U.S. agencies having responsibility in foreign assistance programs long have recognized the need for a handbook on horticultural crops in the Tropics. Information on the subject may be found in various scientific textbooks, treatises and papers. It is to fill the need for consolidated information in ready reference form that this Handbook on Tropical and Subtropical Horticulture is issued by the Agency for International Development in consultation with the U. S. Department of Agriculture.
Based upon an extensive survey of available literature, this manual is designed for the use of US. A.I.D. technicians and contract personnel, and for Peace Corps volunteers engaged in rural development. It is written in layman's language so that it may be understood by the non-specialist who yet is called upon to work with farm families in solving their agricultural problems. Nevertheless, research workers and students also will find it of value because of its up to date and extensive bibliography. It also serves as reference and guide for teaching courses.
In addition to U.S. A.I.D. and Peace Corps personnel, there are two other groups to whom this Handbook can be of great help. The one group is composed of missionaries living with rural people and concerned with agricultural education in the Tropics. Often lacking an agricultural background, they must search for practical information on tropical crops to help local farmers increase agricultural productivity. In the other group are employees of large agricultural companies. Some of these are foreign, others are local technicians. Perhaps their first aim is to promote the use of a specific agricultural chemical, for example, but since they have close contact with farmers, they are called upon often to answer questions pertaining to other phases of agriculture.
There has been a dearth of agricultural research people in the Tropics and a shortage of funds for basic and applied research. In general the quality of research work has been good, but quantity and coverage are limited. The Handbook indicates in the first chapter those fields of endeavor where work is needed immediately. Major fruit, nut and tree crops are discussed in the second chapter with emphasis on such important points as spacing, pruning, fertilizing, budding, and disease and insect control. A few Temperate Zone fruits are included to stress that they can be grown only at higher elevations in the Tropics, due to chilling requirements. Crops are listed alphabetically and scientific names are given for reference purposes.
The Handbook continues with a description of all major vegetable crops. Information is presented on seed storage, vegetable varieties, fertilizer recommendations, plant spacings, temperature requirements, soil and cultivation. Major diseases with their control are presented in a table for easy reference.
Herbicides are being used extensively in temperate regions for weed control. They will come into more use in the Tropics in the future, especially if labor costs continue to increase. Accordingly, a table lists recommended herbicides for each crop. Likewise, a table is presented to indicate major insects and how they can be controlled. Pictures are included for identification purposes.