Pomology a study of growing fruit bearing trees

Pomology

1. POMOLOGY Group 1

2. Pomology Pomology is a branch of horticulture, which deals with production, utilization, marketing and improvement of fruits. The word “Pomology” comes from two words “ pomum ” and “logos”. Pomum means fruits and logos means study. So pomology is the study or cultivation of fruits crops.

3. Pomology is focuses on the cultivation, production, and study of fruit bearing plants, such as trees, shrubs, and vines. Pomologists work is to improve fruit quality, develop new varieties, and address issues related to fruit production and storage. It plays a crucial role in the agriculture industry, particularly in the cultivation of fruits for consumption and commercial purposes.

4. Fruit In general, a fruit may defined as a edible. Fleshy portion of perennial, woody or herbaceous plant whose development is closely related to the flower. In botanical aspect, a fruit includes a matured and ripened ovary which is directly associated with the ovary. In horticultural view, a fruit is an expanded and ripened ovary with attached and subtending reproductive structure. e.g. Mango, Jackfruit, Banana etc.

5. Orchard -The places were we grow fruit is called orchard. The commercial production of fruits are called orcharding Groves: Place where we grow citruses plant and the commercial production of citruses are called citriculture. Vine yard: Place where we grow grapes and the commercial production of grapes are called viticulture.

6. Classification of fruits A. On the basis of growth habit Tree e.g. mango, litchi Herbaceous e.g. banana, papaya Shrub e.g. lemon Vine e.g. grapes, strawberry B. On the basis of life cycle Annual (monocarpic) e.g. banana, pineapple Perennial (polycarpic) e.g. mango C. On the basis of origin of fruits True fruit e.g. mango False fruit e.g. apple

7. On the basis of pollination Self-pollination is when pollen from the same plant arrives at the stigma of a flower ( in flowering plants ) or at the o vule ( in gymnosperms ). e.g. mango Cross-pollination. The transfer of pollen from the male reproductive organ ( an anther or male cone ) of a plant to the female reproductive organ ( a stigma or a female cone ) of another plant. Insects and wild are the main agents of cross-pollination. e.g. papaya

8. On the basis of climatic requirements Tropical fruits are defined as fruits that are grown in hot and humid regions. e.g. mango Subtropical fruit : e.g. guava Temperature fruit: Fruits borne on the trees growing in temperate climates(such as apple, pear, peach, plum, grape, and strawberry) are adapted to climates in the middle latitudes and known as temperate fruits. e.g . apple

9. Dry fruits Dried fruit is from which the majority of the original water content has been removed either naturally, through sun drying or through the use of specialized dryers or dehydrators .

10. Fleshy Stone fruit (drupe) true fruits and the edible part is ovary. e.g. mango Berry is a fleshy fruit without a stone produced from a single flower. e.g. grapes Pome (false fruit) is define as from which the edible part is thalamus. e.g. apple Hesperidium a type of fruits are always covered with a leathery rind e.g. citrus

11. On the basis of height Tall e.g. mango (tree) Intermediate e.g. guava (shrub) Dwarf e.g. strawberry (herb)

12. On the basis of water relation Mesophytic e.g. mango Xerophytic e.g. pineapple, date palm Hydrophytic e.g. water chestnut

13. Principles of Pomology 1. Plant Selection: Choosing the right fruit species and cultivars is crucial. Consider factors like climate, soil type, and market demand . 2. Site Selection and Preparation: Selecting an appropriate location and preparing the soil with the right nutrients and drainage is essential for healthy fruit trees . 3. Propagation : Learning about various propagation methods like grafting, budding, and seed propagation is important for establishing fruit orchards.

14. 4. Pruning : Pruning helps control tree size, shape, and fruit production. Proper pruning techniques are essential for maximizing yield and fruit quality . 5. Disease and Pest Management: Understanding common diseases and pests affecting fruit trees and implementing preventive and control measures is vital for a successful orchard. 6. Fertilization : Providing the right nutrients to fruit trees at the appropriate times in their growth cycle is essential for optimal fruit production . 7. Pollination : Many fruit trees require pollinators for fruit set. Understanding the pollination needs of different fruit species and attracting pollinators is important.

15. 8. Irrigation : Proper irrigation practices ensure that fruit trees receive adequate water, especially during critical growth stages . 9. Harvesting : Knowing the right time to harvest fruits is crucial for quality and flavor. Different fruits have different indicators of ripeness . 10. Storage and Post-Harvest Handling: Understanding how to store and handle harvested fruit to extend shelf life and maintain quality is important, especially for commercial growers . 11. Marketing and Sales: For commercial fruit growers, marketing strategies and distribution channels play a significant role in the success of their fruit business.

16. 12. Research and Innovation: Staying updated with the latest research and innovations in pomology is essential for adopting new practices and technologies to improve fruit production . 13. Environmental Considerations: Sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices are increasingly important in modern pomology to minimize the impact on the ecosystem . These principles, when applied effectively, can help pomologists and fruit growers cultivate healthy fruit trees and produce high-quality fruit for both personal consumption and commercial purposes