Portal de Periódicos da CAPES

The Tamarillo (Cyphomandra betacea)

2001; Taylor & Francis; Volume: 1; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1300/j301v01n02_06

1522-9017

Jaime Prohens, Fernando Nuez,

Insect behavior and control techniques

Abstract The tamarillo is a small tree native to South America. It is grown for its edible fruit, which can be prepared in many different ways. The main regions of production are its native region as well as New Zealand. Interest in the tamarillo as a potential new crop is increasing in many other frost-free climatic areas all around the world. There are three known types in the Andean region: red, yellow and purple. Tamarillo requires a sub-tropical climate, and can be grown in regions where citrus crops are cultivated. Propagation by seeds or cuttings is common, with plant pruning for efficient production differing accordingly to the propagation method. Tamarillo plants are susceptible to wind damage and should be planted in naturally sheltered areas or be protected by appropriate windbreaks. It is not seriously affected by insect pests and diseases, although the tamarillo mosaic virus (TaMV) causes significant damage in some areas of production. Tamarillo fruit can be picked when totally ripe or when the skin color is turning. Fruit picked with backward skin can then be treated with ethylene to induce ripening. Plant breeding holds promise for crop improvement and increasing the adaptation and acceptance of this fruit into new production areas. This review paper outlines tamarillo production systems and the contributions and future prospects of germplasm enhancement, intra-specific and interspecific hybridization, polyploidy and aneuploidy, mi-cropropagation and genetic transformation, selection and breeding for yield, quality, early harvesting and parthenocarpy for the development of new improved cultivars of tamarillo.