Annona Species Monograph.pdf - Crops for the Future

Chapter 10. Agronomy
10.1 Propagation
A. C. de Q. Pinto
Annona propagation commonly includes sexual or seed propagation, and
asexual or vegetative propagation. Since both are still important, each will be
examined carefully, since the quality of planting materials depends upon a
well-prepared plant.
10.1.1 Seed propagation
If seeds are to be used, they should be obtained from selected mother plants,
whose characteristics should include high fruit yield, excellent fruit quality
and high resistance to pests and diseases (Torres and Sanchéz, 1992;
Coronel, 1994; Agustín and Alviter, 1996). Use of seeds bought at market is
not advisable because these characteristics can not be observed at first hand.
Annona seeds generally present uneven and irregular germination, which
occurs over a long time, making sexual propagation difficult. However, since
seeds lose viability in the field, they should be sown as soon as possible after
removal from ripe fruits (Coronel, 1994; Nakasone and Paull, 1998). Seed
storage tolerance and later germination success vary among Annona species
(Table 10-1). Seeds dried and held at low temperatures provide more leeway
in time of planting (Torres and Sanchéz, 1992).
Table 10-1. Time of storage (days) to assure 90% seed viability, time
(days) for germination, germination percentage, seedling age for
transplanting and age if used for grafting
Annona species
Time of
Storage
(days)
Time of
Germination
(days)
Germination
(%)
Age for
Transplant
(days)
Age for
Grafting
(days)
Cherimoya 50-60 35-45 90-95 70-100 240
(A. cherimola)
Custard apple 40-50 30-35 90-95 50-60 180
(A. reticulata)
Soursop 30-40 30-40 90-95 60-90 210
(A. muricata)
Sugar apple 40-50 35-50 85-95 90-120 220
71