Classification of Horticultural Crops Based on Climatic Requirements (Particularly Temperature)

Classification of Horticultural Crops Based on Climatic Requirements (Particularly Temperature)

Based on temperature requirements and response to different climatic conditions, horticultural crops have been classified in to three main groups and these are :

i) Temperate

ii) Tropical and

iii) Sub – tropical

i) Temperate:

Temperate plants are commonly found in cold regions enjoying a mild and temperate climate. These plants endure cold and go to rest or dormancy by shedding of all their leaves during winter e.g. Apple, Plums cherry and almond etc.

ii) Tropical:

Tropical plants are those which do not tolerate severe cold but can tolerate warm temperatures of about 1000F. Those plants need strong sunshine, warms, humidity and a very mild winter. They cannot stand far against frost e.g. Papaya, Banana and Pineapple.

iii) Sub – Tropical:

Sub – tropical plants like Orange, Litchi, Fig, Mango and cashewnunt are intermediate in character. They need warmth and humidity and can tolerate mild winters.

The above classification, based on climatic preference of plants, is more or less arbitrary and no sharp line can be drawn between these several groups. It however, indicates the broad difference in climatic needs of various plants. This does not necessarily mean that a plant belonging to one zone does not grow in other zones. For instances, annual crops of the temperate region like potato, knolknol and cabbage grow in tropical and sub – tropical regions also, but they come up well only in the winter season than other climatic zones.