Programmed cell death (PCD) is a genetically encoded, active process which results in the death of individual cells, tissues, or whole organs. PCD plays an essential role in plant development and defense, and occurs throughout a plant's lifecycle from the death of the embryonic suspensor to leaf and floral organ senescence. In plant biology, PCD is a relatively new research area, however, as its fundamental importance is further recognized, publications in the area are beginning to increase significantly. The field currently has few foundational reference books and there is a critical need...