This book is about Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) that is the most expensive spice in the world. Though there are other books on saffron but none of them has comprehensive information on saffron genome, transcriptome, proteome, metabolome and microbiome. The book has been divided into five sections and 17 chapters that cover all the areas related to its cultivation, market & economy, genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, tissue culture, microbiomics, metagenomics etc. In addition a chapter on molecular markers and their use in molecular genetic mapping in saffron that lacks genetic diversity as a sterile plant paves a way for selection of elite varieties based on the epigenetic variability. A section on in-vitro propagation elaborates on the corm production under controlled conditions. In summary this book encompasses most of the information available on this golden spice

Providing a comprehensive and contemporary overview of the status of this particular genus, this book will be of interest to all those concerned with the study and uses of spices, medicinal and aromatic plants.

Preface 1 Carotenoid-Derived Aroma Compounds: An Introduction 1 2 Analysis of Norisoprenoid Aroma Precursors 20 3 HPLC-MS Analysis of Carotenoid-Derived Aroma Precursors 36 4 CD Spectroscopy as a Powerful Tool for the Stereochemical Assignment of Carotenoid-Derived Aroma Compounds 56 5 Analyzing Carotenoid-Derived Aroma Compounds Using Gas Chromatography-Olfactometry 67 6 Carotenoid Cleavage Enzymes in Animals and Plants 76 7 Identification of [beta]-Damascenone Progenitors and Their Biogenesis in Rose Flowers (Rosa damascena Mill.) 89 8 Production of Aroma Compounds by Enzymatic Cooxidation of Carotenoids 102 9 Thermal Generation of Carotenoid-Derived Compounds 115 10 Carotenoid-Derived Aroma Compounds in Tobacco 131 11 Carotenoid-Derived Aroma Compounds in Tea 145 12 Carotenoid-Derived Aroma Compounds in Flower Scents 162 13 Bound Volatiles in Brown Boronia Flowers (Boronia megastigma) 183 14 C[subscript 13]-Norisoprenoids in the Aroma of Colombian Tropical Fruits 194 15 Carotenoid Degradation Products in Paprika Powder 206 16 Flavor Chemistry of Saffron 220 17 The Formation of [beta]-Damascenone in Wine 241 18 C[subscript 13]-Norisoprenoid Aglycon Composition of Leaves and Grape Berries from Muscat of Alexandria and Shiraz Cultivars 255 19 Effect of Sunlight Exposure on Norisoprenoid Formation in White Riesling Grapes 262 20 The Significance of 1,1,6-Trimethyl-1,2-Dihydronaphthalene in the Production of High Quality Riesling Wines 273 21 Formation of 1,1,6-Trimethyl-1,2-Dihydronaphthalene and Other Norisoprenoids in Wine: Considerations on the Kinetics 285 Author Index 303 Subject Index 304.

Saffron: Science, Technology and Health summarizes the scientific, technical and health aspects of this crop. Saffron possesses unique agronomical, ecological, social and physiological characteristics. And, there are various chemical components present in saffron, including carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, color pigment, aromatic and flavoring agents. Saffron has a long history of use in traditional medicine, and in recent years, the application of saffron in the medical industry as a cancer curing and antidepressant agent has brought more attention. There is also a growing trend of saffron use in the conventional food industry, including saffron desserts, cream, butter, beverages, powders, cake mixes and soups. Intended for nutrition scientists and scientists and technologists working in the areas of food, agriculture, new product development and pharmacology.

Saffron is a precious spice which is mainly grown in Iran, India, Spain, Greece, Italy, Pakistan, Morocco, and central Asian countries. Until recently, saffron was perceived only for its value as a spice. However, with recent research findings pointing to the medicinal properties of saffron such as its antimicrobial, anticarcinogenic and antioxidant effects, interest in this plant has increased. The book presents a comprehensive account of saffron which includes the historical background, acerage underproduction, yield and applications, botanical ecophysiology, production technology, irrigation, pests, diseases and weeds, genetics, sterility, reproduction and production of secondary metabolites by in vitro method, economic aspects, indigenous knowledge in saffron production, processing, chemical composition and quality control, and research strategies.

Omics in Horticulture Crops presents a comprehensive view of germplasm diversity, genetic evolution, genomics, proteomics and transcriptomics of fruit crops (temperate, tropical and subtropical fruits, fruit nuts, berries), vegetables, tuberous crops, ornamental and floricultural crops and medicinal aromatic plants. Information covering phenomics, genetic diversity, phylogenetic studies, genome sequencing, and genome barcoding through the utilization of molecular markers plays an imperative role in the characterization and effective utilization of diverse germplasm are included in the book. This is a valuable reference for researchers and academics seeking to improve cultivar productivity through enhanced genetic diversity while also retaining optimal traits and protecting the growing environment. - Highlights perspectives, progress and promises of -omics application - Provides a systematic overview of origin, progenitor and domestication process as well as genetic insights - Includes full range of horticultural crops