ISHS Acta Horticulturae 296: Tropical Fruits, XXIII I.H.C.
TEMPERATE ZONE FRUITS IN THE TROPICS/SUBTROPICS: SOUTHERN NORTH AMERICA AND CENTRAL AMERICA |
| Author: | Daniel H. Diaz |
| Abstract:
The economic value of temperate zone fruit production in the tropics and subtropics of north and central America has increased recently. This is largely due to introduction of low-chilling cultivars and of new management practices to avoid delayed foliation. Grapes are planted extensively in the southern United States and northern Mexico in areas with more than 200 chill units (CU), and at low altitudes in the tropics of Central America, where two crops can be produced per year. Peaches are grown mostly in the U.S. and Mexico, while apples are grown in Mexico and Central America at both low and high altitudes. However, few nectarines, plums or pears are produced under such warm conditions. The peach cultivars grown are mainly from the University of Florida breeding program, while the primary apple cultivars are 'Anna' and 'Dorsett Golden'. As for grape, 'Perlette', 'Thompson', 'Flame', 'Superior', 'Cardinal', and 'Italia' are well adapted. Most species are treated with chemicals to stimulate bud opening. Better low chilling cultivars are needed to prolong the harvest season, reduce costs of production, expand export markets, and to provide better products for the domestic consumer. | |
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