Many of the crops widely grown today stem from a very narrow genetic base and so understanding and preserving crop genetic resources is vital to the security of food systems worldwide. This volume presents state-of-the-art reviews on plant genetics and the breeding of all types of crops by both traditional means and molecular methods. With emphasis on methodology, understanding crop genetics, and applications to major crops, it covers a wide range of crops, including row crops, fruits, vegetables, nuts and trees grown for timber and pulp.