Although thought of as a minor crop, peppers are a major world commodity due to their great versatility. They are used not only as vegetables in their own right but also as flavourings in food products, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics and as such are rapidly gaining in interest throughout the world. Aimed at advanced students and growers, this indispensable book provides the reader with up to date comprehensive coverage on all aspects of the plant's history, genetics, composition, production, harvesting and related diseases and pests.