When the first edition of this comprehensive book was published in 1985, it was eagerly welcomed as all the books on this subject were either outdated or had a foreign emphasis. The third edition maintains the high standards set by the first edition and addresses some modern issues.

These additions include current problems for both hive and wild bees and the implications for seed producers. There is a small new section on genetically modified organisms with reference to the issue of possible contamination. The topic of organic seed production has been expanded and participatory plant breeding is covered for the first time. The need for sustainability is recognized by the description of a solar drying system, which is increasing in popularity in developing countries such as Cuba.

To accommodate the new topics the UPOV cultivar descriptions are greatly reduced but a new appendix lists the relevant guidelines for each crop. A further new appendix lists crops which are vegetatively propagated and describes the usual method used.

A considerable asset of the book is the large reference section, which has been supplemented by a ‘Further Reading’ list at the end of each chapter. The book remains a unique and valuable contribution to this important topic.