Annona Species Monograph.pdf - Crops for the Future

Chapter 5. Ecological Factors
M. C. R. Cordeiro and A. C. de Q. Pinto
5.1 Physiography and climate
The Annonaceae contains species which are mostly tropical and subtropical,
although some species can be grown in temperate climates (Donadio, 1997;
Silva and Silva, 1997). In general, the annonas grow at a range of altitudes,
and those with the widest adaptation to altitude are also those with the widest
adaptation to latitude. No photo-period responses have been reported
(Nakasone and Paull, 1998).
Most annonas do not adapt to low temperatures. However, highland species,
such as cherimoya, wild soursop and, to some extent, custard apple, are better
adapted to cold weather than the lowland soursop and sugar apple.
Heavy shading reduces fruit set in annonas. Consequently, appropriate
pruning and spacing are very important and should be adjusted to each
species (see Chapter 10). Rainfall influences the efficiency of pollination
(Nakasone and Paull, 1998), generally reducing it significantly when rains
occur during peak flowering periods.
Wind is a factor that effects annona cultivation, often severely, as it can
reduce humidity around the stigma and reduce pollination. Wind can also
break branches, especially if laden with fruit, and fruits are sensitive to dry
winds (Nakasone and Paull, 1998). Cherimoya, for example, is reported to be
especially sensitive to dry winds, which can cause fruit loss (Belotto and
Manica, 1994).
Cherimoya is reported to grow at altitudes between 900 and 2500 m in its
natural range (Popenoe, 1939; Zayas, 1966; Fouqué, 1972; Belloto and
Manica, 1994) on plateaus and in mountain valleys in subtropical areas with
a dry, cool climate (the Andes in Peru), and is cultivated mostly in dry, cool
regions (Fouqué, 1972). Because it is adapted to high altitudes, it can grow
and yield well in the subtropics - cherimoya is cultivated around the
Mediterranean (Spain, Italy, Egypt, Israel), and southern coastal California
and Portugal, as well as in South Africa, Argentina and Chile. In Spain, it is
cultivated along the southern 'Sun coast', especially in Malaga and Granada.
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