FOREWORD AND PREFACE

ISHS Acta Horticulturae 626: XXVI International Horticultural Congress: Berry Crop Breeding, Production and Utilization for a New Century

FOREWORD AND PREFACE

Authors:

P. Hicklenton, J. Maas, ISHS Board of Directors

Abstract:
Driven by an improved understanding of the important role of dietary fruit in maintaining human health, global berry crop production has increased dramatically in recent years. Scientific research in the areas of breeding, crop protection, production technology, and post-harvest physiology have underpinned both the rapid increased in acreage, and the year-round availability of berry fruit on global markets. While berry fruit have long enjoyed huge popularity among consumers, publicity of research findings that reveal the positive effects of berries on disease prevention and health maintenance have increased demand substantially. Such publicity has also sharpened public interest in trying new products, new berries that often contain high concentrations of specific health-beneficial phytochemicals, as well as a full complement of vitamins and minerals.
Planning for this symposium began in 1998 with an ambitious concept of considering a full range of berry crops under 4 main headings: Berry Crops and Human Health; Crop Improvement; Plant Protection and Production Physiology; and New Crops. Over the 4 years leading up to the 26th International Horticultural Congress these research areas became the framework for a 4-day event featuring keynote presentations from prominent researchers and industry leaders in each area. Scientists from 12 countries presented their research in 6 oral sessions and a Congress-wide poster session, covering topics ranging from novel methods of fighting plant disease to the search for berry crops with previously overlooked commercial potential.
We have many people to thank for their help and commitment to this project both in the planning stages and in the editing and publication of this proceedings. Members of the International Scientific Committee contributed ideas and suggestions at every step; many members also served on the editorial board and contributed greatly to assuring the quality of the manuscripts that appear in this volume of Acta Horticulturae. We are especially grateful to our symposium sponsors, Consorzio Italiano Vivaisti (CIV), The North American Strawberry Growers Association and The United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service who provided essential financial support. Finally we thank the Congress organizing committee and particularly Drs. Norman Looney, President of the Congress, and Yves Desjardins, Chair of the Scientific Program Task Force whose help and guidance contributed greatly to the success of the symposium.

Co-conveners: Peter Hicklenton and John Maas

PREFACE
The papers contained in this volume of Acta Horticulturae report the proceedings of a symposium on ‘Berry Crop Breeding, Production and Utilization for a New Century’ Keynote speakers and authors of selected contributed oral and poster presentations were given the opportunity to submit a manuscript for publication.
These manuscripts were reviewed by the symposium editors, editorial board and other referees. Only those papers judged suitable for publication following the authors consideration of reviewer suggestions appear in this volume of Acta Horticulturae. The ISHS acknowledges and appreciates the contribution of all editors and reviewers. They have made a significant contribution to assuring the quality of this publication.

The ISHS Board of Directors