ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the origin and distribution, nutritional composition, medicinal values, climatic requirement, soil requirement, cultivated varieties and post-harvest management of endive. Endive was probably grown in South Asia in Mediterranean region, where the wild relatives of endive, that is, Cichorium pumilum Jacq. and Cichorium calvum Sch.Bip. ex Asch., are found growing. Endive is most commonly consumed as a fresh green in salads, for which, curl-leaved types are often preferred. Endive is one of the most difficult vegetables to grow, requiring a two-step growing process before it is ready for harvesting. Heavy mining by leaf miner can result in white blotches on leaves. As a result, they drop from the plant prematurely. Damping-off is most common in poorly drained soils having excessive moisture especially at bit high temperature. Densely sown nurseries are more prone to damping-off disease, which may be pre-emergence and post-emergence.
