Growing fruit for local markets - Part II

Deciduous fruit industries in Florida have expanded and contracted during the last several decades.  The prominence of a given commodity is determined by a multitude of climatic cultural and economic factors.  Certain species/cultivars can be grown successfully in Florida only with the investment of substantial inputs (marginally adapted) while other species/cultivars can be grown with a minimum of inputs (adapted).  Some species/cultivars require such an extensive quantity of inputs so as to preclude successful culture (non-adapted) in Florida

Before discussing the adaptability of species and cultivar, one point must be emphasized – the need for proper site selection.  Almost without exception.  The performance of fruit and nut trees is best in full sunlight and well drained soils.  In addition, because many species sustain frost injury in the late winter or spring avoid planting fruit crops in low-lying locations.  My information on fruit crops for local markets was provided by Extension Fruit Specialist Dr. Pete Andersen with IFAS of the University of Florida

Asian or hard pears can be grown here but do suffer from fungal leaf spot and Botryosphaeria canker. Most pear varieties are used for canning, but some newer releases are becoming popular as hand fruit. The good news is that pears grafted on Pyrus calleryana will tolerate almost any soil, fruit prolifically, making them excellent for bulk sales at local markets. Intensive training is required on young trees to achieve a central leader tree framework to increase fruit production. Asian pears have a tendency to pro-duce an abundance of upright growth, and branches often break with the weight of a full crop load.

Closed eye figs are best for Florida and are fairly low maintenance, requiring little or no pruning. Select a protected location, with well drained soils and mulch heavily to reduce nematode injury. The most common pest problem is fig rust which can be controlled with fungicides. Fruiting occurs over the summer months and early fall.

Muscadine grapes, a southern favorite, are highly sought after for both eating fresh and wine making. This native grape belongs to the slip-skinned group which means the entire ball of flesh pops easily out of the skin. The fruit is seedy but these tough plants are resistant to Pierce’s Disease which kills European type grapes like “Thompson Seedless’ here in Florida. One down side is that they require a major amount of pruning in the winter, but rewards growers with loads of fruit come late summer.

Oriental persimmons are becoming more popular as our population becomes more diverse. Harvest both astringent and non-astringent cultivars in the late fall. This glossy leafed small tree is an easy keeper, tolerates a wide variety of soils and conditions and requires little pruning. However, Oriental persimmon does suffer from Botryosphaeria canker. Excessive nitrogen fertilization in fall can result in bark split and even death of the trees.

Cold-tolerant citrus are a local favorite with consumers producing good yields if a warm, sunny, well-drained location is chosen. Satsuma, calamondin and kumquat are best but must be grafted on cold resistant rootstocks such as trifoliate orange or Flying Dragon.. Once established, citrus is fairly drought tolerant and mostly pest free, requiring little pruning except for root stock sprout removal. They have a long harvest window storing nicely on the tree. Satsumas, calamondin and kumquat ripen in mid to late fall, and usually before they are exposed to minimum winter temperatures.

For more detailed production information, contact the Extension Office in your county or go online for more on “Sustainability Assessment of Fruit and Nut Crops in North Florida and North Central Florida” is http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/HS765.