Preface

The book "Prunus" contains chapters on breeding, germplasm, fruit tree physiology, and production of Prunus species, written by authors from different parts of the world. Prunus is one of the most important fruit genera widely spread according to the various climatic and soil conditions. This wide adaptability of the Prunus genus gives an opportunity for it to be grown in many parts of the world. In modern taxonomy, subgenera of Prunus such as Amygdalus, Cerasus, Laurocerasus, Lithocerasus, Padus and Prunus include many species among which Prunus persica L., Prunus domestica L., Prunus armeniaca L., Prunus avium L. are the main ones.

The mainland of peach (Prunus persica L. Batsch) is China; however, the production of peach has been extended to the 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 one of the stone fruit species that has spread and adapted to different climatic regions of the world with a high number of species and cultivars. The reason for the extension of plums in such a large area is the suitability of plum to various conditions.

Sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) originated in Southern Caucasus, the Caspian Sea and the North-Eastern 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 Anatolian and the Taurus Mountains in Turkey.

Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) is a stone fruit with its origin in 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 peach.

Briefly, this book is on the Prunus species which is one of the main fruit and nursery plants grown in the world.

> **Dr. Ayzin B. Kuden and Dr. Ali Kuden** Professor, University of Cukurova, Turkey

Section 1

Breeding and Genetic

Resources of Prunus Species

**1**

Section 1
