Introduction

This book presents information on cultivated plants located within 12 different regions throughout the world. The content introduces cultural evolution and species richness in cultivated plants, considering domestication assessments, which make it possible to obtain a deeper insight into the diversity of these plants.

Significance of Cultivated Plants

Cultivated plants are evolutionary connected to man, human action for nature and culture is necessary to secure the basis for future existence of humanity. Cultivated plants are included in this compilation, plants are grown for food, food additives, fodder, medicine, fiber, seasoning or as green manure crops, shade trees or hedge shrubs. The large number of commodity groups characterize the number of interactions between man and plants.

Objectives of the Book

The aim of this book is to bring together an actualized list of cultivated plants. It was necessary to organize, store and analyze gathered data during the exploration and collection missions, as well as those resulting from the ethnobotanical, archaeological and genomics studies. The book presents essayistic introductions; short data on areas of distribution and cultivation areas; the use of the plant; the history and descent of the plant; and citations of common names as a part of the cultural evolution of mankind. Where necessary, the content explores "gene sources" as plants for different breeding purposes including resistance, quality, yield improvement and weeds.