Rieger (horticulture, University of Georgia) reviews essential facts about the world's top fruit crops in this text/reference for students and professionals in the agricultural sciences. Chapters on 29 fruit and nut crops provide information in a standard format, with sections on taxonomy, origin and history, production, botanical description, soil and climate, harvesting, and post-harvest handling. An introductory chapter covers fruit culture in general. Color and b&w photos of crops and equipment are included, along with a glossary, conversion factors, and an appendix on common names, scientific names, and families of fruit crops. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)