced university students will find it particularly valuable for its comprehensive coverage of vegetable crop growth and quality improvement. The book's focus on sustainable agricultural practices makes it a must-read for anyone committed to addressing global food security challenges in the context of climate change.