Annona Species Monograph.pdf - Crops for the Future

Chapter 1. Introduction
In many countries, the species are grown in small areas by small scale
farmers, who generally have difficulty accessing internal and external
markets. Major limiting factors are (1) climatic limitations and other growing
conditions, (2) ineffective or poor agronomic techniques, (3) limited postharvest
knowledge for harvesting, handling and transporting, (4) lack of
agribusiness initiatives to stimulate production, marketing and research, and
(5) lack of knowledge about the fruits' nutritional values, and techniques for
the elaboration of processed products.
The major species, such as cherimoya in countries with subtropical climates,
and soursop and sugar apple in tropical regions, are becoming better known
and are finding their way into commercial marketing channels. Nonetheless,
better technical and scientific knowledge is needed to sustain and enhance
the development of these species in appropriate regions.
This monograph systematizes information from different areas of study, such
as taxonomy and botany, origin and distribution, ecology, properties and
uses, agronomy, harvesting and post-harvest processing and the economics of
production. This monograph is expected to be useful to students, research
and development specialists, annona farmers and others interested in these
fruits. The companion extension manual is expected to be useful to the same
set of people, but is prepared especially for annona farmers and fruit
extension agents.
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