ISHS Acta Horticulturae 321: Frontier in Tropical Fruit Research
PROSPECTS OF NON-CITRUS TROPICAL FRUIT DEVELOPMENT IN THE SUB-TROPICS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE MEDITERRANEAN BASIN. |
| Author: | V. Galan Sauco |
| Abstract:
Besides specific problems of soils and irrigation water quality, tropical fruit crops in the subtropics experience stress due to temperature extremes. Although physiology and breeding need comprehensive research, many tropical species are surprisingly hardy, as witnessed by the spectacular expansion in recent years of several crops in these areas. The main countries currently producing tropical fruit in their subtropical regions are Australia, Chile, Egypt, Israel, South Africa, Spain and U.S.A., where avocado, banana, cherimoya, macadamia, and guava are prominent. Mango and litchi, although still minor crops, are acquiring increasing importance. Of the subtropical regions bordering the Mediterranean, mainly Spain and Israel produce commercially important quantities. If the current pace of research in evaluating crop adaptability and technological development (tissue culture, greenhouse production, etc.,) is maintained, together with the added incentive of attractive prices, several tropical fruits should soon be seen throughout the Mediterranean, namely banana, papaya, litchi, cherimoya, macadamia, and possibly, carambola. This is equally applicable to other subtropical areas of the world. | |
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