ISHS Acta Horticulturae 57: I International Symposium on Tropical and Subtropical Fruits
INTRODUCTION AND EVALUATION OF NEW FRUITS IN PUERTO RICO |
| Author: | F. W. Martin |
| Abstract:
The fruits available in Puerto Rico represent only a fraction of the excellent fruits of the tropics. Bananas, oranges, mangoes, avocadoes, and pineapples predominate. In addition, about 150 species of secondary or minor importance are found. At the Mayaguez Institute of Tropical Agriculture a long term effort has begun to introduce, multiply, and distribute 7 selected tropical fruits: mangosteen, lanson, durian, rambutan, pummelo, mamey sapote, and canistel. Since isolated trees of all are found in Puerto Rico, adaptation is not considered to be a limiting factor. In most cases wide distribution of seedlings coupled with publicity through the local media, popular publications, and technical bulletins are the current techniques. As fruits become known, better varieties will be introduced, tried, selected, and released. Availability of sufficient seeds is the limiting factor in the case of the rambutan, durian, and mamey sapote. Sufficient grafted varieties are on hand of pummelo, and some few are on hand or readily obtainable in the case of canistel, mamey sapote, and rambutan. Cooperation with the University of Puerto Rico facilitates distribution of both materials and information. To a limited extent our fruit materials are available for distribution to other parts of the hemisphere, and international cooperation in introduction and exchange is desired. | |
Download Adobe Acrobat Reader (free software to read PDF files) | |
