Preface

Huge efforts have been made in the new advances in the agricultural industry, i.e. chemical fertilizers and synthetic pesticides, from the 1940s to 1970s; and these resulted in a drastic increase in the productivity of global agriculture, called the "green revolution". Afterwards, along with the benefits gained, there have been several criticisms, especially about food security and environmental impacts. Furthermore, the term "sustainability" gained more importance. Sustainability is defined as "an economic activity that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs" by World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and is based on three components: economic growth, social progress, and environmental protection. Nowadays, the demand for food is increasing due to the increase in human population but the quantity and quality of agricultural production is declining due to human-induced environmental problems, i.e. climate change and water scarcity. Moreover, our modern fruit industry needs to improve quality and quantity of fruit production using specialized production systems, mechanization, biotechnology, innovation, and science; while also protecting ecosystems by reducing energy inputs and environmental impacts. This book intends to provide the reader with a comprehensive overview of the current status of the modern fruit industry from production to consumption.

#### **Dr. Ibrahim Kahramanoglu**

Assistant Professor, European University of Lefke, Gemikonagi, Northern Cyprus, Turkey

**Dr. Nesibe Ebru Kafkas, Dr. Ayzin Küden and Dr. Songül Çömlekçioğlu** Çukurova University, Turkey

**II**

**Section 4**

*by Emine Tanriver*

Significance of *Ficus*

*by Abdelraouf A. Moustafa*

Egypt

Fig Production and Germplasm in Turkey

Ficus **103**

**Chapter 6 105**

**Chapter 7 115**

**Chapter 8 133**

**Chapter 9 153**

Chemical and Biological Characteristics of *Ficus carica* L. Fruits,

Phytochemical Composition, Antioxidant Potential, and Medicinal

A Threatened Introduced Species (*Ficus benghalensis* L.) in Ismailia,

Leaves, and Derivatives (Wine, Spirit, and Liqueur) *by Raquel Rodríguez Solana and Anabela Romano*

*by Haq Nawaz, Rashem Waheed and Mubashir Nawaz*

**1**

Section 1

Advances in Postharvest

Technology

Section 1
