Page 456 - FRUTAS DEL TRÓPICO

456 Frutas del trópico

6. The period between initiation of growth and flowering may be as little as 3-4 weeks. Warming

temperatures and soil moisture speed the time to subsequent flowering.

7. The base temperatures for flowering in subtropical climates are 12-15°C. Temperatures in

excess 18 C are better.
o
8. In general, the proportion of perfect to male flowers varies from 2-75% and increases with

temperature above about 13°C. So there are usually more perfect flowers as temperatures

and the flowering period progresses.

9. Temperatures below 4-5°C during flowering result in reduced pollen viability and fruit set.

Excessive temperatures (at or above 33°C) also reduces pollen viability.

10. Exposure to low temperatures below about 12°C or high temperatures above about 44°C

results in ovule abortion. Fruit set at these temperatures are parthenocarpic (seedless) com-

monly called “nubbins”. Usually these fruit later split and/or abscise.

In summary, the optimum flowering and fruiting occurs in climates where vegetative

growth ceases after summer vegetative flushing due to either cool temperatures and/or dry

soil moisture conditions prior to flowering; followed by moderately warm temperatures and

abundant soil moisture during the flowering period; followed by moderately high temperatu-

res (30-33°C) during the fruit development period.

Orchard infrastructure

1. Land preparation may involve land clearing, leveling or sloping and/or bedding, and construc-

tion of ditches and/or canals.

2. Orchard layout – Generally a north-south row orientation is preferred for optimum dura-

tion of light exposure, however for some land parcels it is more efficient for equipment and

Universidad Autónoma de Chiapas