An excellent publication both in terms of content and presentation. The book compiles and consolidates a wealth of information on all aspects of crop–water relationships of nine key plantation crops of the tropics and subtropics.

Much detailed research information is presented in a systematic way showing relationships and main characteristics of crop development, plant–water use and impact of water stress on yield under various water supply and climatic conditions. Research on industrial crops is fragmented and the publication shows the shortcomings of research, highlighting the need for a more systematic approach in design and interpretation of research in order to make results comparable and to ensure a more direct link between research and the practical applications for commercial and small-holder farmers engaged in plantation cropping.

A major achievement of the publication is the methodical way in which the information is presented. The detailed research findings on the main aspects of crop development and crop–water use are followed by a short summary of the main results and are concluded for each crop in a short summary. In the final chapter, a synthesis is given of the main findings of different crops with main recommendations on the way forward for research and development.

No doubt the publication will be a great help for all those researchers and practitioners involved in improving water use productivity of an important but so far somewhat neglected group of crops.