Deciduous and Berry Fruits

Abstract

The overriding factor governing the distribution of deciduous fruit-trees is their need for sufficient cold to break the annual winter dormancy (the trees’ rest period) so as to ensure normal flowering and leaf development in spring. This need debars production of most deciduous fruits from subtropical and tropical areas except at high altitudes. As planting an orchard is a long-term, rather costly investment it is important to select a type of fruit and cultivar whose requirements match the temperature regime at the site of the proposed orchard. An abundance of water does not guarantee a high yield of good quality fruit if the trees’ often stringent temperature requirements are not met.