Böcker av Farha Faragalla

Tomato is cultivated throughout the world. China, USA, India, Turkey and Egypt are the top five tomato producing countries in the world. In India, tomato is grown on an area of 3.5 × 105 ha with an annual production of 5.3 × 105 MT. Bihar, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Assam are important tomato growing states in India. Tomato is a versatile vegetable and is used in a variety of ways. It is consumed fresh in salads and sandwiches. No culinary preparation is complete without the addition of tomato. Most of the tomato produced in the world is processed into sauce, puree, catch-up, juice etc. Tomato is also one of the important sources of lycopene, a powerful natural anti-oxidant used in pharmaceuticals. Tomato was introduced into Europe shortly after 1521, when Spanish explorer Cortez conquered Mexico. The first tomatoes introduced into the Europe were yellow coloured and the red types were introduced many years later. From Spain, the tomato spread to Italy, France and other European countries. The Italians grew it around 1550.

Arthropods are probably the most successful of all animals. They are found in every type of habitat and in all regions of the world. They feed on a wide variety of plant and animal materials and have been known as major causes of disease for centuries. Insects are referred to in the Bible as well as in Chinese, Greek, Roman and other historical writings. Insect-transmitted diseases have killed more soldiers than all military actions combined. Fleas, lice and mosquitoes infect humans and domesticated animals directly or indirectly with the organisms of many dangerous diseases. Arthropod stings or bites are occasionally fatal to humans. Their germ-laden saliva or contaminated bodies also are potential sources of disease transmission. Arthropods, especially insects, are vital players in the transmission of certain diseases to humans.