Explore the complex world of medicinal and aromatic plants, where physiological development is intertwined with the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. These extraordinary compounds, essential for plant defense and adaptation, are also invaluable sources of active pharmaceutical ingredients that enhance the medicinal and nutritional value of fruits, seeds, and cereals. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the factors that influence the production and variability of these bioactive compounds. Explore the dynamics of plant growth and the impact of biotic and abiotic factors, and discover how plants respond to stress and environmental interactions.