Advances in the production of temperate fruits in the tropics

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.

Development of Peach Flower Buds under Low Winter Chilling Conditions

“…Thus, the development of the blade of the last leaf formed before the perception of short days may be aborted [23]. In subtropical and tropical regions photoperiod changes are smaller during the year compared to temperate regions, which may result in changes in the response of this stimulus perception by fruiting plants [62].…”

Adaptability and stability of peach yield of cultivar BRS Libra grafted on different rootstocks in the subtropics

“…In the humid subtropical regions of southern Brazil, conflicting tropical and polar air masses result in insufficient cold accumulation in some years but also in a risk of late frost during the flowering stage. In addition, temperatures above 20 °C during the endodormancy period, considered undesirable, are also frequent in these regions (Pio et al 2019).…”

“…Cultivars with a low chilling requirement for endodormancy release can make peach production in subtropical regions possible and successful. Cultivar BRS Libra, commonly grown in southern Brazil, meets this demand, with a chilling requirement of less than 200 hours (Raseira et al 2014, Pio et al 2019, Fadón et al 2020. The fruit quality of this early-ripening cultivar is excellent, both for fresh consumption and industry.…”

Physicochemical Attributes in Mango Fruit (Mangifera indica) as Influenced by Storage Temperature and Hot Water Treatment

“…Therefore, these characteristics limit the storage life of the fruits and vegetables and cause significant deterioration following harvest. Most fruits that originated from the tropical or subtropical regions are chilling sensitive [8,9]. Chilling injury is a storage disorder that occurs at temperatures below the critical threshold but non-freezing temperature [10][11][12].…”