This multi-authored book provides a comprehensive overview of many of the factors affecting the post-harvest quality of perishable fruits, vegetables and ornamentals. The book is the third volume in a series dedicated to the post-harvest science and technology of commonly traded horticultural commodities. This book is well written and draws upon the expertise of an international team of 34 authors. It is organized into 19 chapters that cover the following commodities: tomatoes, bananas, citrus, apples, mango, pineapple, avocado, grapes, stone fruit, soft fruit, kiwifruit, guava, passion fruit, lychee, prickly pear fruit and cladodes, cucurbits, herbs, spices and flavorings, potatoes, onions, shallots and garlic, tropical root crops, and cut flowers. Each chapter typically provides a detailed review of the history and importance of each commodity, the key factors affecting product quality, current handling practices and recent advances in technology and procedures for improving the maintenance of post-harvest quality. While the book covers a broad range of perishable crops, some commodities, such as European and Asian pears and several tropical fruits (e.g. papaya) of economic importance, were sadly overlooked. In addition, the most currently available data and references were not always presented. Nonetheless and taken overall, this book will be a useful resource for professionals and students with a fundamental and practical interest in the challenge to maintain the post-harvest quality of perishable horticultural products.