Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 9
Berry Crops
R. M. Brennan, P. D. S. Caligari, J. R. Clark, P. N. BrĂ¡s de Oliveira,
C. E. Finn, J. F. Hancock, D. Jarret, G. A. Lobos, S. Raffle and D. Simpson
Abstract The global demand for berry fruits has increased significantly in recent
years across all the main crops, partly due to the perceived health benefits derived
from their consumption and also because of changes in agronomic techniques that
have widened the availability and distribution of these crops. As a result, berry fruits
can be purchased virtually year-round in many countries, due to season extension
from enhanced agronomic strategies and also imported supplies out with the main
domestic cropping season. Berry fruit crops are generally of high value, so their
production and marketing can make a major contribution to rural economies.
The berry crops described in this chapter are all grown in broadly temperate
climatic zones, in both northern and southern hemispheres. Strawberry remains the
largest crop in terms of area and also consumer demand, whilst other crops, notably
raspberry and blackberry and especially blueberries, are seeing a rapid escalation
of production in many areas. The fruits are used for both fresh- and processed con-
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