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.

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.

Natural bioactive compounds have become an integral part of plant-microbe interactions geared toward adaptation to environmental changes. They regulate symbiosis, induce seed germination, and manifest allelopathic effects, i.e., they inhibit the growth of competing plant species in their vicinity. In addition, the use of natural bioactive compounds and their products is considered to be suitable and safe in e.g. alternative medicine. Thus, there is an unprecedented need to meet the increasing demand for plant secondary metabolites in the flavor and fragrance, food, and pharmaceutical industries. However, it is difficult to obtain a constant quantity of compounds from the cultivated plants, as their yield fluctuates due to several factors including genotypic variations, the geography, edaphic conditions, harvesting and processing methods. Yet familiarity with these substances and the exploration of various approaches could open new avenues in their production. This book describes the basis of bioactive plant compounds, their mechanisms and molecular actions with regard to various human diseases, and their applications in the drug, cosmetic and herbal industries. Accordingly, it offers a valuable resource for students, educators, researchers, and healthcare experts involved in agronomy, ecology, crop science, molecular biology, stress physiology, and natural products.

Growing consumer interest in organic and herbal-based products has led to great demand in the botanicals industry in the past few years. However, the growing number of products utilizing medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) has threatened an estimated 9,000 medicinal plant species worldwide, making it critical to reevaluate their research and development, production, and utilization. Continuing advances in Omics methodologies and instrumentation are essential to understanding how plants cope with the dynamic nature of their growing environment, how yields and characteristics can be improved, and how to most effectively direct conservation efforts. With a focus on metabolomics, genomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, and more, Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Expanding Their Horizons through Omics illustrates the genetic mechanisms of MAPs, providing a better understanding of MAPs conservation and methods to improve characteristics for medical applications. With an introduction on the role of MAPs in human health, subsequent chapters discuss using proteomics to increase MAP yields and plant quality, genome editing, and CRISPR/Cas9. A valuable resource for farmers, scientists, chemists, biochemists, pharmacists, and students interested in medicinal and aromatic plants and plant biology, Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Expanding Their Horizons through Omics ensures readers have the background knowledge to put the necessary methodologies into practice themselves. - Includes in-depth analysis of Omics technologies for the enhancement of MAPs - Discusses applications of MAPs including their role in human health Written by world-wide leading experts in the field

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.