Preface

This book discusses breeding, germplasm, fruit tree physiology, pruning, production, and nutritional studies of the *Prunus* species. *Prunus* is one of the most important genera of fruit. It includes peaches, plums, cherries, apricots, and other stone fruits. The main species include *Prunus persica* L., *Prunus domestica* L., *Prunus armeniaca* L., and *Prunus avium* L., all of which are discussed in this book.

The wide adaptability of *Prunus* allows it to be grown in many parts of the world. The peach (*Prunus persica* L. Batsch) is native to China. However, it is widely produced in different parts of the world in various ecologies for fresh and fruit juice consumption. It is grown at 25-45 north and south latitudes.

Plum (*Prunus domestica* L.) is another stone fruit species that has spread and adapted to different climatic regions of the world with a high number of species and cultivars.

Sweet cherry (*Prunus avium* L.) originated in South Caucasus, the Caspian Sea, and Northeast Anatolia. These gene centers spread to the east and west covering a wide area of the world. Sweet cherry is abundantly found in the wild areas of North Anatolia and the Taurus Mountains in Turkey.

Apricot (*Prunus armeniaca* L.) is a stone fruit originating from Central Asia, Western China, and Iran-Caucasus. It is economically cultivated in many countries in the world, especially in the Mediterranean countries. Adaptation of apricot to different climatic conditions is weaker than that of the peach.

This book includes two sections: "Molecular and Breeding Studies and Germplasm Diversity in Prunus Species" and "Physiological and Nutritional Studies on Prunus Species."

The first section includes the following chapters: "Genetic Diversity in Almond (*Prunus dulcis*) "; "Varietal Wealth of *Prunus* Species"; "Expansion in Cultivating Almond Trees in Egypt"; "Advances in Breeding of Peach, Plum and Apricot"; and "Gene Editing in *Prunus* Spp.: The Challenge of Adapting Regular Gene Transfer Procedures for Precision Breeding."

The second section includes the following chapters: "Stock Influence on Growth, Morphological and Biochemical Leaf Parameters *Prunus domestica* L."; "Recent Techniques and Developments on Cherry Growing in Turkey"; "Logistics Chain and Cost Assessment of Pruning-to-Energy Value Chains: Application of Life Cycle Cost Analysis Approach"; "Nutritional and Antioxidant Values of the Black Plum (*Vitex doniana*)"; and "Behavior of *Prunus persica* as Green and Friendly Corrosion Inhibitor for Corrosion Protection."

> **Ayzin B. Küden** Professor Dr. Horticulture, Çukurova University, Adana, Turkey

> > **Ali Küden** Çukurova University, Adana, Turkey

## Section 1
