This first volume of the Handbook of Plant Breeding book series is devoted to vegetable crops breeding. It is the first complete resource for plant breeders to include the most recent molecular techniques being used across species. Each chapter is dedicated to a major vegetable crop. Each chapter contains a comprehensive review of the diversity, breeding techniques, achievements and use of the most advanced molecular techniques in the genetic improvement of these crops. The purpose of the book is to provide breeders and researchers from the public and private sectors with updated information and the latest novelties in the breeding of specific crops of economic relevance. Also, it serves as a major reference book for post-graduate courses and PhD courses on breeding vegetable crops, as well a book of consult for horticulturists and extension agents interested in current advancements in the development of new vegetable crops varieties.