Publisher's Synopsis
Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L. f. Anacardiaceae) is a highly valuable and economically significant crop in plantation agriculture. This book provides a comprehensive overview of various aspects related to cashew cultivation. It covers topics such as the history, origin, and geographical distribution of cashew, as well as information on cashew production, productivity, and export/import. The book also discusses soil and climate requirements for cashew cultivation, as well as the biodiversity and crop improvement of cashew. Various aspects of cashew propagation and the production of planting material are also covered, as well as the morphology and tree characters of the cashew plant. Additionally, the book covers topics such as pollination techniques, the establishment of cashew orchards, mineral nutrition, training and pruning, rejuvenation of old orchards, intercropping and cover cropping, intercultural operations, maturity and harvesting, post-harvest storage, marketing of raw nuts, and cashew nut and cashew apple processing. The book also discusses pests and diseases that can affect cashew cultivation, as well as the economics of cashew cultivation and future strategies for the crop. This book will be of value to students, teachers, and researchers in the fields of horticulture, agriculture, and forestry, as well as cashew growers and processors, including small-scale processing unit holders.
