Underutilized and Underexploited Horticultural Crops: Vol 05

The concern for diminishing nutritional security is a matter of global interest, as the availability of arable land is decreasing, water resources for irrigation are becoming scarce and expensive, and the availability of labor is diminishing. As a result, there is a growing need for future crops and alternative sources of nutrition. To address this issue, an all-inclusive international organization for future crops has been established under the auspices of CGIAR. Horticultural crops, including vegetables, fruits, ornamentals, medicinal plants, and aromatic plants, are particularly noteworthy because they comprise a large number of plants with potential for edible uses and significant nutritional value. While some of these plants are considered weeds in certain regions, they are consumed as edible items in other parts of the world. Moreover, some of these plants are utilized for phytosanitation and phytoremediation, but they are now gaining attention as raw materials for biofuel production. The depletion of natural resources, such as energy and water, due to climate change and the resulting global warming and ozone depletion, poses a significant threat to the sustainability of these resources.