Tropical and subtropical fruits (2+1)

Pest and Diseases

Maturity indices

1. Custard apple fruits are climacteric, therefore they are harvested when they are mature, firm and plumpy, on maturity, fruit turn light green. The inter aereolar space widens the fruits turn creamy white, the skin between the segments or tubercles turn into light yellow colour.
2. For transporting over distant market, the fruits are to be picked before full ripening and are packed in single layer, well ventilated wooden boxes with soft cushioning material. A good bearing tree gives about 100-150 fruits i.e., about 8-10 tonnes/ha. The fruits are highly perishable and cannot be stored for long duration. It can be stored in good condition up to 7 days by treating them with 8% wax emulsion.