Annona Species Monograph.pdf - Crops for the Future

Chapter 10. Agronomy
Seedbeds 1.2 m wide by 4 m long should be prepared, above soil level in
order to have good drainage (Fuentes, 1999).
To avoid fungal infection, the seed can be disinfected with a fungicide, such
as Zineb, if this is available or can be purchased, applied before sowing.
Seeds should be spaced at 1-3 cm apart and 10 cm between rows. They
should be sown at about 1-2 cm deep, then covered with a fine layer of soil,
which should be compacted gently and watered to saturation (Popenoe, 1974;
Coronel, 1994; Fuentes, 1999).
Annona species present epigeous germination. The seed coat must be left to
drop naturally without any interference from the nurseryman, to ensure that
the plumule and young leaves to emerge without any damage (Fig. 10-1.).
Figure 10-1. Type and sequence of seed germination of annona species
After germination, seedlings grow slowly until they are two to three months
of age. At this stage growth accelerates in some annona species, such as
soursop, especially during the warmer season. Sugar apple and cherimoya
seedlings grow more slowly than soursop seedlings. The best time for
grafting of soursop is around 12-13 months after germination. While for
budding of sugar apple seedlings, the best time is 15-18 months after
germination. Cherimoya seedlings reach the appropriate size for budding or
grafting at around 15 months after germination, when the seedling rootstock
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