Subtropical and Temperate Fruit Production
HORMA 201 - M.Sc. (Ag.) Horticulture
UNIT I: Apple, Pear, Quince, Grapes
Table of Contents
Commercial varieties of regional, national and international importance,
Ecophysiological requirements, recent trends in propagation, rootstock influence,
planting systems, cropping systems, root zone and canopy management, nutrient
management, water management, fertigation, bioregulation, abiotic factors limiting fruit
production, physiology of flowering, fruit set and development, abiotic factors limiting
production, physiological disorders-causes and remedies, quality improvement by
management practices; maturity indices, harvesting, grading, packing, precooling,
storage, transportation and ripening techniques; industrial and export potential, Agri Export Zones(AEZ) and industrial support.
Chapter 3 -
🍈 QUINCE (Cydonia oblonga)
Family: Rose family (Rosaceae)
Commercial Varieties of Regional, National, and International Importance
Internationally Important Varieties: Smyrna, Champion, Pineapple, Portugal, Vranja, Bereczcki, Champion, De Patrans, and Adams are widely cultivated for their fruit quality and adaptability.
India: CITH B-1, CITH B-2, Kashmiri Local Quince, Himachali Local Types
Grown mainly in temperate and subtropical regions of North India (Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand). Used both as a fruit crop and as a rootstock for the pear.
Ecophysiological Requirements
Climate:
Prefers temperate climates; can tolerate a range of conditions but is less cold-hardy than apple or pear.
Requires moderate winter chilling for uniform bud break and fruit set.
Soil:
Thrives in deep, well-drained loamy soils with pH 6.0–7.5.
Sensitive to waterlogging and does not tolerate highly alkaline or chalky soils well.
Drought Tolerance: Quince rootstocks differ in water requirements; some types like Quince Adams are better suited for regions with limited water availability4.
Recent Trends in Propagation and Rootstock Influence
Propagation:
Quince is propagated mainly by hardwood cuttings and, less commonly, by budding or grafting.
Tissue culture methods are being explored for rapid multiplication.
Rootstock Influence:
Quince is the principal dwarfing rootstock for pear, inducing early bearing and reduced tree size.
Different clonal quince rootstocks (e.g., Quince C, Quince A, Quince Adams, BA29, Eline) offer varying degrees of vigor and adaptability:
Quince C: Dwarfing, suitable for small trees (8–10 ft in 5–10 years).
Quince A: Semi-dwarfing, produces larger trees (10–14 ft), less drought tolerant.
Quince Adams: Low to medium vigor, better for limited water areas.
BA29, Eline: Newer selections with improved traits.
Compatibility with pear varies by cultivar; many European pears require an interstem (e.g., ‘Old Home’ or ‘Beurre Hardy’) to overcome incompatibility.
Quince rootstocks are not suitable for chalky or alkaline soils; pear rootstocks are preferred in such conditions.
Planting Systems and Cropping Systems
Planting Systems: Square or rectangular layout is standard. High-density planting is possible with dwarfing rootstocks (Quince C, Quince A).
Cropping Systems: Intercropping is possible in young orchards with legumes or vegetables.
Root Zone and Canopy Management
Root Zone:
Deep tillage and proper soil preparation are essential for healthy root development.
Mulching helps conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Canopy Management:
Pruning to maintain open centre or modified leader systems for light penetration and air movement.
Annual pruning to remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches.
Nutrient Management
Apply well-rotted FYM and balanced NPK fertilisers based on soil and leaf analysis.
FYM - 10-15kg per tree per year for 1st year
NPK: 50:25:50 in grams per tree per year for 1st year
Micronutrient sprays (boron, zinc) may be needed to correct deficiencies.
Time of Application: Apply FYM and full dose of P & K in December–January as basal during winter dormancy. Apply Nitrogen in two split doses: ½ before flowering (early spring) & ½ after fruit set (during early fruit development).
Micronutrients
Zinc: Deficiency is common in calcareous soils. Spray 0.5% zinc sulfate + 0.25% lime 2–3 times at 10-day intervals.
Iron: In chlorotic leaves, apply ferrous sulfate 0.5% as a foliar spray.
Boron: If deficiency symptoms like cracked fruit or internal cork appear, spray boric acid 0.1% during the pre-bloom stage.
Water Management and Fertigation
Irrigation: Regular irrigation is critical during flowering, fruit set, and fruit development. Avoid over-irrigation and waterlogging.
Fertigation: Drip irrigation and fertigation are increasingly used for efficient water and nutrient delivery.
Bioregulation
Growth Regulators: Use of plant growth regulators is limited but may aid in improving fruit set and size in adverse conditions.
Abiotic Factors Limiting Fruit Production
Drought: Some quince rootstocks are more drought-tolerant than others; selection should match site conditions.
Soil Alkalinity: Quince is sensitive to alkaline soils; avoid planting in high pH or chalky areas.
Frost: Young shoots and flowers are susceptible to late spring frosts.
Physiology of Flowering, Fruit Set, and Development
Flowering: Quince flowers on current season’s growth; requires adequate chilling for uniform bloom.
Pollination: Mostly self-fertile, but cross-pollination can improve fruit set.
Fruit Development: Sensitive to moisture and nutrient stress during fruit growth.
Physiological Disorders – Causes and Remedies
Fruit Cracking: Caused by irregular irrigation; maintain consistent soil moisture.
Fruit Drop: Due to water or nutrient stress; managed by regular irrigation and balanced nutrition.
Hardness and Astringency: Related to genetic factors and harvest maturity.
Quality Improvement by Management Practices
Balanced nutrition, irrigation, and canopy management are essential for optimal fruit size, flavor, and texture.
Thinning may be required to improve fruit size and reduce biennial bearing.
Maturity Indices, Harvesting, Grading, Packing, Precooling, Storage, Transportation, and Ripening Techniques
Maturity Indices: Change in skin color from green to yellow, fruit aroma, and firmness.
Harvesting: Hand-picked at mature green/yellow stage before full ripeness.
Grading and Packing: Based on size, shape, and freedom from blemishes; packed in cushioned boxes.
Precooling and Storage: Precool to remove field heat; store at 0–2°C with high humidity for 2–3 months.
Transportation: Transport in refrigerated vehicles to prevent spoilage.
Ripening: Quince is harvested mature but hard; ripens off-tree and develops aroma in storage.
Industrial and Export Potential, Agri Export Zones (AEZ), and Industrial Support
Industrial Uses: Quince is valued for jelly, jam, marmalade, confectionery, and flavoring. Also used in perfumery and as a rootstock for pear.
Export Potential: Limited but growing, especially for processed products.
AEZ and Industrial Support: Regions with established quince and pear industries may be included in AEZs for value addition and export promotion.
Key Points on Quince as Pear Rootstock
Advantages: Dwarfing effect, early bearing, improved fruit quality, suitability for high-density planting.
Limitations: Graft incompatibility with many pear cultivars (requires interstem), sensitivity to fire blight, limited tolerance to drought and alkaline soils.
Selection: Choose rootstock based on soil, water availability, and scion compatibility for sustainable production.
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