Advances in the production of temperate fruits in the tropics

Rafael Pio,Rayane Barcelos Bisi,Daniela Da Hora Farias,Filipe Bittencourt Machado De Souza,Lee Kalcsits

doi:10.4025/actasciagron.v41i1.39549

Abstract

The present study aimed to review the advances in the production of temperate fruits to determine future research directions that improve production in the tropics. Temperate fruits are no longer only produced in regions characterized by a cold winter period. These fruits are also produced in the sub-tropical and tropical regions characterized by mild winter or even the absence of chilling conditions often required by the tree to break dormancy. Currently, temperate fruit production is possible in certain regions of South America, Africa and Asia that are near to the Equator. However, temperate tree fruit production in tropical regions requires modified techniques to overcome dormancy and allow adequate flowering, growth and productivity. The main approaches taken are the development of cultivars with low chilling requirement, chemical induction of budbreak, interruption of irrigation during the winter period, defoliation, orchard densification, and double pruning. Breeding has become a key tool in the advancement of temperate fruit growing in the tropics, especially with the development of low chilling requirement cultivars.

Highlights

Temperate tree fruit species originate from locations that have cold winters and well-defined climatic seasons and that have temperatures appropriate to growth during the spring and summer
The cultivation of fruit trees has been extended to non-traditional areas in the subtropical and tropical regions worldwide, where the climate is different from their natural habitat, with mild and dry winters and hot and rainy summers (Barbosa, Chagas, Pommer, & Pio, 2010)
Low chilling cultivars such as 'Eva', 'Princesa', and 'Baronesa' are well adapted to production in subtropical regions because of the regularity of bud break, flowering and fruit production. Some cultivars such as 'Imperial Gala' and 'Daiane' that have greater chilling requirements, are less consistent in bud break, reducing tree health and productivity (Chagas et al, 2012). Another important factor contributing to the suitability of temperate fruit tree cultivars to production in the tropics is the increase in the flowering period and in the harvest period (Bettiol Neto et al, 2014)

Summary

Introduction

Temperate tree fruit species originate from locations that have cold winters and well-defined climatic seasons and that have temperatures appropriate to growth during the spring and summer. According to Erez (2001), one of the main production limitations in the tropics is to overcome the dormancy period typical of temperate tree fruit species.

Results

Conclusion