Economic and Academic Importance

Abstract

Allium species have been cultivated for thousands of years for its therapeutic properties, religious significance, taste and aroma. Most of the cultivated crops evolved from wild relatives that grow in central Asia. Nowadays, Alliums are major vegetable crops cultivated worldwide. The most important crops of this family are onion, garlic, shallot, leek and Japanese bunching onions. Worldwide the consumption of these vegetable crops is increasing, one of the reasons is consumer awareness of the potential of these vegetables to enhance health, to improve welfare and reduce the risk of diseases. In this chapter, the economic importance of the principal edible Alliums is described, information is given about the academic contribution to the knowledge of Allium crops in recent years, and also future challenges are mentioned, especially those related to plant breeding, genetics and genomics, that will contribute to increase yields, quality and to have a more sustainable production.