Tropical Fruits, Volume 1 (crop Production Science In Horticulture, Volume 20)

E-Book Overview

The first of two volumes, this book covers major tropical fruits such as avocado, litchi, mango, papaya and pineapple. Early chapters describe the tropics and its soils and deal with key issues such as tree management and postharvest handling, updated and expanded to include best handling practices and food safety issues and the way to address these issues in marketing. Following these are self-contained chapters on single fruits which provide in-depth studies of botany, areas of origin and distribution, descriptions of ecological requirements and world production and utilization of each fruit. Propagation & cultural practices from ancient to modern are described to show the regional differences that environmental and biological pressures exert on fruit production and fruit quality. Tropical Fruits is essential reading for students and teachers of horticulture as well as horticultural industry personnel and policy-makers.

E-Book Content

CROP PRODUCTION SCIENCE IN HORTICULTURE SERIES Series Editor: Jeff Atherton, Professor of Tropical Horticulture, University of the West Indies, Barbados This series examines economically important horticultural crops selected from the major production systems in temperate, subtropical and tropical climatic areas. Systems represented range from open field and plantation sites to protected plastic and glass houses, growing rooms and laboratories. Emphasis is placed on the scientific principles underlying crop production practices rather than on providing empirical recipes for uncritical acceptance. Scientific understanding provides the key to both reasoned choice of practice and the solution of future problems. Students and staff at universities and colleges throughout the world involved in courses in horticulture, as well as in agriculture, plant science, food science and applied biology at degree, diploma or certificate level will welcome this series as a succinct and readable source of information. The books will also be invaluable to progressive growers, advisers and end-product users requiring an authoritative, but brief, scientific introduction to particular crops or systems. Keen gardeners wishing to understand the scientific basis of recommended practices will also find the series very useful. The authors are all internationally renowned experts with extensive experience of their subjects. Each volume follows a common format, covering all aspects of production, from background physiology and breeding to propagation and planting, through husbandry and crop protection to harvesting, handling and storage. Selective references are included to direct the reader to further information on specific topics. Titles available: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. Ornamental Bulbs, Corms and Tubers A.R. Rees Citrus F.S. Davies and L.G. Albrigo Onions and Other Vegetable Alliums J.L. Brewster Ornamental Bedding Plants A.M. Armitage Bananas and Plantains J.C. Robinson Cucurbits R.W. Robinson and D.S. Decker-Walters Tropical Fruits H.Y. Nakasone and R.E. Paull Coffee, Cocoa and Tea K.C. Willson Lettuce, Endive and Chicory E.J. Ryder Carrots and Related Vegetable Umbelliferae V.E. Rubatzky, C.F. Quiros and P.W. Simon Strawberries J.F. Hancock Peppers: Vegetable and Spice Capsicums P.W. Bosland and E.J. Votava Tomatoes E. Heuvelink Vegetable Brassicas and Related Crucifers G. Dixon Onions and Other Vegetable Alliums, 2nd Edition J.L. Brewster Grapes G.L. Creasy and L.L. Creasy Tropical Root and Tuber Crops: Cassava, Sweet Potato, Yams and Aroids V. Lebot Olives I. Therios Bananas and Plantains, 2nd Edition J.C. Robinson and V. Galán Saúco Tropical Fruits, 2nd Edition, Volume 1 R.E. Paull and O. Duarte This page intentionally left blank TROPICAL FRUITS, 2ND EDITION, VOLUME 1 Robert E. Paull Professor of Plant Physiology Col