A fruit tree is a tree which bears fruit that is consumed or used by animals and humans — all trees that are flowering plants produce fruit, which are the ripened ovaries of flowers containing one or more seeds . In horticultural usage, the term "fruit tree" is limited to those that provide fruit for human food. Types of fruits are described and defined elsewhere (see Fruit ), but would include "fruit" in a culinary sense, as well as some nut -bearing trees, such as walnuts .
14-405: The scientific study and the cultivation of fruits is called pomology , which divides fruits into groups based on plant morphology and anatomy . Some of those groups are pome fruits, which include apples and pears, and stone fruits , which include peaches/nectarines, almonds, apricots , plums and cherries. Fruit trees can withstand the variability of rainfall better than annual crops due to
28-559: Is a species of hawthorn known by the common names azarole , azerole (from Arabic : الزُّعرُورَة , romanized : az-zu'rūra ) and Mediterranean medlar . It is native to the Mediterranean Basin and is a common plant there, growing on sites comparable to those the European common hawthorn grows on. In the Arab countries it is the most common hawthorn species. When growing in
42-455: Is predicted to prompt a major shift in the fruit farming industry by 2030, affecting the winter chill period necessary for fruit production. In addition, climate change has caused challenges like early spring and late frosts, flooding, drought, and extreme heat, all of which effect fruit trees. Severe droughts and flooding affect the trees' growth, making them more susceptible to pests and diseases. Extreme heat can damage growing fruit directly on
56-523: The Yearbook of Agriculture . Today, the collection of approximately 7,700 watercolors is preserved in the National Agricultural Library 's Special Collections, where it serves as a major historic and botanic resource to a variety of researchers, including horticulturists , historians, artists, and publishers. Azeroles Crataegus aronia Bosc non Decne. Crataegus azarolus
70-680: The sycamore fig , dom palm, and Christ's thorn . The carob , olive , apple , and pomegranate were introduced to Egyptians during the New Kingdom . Later, during the Greco-Roman period peaches and pears were also introduced. The ancient Greeks and Romans also had a healthy tradition of pomology, and they cultivated a wide range of fruits, including apples , pears , figs , grapes , quinces , citron, strawberries , blackberries , elderberries, currants , damson plums , dates, melons , rose hips , and pomegranates . Less common fruits were
84-639: The deep root systems and the perennial growth habit. Climate change is significantly impacting fruit trees, with effects varying depending on the geographical region and type of fruit tree. The annual temperature in Japan, for example, has risen at a rate of 0.124 °C per decade from 1898 to 2019, influencing fruit tree flowering times and potentially leading to a physiological disorder known as "flowering disorder" in Japanese pear , which may result from abnormal flowering or dormancy or both. In Australia, climate change
98-427: The division was to publish illustrated accounts of new varieties and to disseminate research findings to fruit growers and breeders through special publications and annual reports. During this period Andrew Jackson Downing and his brother Charles were prominent in pomology and horticulture , producing The Fruits and Fruit Trees of America (1845). The introduction of new varieties required an exact portrait of
112-611: The fruit so that plant breeders could accurately document and disseminate their research results. Since the use of scientific photography was not widespread in the late 19th century, the USDA commissioned artists to create watercolor illustrations of newly introduced cultivars . Many of the watercolors were used for lithographic reproductions in USDA publications, such as the Report of the Pomologist and
126-645: The mid-19th century in the United States , farmers were expanding fruit orchard programs in response to growing markets. At the same time, horticulturists from the USDA and agricultural colleges were bringing new varieties to the US from foreign expeditions, and developing experimental lots for these fruits. In response to this increased interest and activity, the USDA established the Division of Pomology in 1886 and named Henry E. Van Deman as chief pomologist. An important focus of
140-459: The more exotic azeroles and medlars . Cherries and apricots , both introduced in the 1st century BC, were popular. Peaches were introduced in the 1st century AD from Persia. Oranges and lemons were known but used more for medicinal purposes than in cookery. The Romans, in particular, were known for their advanced methods of fruit cultivation and storage, and they developed many of the approaches that are still used in modern pomology. During
154-531: The science of pomology is called a pomologist . The term fruticulture (from Latin fructus , "fruit", + cultura , "care") is also used to describe the agricultural practice of growing fruits in orchards . Pomological research is mainly focused on the development, enhancement, cultivation, and physiological studies of fruit trees . The goals of fruit tree improvement include enhancement of fruit quality, regulation of production periods, and reduction of production costs . In ancient Mesopotamia, pomology
SECTION 10
#1732855271695168-402: The tree. This situation is exacerbated by global trends towards reduced organic matter in soil, necessitating innovative water conservation and management strategies to ensure crop yield and quality. Pomology Pomology (from Latin pomum , " fruit ", + -logy , "study") is a branch of botany that studies fruits and their cultivation . Someone who researches and practices
182-460: The wild, the azerole bears plentiful crops of haw fruits, which are similar to the haws of the European common hawthorn, but more plump. C. azarolus is often divided into subspecies or varieties , for example Christensen in his monograph uses four varieties: C. azarolus has been used historically for a number of medicinal purposes. [REDACTED] Media related to Crataegus azarolus at Wikimedia Commons This Crataegus article
196-517: Was practiced by the Sumerians , who are known to have grown various types of fruit, including dates , grapes, apples, melons, and figs. While the first fruits cultivated by the Egyptians were likely indigenous , such as the palm date and sorghum , more fruits were introduced as other cultural influences were introduced. Grapes and watermelon were found throughout predynastic Egyptian sites, as were
#694305