Almond
The site for almond cultivation should have well aerated deep soil and free from hailstorm and frost in spring. Almond grows 750 to 3, 210 m above mean sealevel. The most tender stage in blossoming and development of young fruits is shortly after dropping of the husk. The blossoms become more and more tender on opening and can withstand temperature up to -2.2°C, but if low temperature persists for many hours, plants are damaged. The blossoms at petal fall stage are damaged at temperature below 0.5°C.
Aonla
Aonla is a hardy plant, which is successfully grown in variable soil conditions. The deep root system,
reduced foliage, dormancy of fertilized fruitlets (April-June) makes aonla an ideal plant for arid and
semi-arid regions with soils slightly acidic to saline/sodic (pH 6.5-9.5). Heavy soils or high water
table areas are not suited for its cultivation. A mature aonla tree can tolerate freezing as well as high
temperature of 46°C but not heavy frost in winter. Warm temperature is conducive for the initiation
of floral buds and ample humidity is essential for initiation of fruit growth of dormant fruitlets
during July-August.
Apple
Apple cultivation prefers loamy soils, rich in organic matter having a pH of 5.5-6.5 with gentle to
moderate slope, proper drainage and good aeration. The soil should have proper drainage channels
to restrict the incidence of collar rot, root rot and other soil borne diseases. Most of the apple
varieties require 1,000-1,500 hours of chilling below 7°C during winter to break the rest period which
is normally available at an elevation of 1,500-2,700m above mean sea level in the Himalayan ranges.
The areas with frost free spring and adequate sunshine during summer without wide fluctuations in
temperature (21°-24°C) are most suitable for apple cultivation. An ambient temperature (not below
2.2°C) with optimum wind velocity is must towards bee activity for proper pollination. The optimal
temperature for pollen germination and fruit setting is 21°-26°C. Dry temperate areas suitable for
apple cultivation in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir for production of high quality fruits
having intense colour , high sugar content and longer shelf life.
Apricot
Apricots are successfully grown in most of the soils, but deep fertile and well drained loamy soils are
more suitable with pH of 6.0-6.8 and at an altitude between 900 and 2,000m above mean sea level.
The long cool, frost free winter (300-900 chilling hours below 7°C) and warm spring are favourable
for fruiting. Average summer temperature (16° - 32°C) is suitable for better growth and quality
fruit production. The sites located in north eastern India at lower elevations and in south
western at higher elevations are suitable for its cultivation. Spring frost causes extensive damage
to the blossoms and high humid condition in summer causes brown rot. An annual rainfall
of about 100cm, well distributed throughout the season, is good for its normal growth
and fruiting.
Avocado
Cultivation of avocado is taken up on loamy or sandy loamy soils of alluvial origin
having 5-7pH. This crop is sensitive to waterlogged condition, salinity and soil with low
organic matter. Avocado grows well in tropical and subtropical climate with a mild winter at an
elevation of 600-1,500m and an annual rainfall of 125-180cm. High humidity during flowering
and fruit set is necessary to secure a good crop. This fruit has been grown successfully on
a limited scale in India on the hill slopes of Nilgiris, western ghats of Karnataka, Kerala and
Maharashtra.
Bael
Owing to hardy nature, bael tree has a wide adaptability to adverse soil and climatic conditions.
It requires subtropical climate where summer is hot and dry, and winter is mild. Plants can be
grown even up to an elevation of 1,200m. They are not damaged by low temperature even as low
as-7°C. A well drained, sandy loam soil is ideal. It can thrive even on poor, clay, stony and sodic
soils.
Banana
Banana is cultivated in all kinds of soils having good drainage. In sandy loam soil, plants grow
faster compared to vertisol or clay loam soil. Though soil pH of 6.5-7.5 is optimum, banana can be
grown in soil having a pH upto 8.5 with suitable amendments. Banana is well suited for cultivation
from humid subtropical to semi arid subtropics up to 2,000m above mean sea level with rainfall
of 5,00-2,000mm/year and mean temperature of 20°-30°C. At higher altitudes, banana cultivation
is restricted to a few varieties like ‘Hill banana’ which can be grown successfully without any
deterioration of quality and specific aroma. Bananas grown under mid subtropical conditions have
better quality fruits, as they develop better aroma with crisp pulp. The bunch growth of banana is
affected by low temperature and high temperature (above 36°-38°C). Similarly, water stagnation
and high wind velocity affects fruit growth.
Ber
Ber is not particularly exacting in its soil requirement. It is grow on a wide variety of soils viz. sandy,
clayey, saline and alkali soils. Ber grows under varying conditions of climate all over India even
at elevations up to 1,000m above mean sea level. It can withstand extreme hot conditions but is
susceptible to frost.
Cherry
Cherry grows in a well drained deep sandy loam soil with pH 6.5-7.0, which have high moisture
capacity holding during summer, are most suitable. The cherry plant is very sensitive to waterlogging,
so heavy soil should be avoided. Sweet cherry requires colder climate. It is grown successfully in
areas between 2,000 and 2,700m above mean sea level, requiring 1,000-1,500 hr chilling period
during winter. Climate of Jammu and Kashmir, high hills of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand is
ideal for its commercial cultivation. An annual rainfall of 100-120cm, well distributed throughout the
year is desirable.
Custard apple
It thrives well in rocky terrain with shallow, gravelly, well drained soils. Heavy soils are not suitable,
especially in waterlogged areas. An annual rainfall of 60-80cm is optimum. It cannot stand frost or
a large cold period.
Fig
Fig is grown in medium to heavy, calcareous well drained, deep soil having pH of 7-8. Although,
it does well even on light sandy & shallow soils, deep soils encourage better root establishment.
The crop can tolerate drought, salts (chlorides and sulphates) but is sensitive to sodium carbonate
and boron. The fruits produced on fertile, light soils are better suited for drying. . It favours areas
having arid or semi arid climate, high summer temperature, plenty of sunshine and moderate
winter. Climate has an important bearing on size, shape and colour of skin and pulp. A relatively
cool climate stimulates production of larger and elongated fruits.
Grape
Grapes are grown on a variety of soils, alluvial in north, heavy black clay in Maharashtra and
north Karnataka, red loam in southern Karnataka and Tamil Nadu and very light sandy locally
called "Chalka" soils in Andhra Pradesh. Soil with good drainage and water holding capacity
in a pH range of 6.5-7.5 is ideally suited for grapes. Areas with high humidity and high rainfall
are not suitable. Cool nights and mild temperature during day time with low humidity favour
fruiting of grapes. The rainfall during flowering and berry ripening is not favourable.
Guava
Guava is grown under a wide variety of climatic conditions. It is highly resistant to drought in
comparison to other fruit crops. The optimum temperature during flowering and fruiting is
reported to be between 23° and 28°C. In areas where winter temperature goes down to 7°C,
growth ceases and leaves become purple. In subtropical regions with insufficient heat calories
during winter months, commercial production sometimes becomes difficult and the time from
anthesis to fruit harvest increases to 200 days. Guava is one of the few tropical and subtropical
fruit crops, which have tolerance to salinity and can be grown on marginal lands with minimum
care. Though, it thrives well in varieties of soils having pH ranging from 4.5 to 9.5, the best
results are achieved in sandy loam with an optimum pH range between 5 to 7.
Jackfruit
Jackfruit can be grown on a wide variety of soils but grows well in a rich, deep, alluvial and well
drained soils. It can also be grown on open textured or lateritic soil, provided sufficient nutrients
are available. It grows well in a warm, humid climate up to an elevation of 1,500m. It cannot tolerate
cold and frost.
Jamun
The jamun trees are grown on a wide range of soils calcareous, saline sodic soils and marshy areas.
Deep loam and well drained soils are ideal. Jamun is a hardy furit crop, which can be grown under
adverse soil and climatic conditions. It thrives well both under tropical and subtropical climates. Dry
weather, at the time of flowering and fruit setting and early rains, is beneficial for better growth,
development and ripening of fruit.
Karonda
Karonda is very hardy and drought tolerant, It is grown on a wide range of soils including saline and
sodic soils. It thrives well throughout the tropical and subtropical climates.
Kiwi
Kiwi grows successfully in deep, rich, well drained sandy loam soils with a pH slightly less than 6.9
but higher pH up to 7.3 affects fruit growth adversely. Kiwi is a deciduous vine which can withstand
wide climatic conditions. In India, kiwi can be successfully grown at 800-1,500m above mean sea
level. A rainfall of about 150cm per year is sufficient. The plant does not withstand strong winds. For
high yield and quality fruits, it requires 700-800 chilling hours below 7°C to break its rest period in
the winter otherwise the bud break may be delayed.
Lime and Lemon
Acid lime is tropical in its climatic requirements and is cultivated in all parts of the country
which are free from frost (drier region). It can be grown successfully where the rainfall
does not exceed 750mm/annum. The areas, which are warm, moderately humid, free
from strong winds and frost are ideally suited for its cultivation. In north India, where the
temperature occasionally falls below freezing, commercial cultivation of acid lime is risky. Sweet
lime is more hardy than acid lime and can be grown under a wide range of climate conditions right
from dry areas to frosty area. Rangpur lime is raised throughout the country, particularly in drier
regions. The optimum temperature requirement for Rangpur lime is 20°-30°C. In humid areas, it
becomes more susceptible to scab. Lemons are hardier than limes to both heat and cold. They have
wide adaptability both in humid and semi humid regions, plains and areas receiving high rainfall.
Lemons can be grown in hilly regions also (1,200m above mean sea level).
Litchi
Litchi grows in a variety of soil types viz. fairly deep, well drained loam soil rich in organic matter
and light sandy loam. Lime content in soil is also beneficial to trees. A sandy loam or clay loam with
frost free area having pH of 5.5-7.0 and sufficient soil depth is ideal for litchi cultivation. Generally,
it flourishes best in a moist atmosphere and abundant rainfall. . Plants grow luxuriantly at 30°C.
the maximum temperature during flowering and fruit development varies from 21°C in February to
38°C in June in Bihar. Wet spring, dry summer and light winter are desirable conditions for fruiting in
litchi. The dry hot winds in summer cause fruit cracking and subsequently damage the pulp (aril).
Loquat
Loquat requires a well-drained, deep, sandy loam soil with inorganic matter. It needs about 90 cm
well distributed rainfall throughout the year. The limiting factor for its successful cultivation is frost
during flowering period and hot summer with scorching winds.
Mandarin orange
Mandarins are grown in a wide variety of soils right from medium or light loamy soils with slightly
heavy sub soil upto typical black clay soil (Nagpur). It also grows successfully in deep, well drained
black and red loamy soil (South India) and lateritic type of sandy loam with pH 4.5-6.0 (Assam). The
mandarin flourishes well in deep, well drained, black and red loamy soil of Coorg area. In northern
India, kinnow is grown on alluvial soils with pH 5.0-9.0 and even in acidic laterite soil (Himachal
Pradesh). Mandarin grows successfully in all frostfree tropical and subtropical regions of the
country. They are well adapted well to sub mountainaceous tracts 370-1,500 m above mean sea
level and temperature 10°-35°C. In north-eastern India, climate favours the production of excellent
colour and quality mandarins. Kinnow needs sharply contrasting warm cool temperature with a
chilling temperature during winter for good cropping and high quality fruits. Kinnow has adpted
well in Punjab, Haryana, parts of Rajasthan and foothills of Himachal Pradesh. Kinnow is not
grown successfully in humid tropical regions. It performs very well in Nagpur and Akola regions
of Maharashtra.
Mango
Mango is grown on alluvial to lateritic soils even in slightly acidic soil with good drainage but not in
black cotton soil. Mango is a tropical fruit, but it can be grown up to 1,100m above mean sea level.
The temperature between 24 and 27°C is ideal for its cultivation. There should not be high humidity,
rain or frost during flowering and frequent showering may attract many pest and diseases. It can
be grown best in regions with a rainfall between 25cm and 250cm. Higher temperature during fruit
development and maturity gives better quality fruits.
Papaya
Papaya is grown in a wide variety and well drained and aerated soils, eg. sandy loam, rich alluvial
soils on banks and deltas of big rivers and also in calcareous and stormy soil with high organic
matter (pH 6.0-7.5). Papaya is a tropical fruit but it also grows well in the mild subtropical regions
of the country up to 1,000m above mean sea level. Night temperature below 12°-14°C for several
hours during winter season affects its growth and production severely. It is very much sensitive to
frost, strong winds and water stagnation.
Passion Fruit
It prefers tropical to subtropical climate and grows well up to 2,000m with a rainfall of 1,000-2,500
mm annually. It can grow in light sandy loam to heavy loam soils with a pH of 6 to 7. Soils should be
well drained.
Peach
Peach requires deep sandy loam soil rich in organic matter with good drainage The pH of the soil
should be between 5.8 and 6.8. Acidic and saline soils are unfit for peach cultivation. The land with
gentle slope is ideal for peach cultivation. Humid climate with cold winter and dry summer is best for
cultivation. It is sensitive to lower temperature(-6.5°C) and early spring frost in respect of flowering.
The blooming period can be delayed by the application of gibberellic acid (200ppm) before leaf fall
or by application of ethephon, to avoid the risk of spring frost.
Pear
Pear grows best in deep, welldrained, fertile, mediumtextured and relatively more clay soil. It is more
tolerant to wet soils but less tolerant to drought than apple. Pears even do well on poorly aerated
heavy soil with high watertable which is heavy in texture for most of deciduous fruits. A neutral pH
range of 6.0-7.5 is desirable for proper growth and fruit production. Low lands are not suitable for
pear cultivation. Pear can be grown in a wide range of climatic conditions, as it can tolerate as low
as -26°C temperature when dormant and as high as 45°C during growing period. A large number of
pear cultivars require about 1,200 hr below 7°C during winter to complete their chilling requirement
to flower and fruit satisfactorily.
Pineapple
The pineapple grows well in sandy loam soil with 45-60cm in depth without hard pan or stones .
It prefers soil pH of 5.0-6.0. It is crop of humid tropics. The optimum temperature for successful
cultivation is 22°-32°C. Leaves and roots grow best at 32°C and 29°C respectively. It can be grown
up to 1,100 m above mean sea level, if the area is frost free. The optimum annual rainfall for its
commercial cultivation is 100-150 cm but grows remarkably well under a wide range of rainfall.
Plum
Plum grows on a wide range of soils, deep fertile and well drained, loamy soil with a pH of 5.5-6.5.
The soil should be free from hard pan, water logging and excessive salts. Plum requires varying types
of climates right from subtropical plains to the temperate high hills and free adequate sunshine
in summer. Plum requires 90-110 cm well distributed rainfall throughout the year. Prolonged
drought during fruit growth and development and excessive rains during fruit maturity hamper
fruit quality.
Pomegranate
Pomegranate prefers a well drained, sandy loam to deep loam or alluvial soils and also in light soils.
Quality and colour development in light soils is good but poor in heavy soils. It tolerates salinity
up to 9.00 EC/mm and sodicity 6.78 ESP. Pomegranate grows well under semi arid conditions
and thrives best under hot dry summer and cold winter upto altitude of 500m provided irrigation
facilities are available. The tree requires hot and dry climate for a sufficiently long period during fruit
development and ripening to produce sweet fruits. The pomegranate tree is deciduous in areas of low
winter temperature and an evergreen or partially deciduous in tropical and subtropical conditions.
It can tolerate frost to a considerable extent in dormant stage, but is injured at temperature
below - 11°C
Sapota
Sapota, a crop of tropical region, needs warm (10°-38°C) and humid (70% relative humidity) climate
where it flowers and fruits throughout the year. In subtropics, it gives only one crop from summer
flowering in April and May and in humid regions, it gives two crops in a year.
Strawberry
Strawberry can be grown on any type of soil-poor sand to heavy clay-provided proper moisture,
organic matter and drainage is present. Strawberry ripens somewhat earlier on sandy soil than on
clay soil. Strawberry is not much sensitive to soil reaction. However, it prefers a slight acidic soil.
At higher pH, there is less root growth. There should be no underlying lime layer up to 15-20 cm,
otherwise it causes burning of leaves. In drier areas, alkali soils must be avoided. Thus, sandy loam
to loamy soil with pH 5.7-6.5 is ideal for strawberry cultivation.
Sweet orange
The production of sweet orange is largely favoured by dry, semi arid to subtropical conditions.
However, plants grow well under subtropical climate and can even withstand occasional light
frosts. Several hours of exposure to a temperature of 3°C cause severe injury to plants. On
the other hand, very high temperatures are also detrimental. The average temperature for
growth is about 16°-20°C. Hence, it can tolerate well maximum temperature of 32° C-40°C
and minimum of 17°-27°C as it exists in most of the sweet orange growing belts of
the country.
Sweet orange is grown on a wide range of soils. These grow in almost any soil if it is sufficiently
aerated and deep, allowing the roots to penetrate to desired depth. In India, sweet orange is being
cultivated on a wide range of soils, e.g. alluvial, sandy loam to loam , red sand soils to black clayey
soils. In Andhra Pradesh, it is grown on red soil with loamy sub soils, red sandy soils and black clayey
soils. The sweet orange growing areas of Maharashtra have black soils. Thus, a well drained sandy
loam to clay loam is preferred by sweet oranges.
Pecannut
Pecan is grown in varied types of soil with proper aeration. Sandy loam, fertile soil, rich in organic
matter, deep, well aerated and well drained soils with a pH of 6.4 is ideal . Although it can be grown
in soils having pH of 5-8, in alkaline soils Zn deficiency in severe. Pecan grows in warm temperate
climate. The extremes of both temperate and subtropical climates are undesirable. It requires
240-280 days growing season with a mean temperature above 26.7°C, heat units (above 10°C)
amounting to 5,000 degree days during 7 months of nut-growing season, mean temperature for
3 coldest months between 7.2°C and 12.8°C with at least 400hr of chilling temperature at or below
7.2°C, medium to low rainfall and high levels of solar radiation during the growing season.
Walnut
Walnut is sensitive to low temperature during spring and high temperature during summer. Walnut
should be grown only under such climate conditions which are free from frosts during spring and
extreme heat during summer. At bloom, temperature of even 2°-3°C below freezing results in killing
of a large number of young flowers. Hot summers with low humidity result in blank nuts. They grow
well in areas with well-spread rain of about 75cm or more. Temperature of 29°-32°C near harvesting
results in well filled kernels. Areas where the trees do not receive adequate chilling cause them to
leaf out and bloom late.
A well drained silt loam soil having abundant organic matter is ideal. The soils should be free
from rock, impervious clay, coarse and sandy soil with hard pan, layers of gravel and fluctuating
watertable. Alkaline soils should be avoided.
