Introduction

The origin of new information in agriculture, horticulture, and plant breeding derives from two methods: empirical and experimental. The roots of empiricism derive from the efforts of Neolithic farmers, Hellenic root diggers, medieval peasants, farmers, and gardeners everywhere to obtain practical solutions to problems of crop and livestock production. The accumulated successes and improvements passed orally from parent to child, from artisan to apprentice, have become embedded in human consciousness via legend, craft secrets, and folk wisdom. This information is now stored in tales, almanacs, herbology, and histories; it has become part of our common culture.