We wish to thank the editors and all of the authors for their dedication and persistence in the preparation of this book. We are grateful to the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) for allowing its scientists to dedicate their time to the preparation of several chapters of this book and for providing many of the photographs and figures illustrating the chapters.
The contributions of the following FAO staff members are greatly appreciated. Mr Jean Pierre Marathée, former Senior Officer of the Crop and Grassland Service (AGPC), was behind the original idea of this publication. Mr Elcio Perpetuo Guimarães, Senior Officer (AGPC), assisted with the editing during the final stages of publication. Ms Nuria Urquía (AGPS) and Mr Clive Stannard (AGD) provided technical expertise for the genetic resources section.
Finally, special thanks are due to Ms Anne Coulson for her outstanding work in editing and formatting this book.
Erik A. Kueneman
Chief
Crop and Grassland Service
Plant Production and Protection Division
