Systematics Of Fruit Crops

"Taxonomists dealing with fruit crops have rated systematic pomology as an advanced horticultural subject and takes into consideration the basic aspects of taxonomy i.e. identification, naming of fruit plant species and varieties, besides, placements or logical classification of each fruit type under specific units of classification. For sound horticultural systematic knowledge primarily those of taxonomy, morphology, genetics, cytology and plant breeding is essential. For good reading material it is essential for systematic pomologists to use information of the associated sciences with appropriate explanations and applications. The present work provides elementary knowledge to the students who have started studying systematic pomology and covers: Introduction (three sub-heads) presents the more academic elements of taxonomy related to the theories, hypothesis, basic principles pre-requisite of systematics which are required for a minimum working knowledge of systematic pomology. The detail regarding general origin and distribution, flower and fruit structure is given so that students with this background knowledge are in a position to cope with problems related both to varietal descriptions and testing. Significance of systematic pomology to varietal improvement, new variety sources and methods of synthesis are detailed. The section 1-4 comprises of systematic enumeration of 58 fruits, discussed under the heads of tropical and subtropical, small fruits, nut fruits and temperate fruits. Each crop covers in detail the historical background, origin, distribution and uses, pomological traits of fruit, important species and cultivars and line drawings of flowers and fruits structures. List of cultivars is restricted to popular cultivars as the cultivation status is ever changing. The glossary and annexures are designed with thrust on clarity and brevity. The annexures provide detailed information of fruit crops, fruit types, genera, species and tribes, their number and status in fruit crop families. Botanical terms chart provides morphological description of leaf, floral structure and form, inflorescence root and rootstock for easily understanding by the readers."

Systematic Pomology is basic course for the post graduate students taught all over India. Though understanding of the systematic position of the fruit crops are imperative not only for the student but all those who are involved for the development of the horticulture especially plant breeder, geneticist, cytologist, botanist, chemist, entomologist, plant pathologist, taxonomist and paleo-bitanist.

The book is aimed to be a treatise on the ‘Systematic Pomology’, the primary component of science of fruits, dealing with identification, nomenclature and classification of fruit species based on the descriptions of characteristics related to their morphological, genetical, physiological, biochemical, biotechnological and eco-attributes. Besides taxonomic narrative of each species under the respective orders and genera, considerable emphasis has been laid on cultivars. The treatment is based on the latest version of Nomenclature and Phylogenetic System of Classification (APG III). The book is richly illustrated with diagrams and colour plates and carries fairly exhaustive bibliography and glossary. Thus, the book is of high academic value for research workers/teachers, students and anyone interested in advanced fruit culture to provide insight in identifying and classifying fruit plants, providing standard nomenclature and terminology, in avoiding the confusion from synonymy and promoting correct labeling, to understand their genetic relations, in establishing or maintaining a garden, a germplasm block, a research orchard or even herbaria, in identification of new genotypes or cultivars for introduction and in deciding orchard management practices as well as methods of utilization, in using the correct related cultivars kept in a genetic resources repository for improvement considering the limits of hybridization, and in selecting genetic material for a breeding programme considering their taxonomic proximities and specific characters related to fruit bearing, regularity, nutritive and edible quality, resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses and plant stature and form.

Find vital facts and information on a wide range of fruit crops—without having to read the entire chapter! Introduction to Fruit Crops combines an easy-to-use format with a complete review of essential facts about the world’s top fruit crops, making this both the premiere introductory textbook for students AND a superior reference book for avid gardeners, country agents, and horticulture educators. Each fruit is studied and clearly explained through its taxonomy, origin, history of cultivation, production, botanical description, optimum soil and climate, harvesting, and post-harvest handling. The book provides a comprehensive introductory section on fruit culture and, in following chapters, a standard outline for each crop to allow readers to find facts rapidly without having to read the entire chapter. This invaluable text includes detailed references and reading lists, making this a perfect addition for reference in university libraries. Pomology, the branch of botany that studies the cultivation of fruits, has unique facts and features not found in the studies of other cultivated crops. Introduction to Fruit Crops takes these unique pomological concepts and important facts about the most popular cultivated fruits of the world and presents them in a consistent reader-friendly format that is readily understandable to beginning students. Professionals in the plant or agriculture sciences will find this text to be a powerful reference tool to answer their questions and find facts quickly and easily. Other issues explored include preventative measures from pests and diseases and practical cultivation strategies to best encourage maximum yield for each crop. Tables, graphs, and a multitude of color photographs assist readers to completely understand crucial information and the various stages of fruit growth for each crop. A detailed appendix explains common names, scientific names, and families of fruit crops. Another appendix presents conversion factors used in the text. A glossary helps beginners by clearly explaining common terms used in fruit crop study. Introduction to Fruit Crops includes information on: scientific names folklore medicinal properties non-food usage production botanical description plant morphology pollination soils climate propagation rootstocks planting design, training, and pruning pest problems—including weeds, insects, mites, and diseases harvest and postharvest handling food uses Some of the crops described include: African oil palm banana orange grape apple coconut coffee strawberry nuts olives and many, many others! This one text provides an extensive, easily understandable overview of the processes for growing healthy fruit in today’s world for beginners and is a valuable desk reference for plant science professionals of all types.

This book is the second volume of a three volume reference set that will provide comprehensive information on breeding commercial horticultural crops. In a systematic way, it deals with the history and commercial importance of each fruit, the origin and early development of cultivation, regional characteristics, breeding objectives, fruit characteristics such as color, shape and disease resistance. Volume II deals with, for example, citrus fruits, avocados, and kiwifruits.

This book examines economically important horticultural crops selected from the major production systems in temperate, subtropical and tropical climatic areas. The general aspects of the tropical climate, fruit production techniques, tree management and postharvest handling and the principal tropical fruit crops that are common in temperate city markets are discussed. The taxonomy, cultivars, propagation and orchard management, biotic and abiotic problems and cultivar development of these fruit crops are also highlighted.