ISHS Acta Horticulturae 620: XXVI International Horticultural Congress: Asian Plants with Unique Horticultural Potential: Genetic Resources, Cultural Practices, and Utilization
NATIVE TROPICAL ASIAN FRUITS |
| Authors: | P. Anupunt, S. Somsri, S. Chaikiattiyos, U. Kumscha |
| Keywords: | genetic diversity, genetic conservation, germplasm, genebanks |
| Abstract:
The Asian region is rich in diversity of tropical fruit species, particularly in South and Southeast Asia. Fruits are very important for the well being of the populations in the region, as sources of supplemental food, nutritionally balanced diets, and both household income and national revenues. Some species have specific medicinal uses, while others, are used for timber, fuel wood and livestock feed. Over 400 edible tropical fruit species are found in Asia. There is an wide range of production systems in Asia’s fruits, varying from collecting of wild fruits to intensive commercial plantations. Over 55% of Asia’s fruit species are not cultivated, but gathered from forests and other non cultivated area. Home gardens are the most prevalent production systems for cultivated fruit in Asia. Native species, including citrus, mango, durian, rambutan, langsat and jackfruit are the most commonly found. Intensively managed orchards and commercial plantations are mainly non-branching fruits including banana, papaya and pineapple. Exceptions are in Thailand which has intensive orchards of durian, mango, longan, mangosteen, pummelo, rambutan, lychee and tangerine; in India for citrus and mango; in Indonesia for Artocarpus spp. and Annona spp.; in Malaysia for durian, rambutan star fruit, mango and guava; in Nepal and Sri Lanka for citrus and mango; in Vietnam for citrus, mango, longan; in the Philippines for mango; and in China for citrus. Many related species of existing crops could be important for breeding purposes, for use as rootstocks, for processing, and for consumption. For example, Durio lowianus, Durio mansoni and Durio spp. were used for breeding program and rootstocks; young leaves of Garcinia cowa are used as food addition in mainly Thai foods, fruit of G. schomburgkiana are made a fine preserve, gum resin of G. hanburyii is used as a portent purgative and for coloring; immature or ripe fruits of breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) are eaten after boiling, baking, roasting or frying, Marang (A. odoratissimus) and chempedak (A. integer) are cooked as vegetables; ripe fruit of sour soup (Annona muricata) is grown for its juice and seed have a use as a source of insecticidal material etc. Hence, conservation of diversity and utilization in these species and selection of superior types for cultivation play a major role in realizing economic gains in Asia. | |
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