Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
frequently separate, exposing the white fl esh upon ripening (Fig. 6.2). The
fruit matures during the summer although production can extend for several
months.
Atemoya is a hybrid between A. squamosa and A. cherimola ; P.J. Wester
of Florida produced the fi rst hybrids in 1908 and called it the 'atemoya',
using the Brazilian name 'ate' for sweetsop and 'moya' from cherimoya. In
1927, hybrids were also developed in Poona, India. Numerous cultivars have
been selected in Israel (Gazit and Eistenstein, 1985). There is considerable
variation among seedlings. Leaves are glabrous and larger than those of the
parents, with fl owering and fruiting seasons resembling those of A. squamosa .
Seedlings also dif er widely in the external and internal structure of the fruit.
Favourable characteristics inherited from the cherimoya parent include
many seedless carpels and carpels that adhere together instead of breaking
apart into individual tubercles, as in the sweetsop (Fig. 6.2). The atemoya is
more tropical in its requirements than cherimoya. While young trees require
some protection from frost, older trees have shown tolerance in Australia.
The atemoya is currently grown commercially in Israel, Australia, California,
Florida and Hawaii and in other countries for domestic consumption.
A. glabra L. (pond apple) has greater potential as a rootstock than for
fruit. It grows wild in southern Florida around lakes and rivers and is widely
distributed in the lowlands of tropical America. It is a vigorous grower,
reaching heights of 12 m and grows well in swampy areas. The fl ower is
fragrant, creamy-yellow and reddish inside. The fruit is about the size of the
sweetsop and heart-shaped; its yellow pulp is described as insipid.
Fig. 6.2. Fruit of sweetsop and atemoya.
 
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