PREFACE

The topic of plant dormancy encompasses several areas, but here the papers are restricted to bud dormancy in fruit trees, with its many ramifications. This volume reflects the varied interests of those working in this area who actually attended the Congress and presented either papers or posters. Some topics of current interest are notably absent simply because researchers of these topics were not present at the Congress. On the other hand, a substantial number of papers dealt with dormancy related problems often given relatively less attention. For example, dormancy related aspects of the Asian pear are dealt with in several papers, reflecting in part the large number of Asian scientists in attendance, and in part the growing interest in this species in many parts of the world. There was also more than a little interest in growing deciduous fruit trees in tropical countries, and this is reflected in several of these papers.

All the papers have gone through the review process. These reviews have not been of the super-critical type that is seen in some scientific journals, but neither have they been of the perfunctory type. The authors have been required to meet scholarly standards appropriate to the subject and type of presentation.

The editorial board wishes to thank the authors for their cooperation and understanding. The majority of the manuscripts were written by persons whose native language is not English. The problems that arose because of this were dealt with efficiently and with a minimum of problems. The frequent use of fax machines and express mail services also simplified the process.

It is our hope and expectation that the information in this volume will be useful in furthering advancements in the dormancy field.

Loyd E. Powell, Editor-in-Chief
Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA

Shuichi Iwahori, Associate Editor
Tsukuba University, Tsukuba, Japan

Gary Couvillon, Associate Editor
University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA