Annona Species Monograph.pdf - Crops for the Future

Chapter 5. Ecological Factors
to 25°C is the minimum temperature range for good growth, while Belotto
and Manica (1994) reported that the temperature range for its establishment
is 18 to 29°C. Soursop is reported to be cultivated between 21 and 30°C and
is susceptible to abrupt changes in temperature, especially if they go below
12°C (Pinto and Silva, 1994). Consequently, even though the literature is
variable, it is clear that soursop is sensitive to colder temperatures.
Additionally, it does not tolerate dry, cold winds. It is the least hardy of the
annonas (NAS, 1975).
Soursop is reported to require high light intensity to grow (Villachica, 1996),
although the wild populations reported by Cavalcante (1976) in Amazonia
are apparently shade tolerant. This contrast suggests that it is a completely
domesticated species, as proposed by Clement (1999).
Custard apple is the most widely cultivated annona at low to medium
elevations (0 to 1,500 m) (Popenoe, 1952). It grows between latitudes 25°
North and South, and is reported to be found in almost all tropical areas of
the world (Zayas, 1966; Nakasone and Paull, 1998).
Custard apple cultivation is possible in both humid and semi-arid climates
(Popenoe, 1952), although it is reported to prefer humid climates (Fouqué,
1972). The average temperature recommended for custard apple cultivation is
not reported anywhere, but Fouqué (1972) affirms that it is sensitive to long
periods of cold.
Wild soursop is adapted to various altitudes, being cultivated from 0 to 1,800
m in Kenya and from 0 to 2,400 m in other parts of East Africa (FAO, 1983).
Wild soursop is still essentially restricted to Africa, between latitudes 22.5°
North and 22.5° South. It appears to have adaptation to very low to
moderately high rainfall regimes, occurring generally in areas with 600 to
1,200 mm (but 716 to 2,029 mm in Tanzania; FAO, 1989), while across
Africa requirements are for more than 600 mm annual rainfall. It can
withstand a relative humidity as low as 44% at midday. The best
temperatures for wild soursop growth are between 16°C and 30 o C (FAO,
1983).
Sugar apple is usually cultivated in the lowlands, although in Cuba it is
reported in cultivation up to 900 m (Zayas, 1966). Sugar apple is a lowland
tropical or marginally subtropical species, growing between latitudes 22.5°
North and South.
Sugar apple is native to the warmest and driest places in Central America but
is also reported yielding well in humid regions (Popenoe, 1952). It is also
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