UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20460

	OFFICE OF CHEMICAL SAFETY AND                     POLLUTION PREVENTION

  SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1 MEMORANDUM

  SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1

DATE:  March 1, 2013

SUBJECT:	Crop Grouping – Part X:  Analysis of the USDA IR-4 Petition
to Amend the Crop Group Regulation 40 CFR § 180.41 (c) (25) and
Commodity Definitions [40 CFR 180.1 (g)] Related to the Proposed Crop
Group 23 Tropical and Subtropical Fruit – Edible Peel.

PC Code:  NA	DP Barcode:   NA

Decision No.: NA	Registration No.:  NA

Petition No.: NA	Regulatory Action:  Crop Grouping Regulation

Risk Assessment Type: None 	Case No.: NA

TXR No.: NA	CAS No.:  NA

MRID No.: 482971-01	40 CFR: 180.41 (c) (25) and 180.1 (g)

FROM:	Bernard A. Schneider, Ph.D., Senior Plant Physiologist

Chemistry and Exposure Branch

Health Effects Division (7509P)

THROUGH:	Donna Davis and Donald Wilbur, Ph.D., Chairpersons

HED Chemistry Science Advisory Council (ChemSAC)

		Health Effects Division (7509P)

TO:	Barbara Madden, Minor Use Officer

Risk Integration, Minor Use, and Emergency Response Branch (RIMUERB)

		Registration Division (7505P)

cc: 	IR-4 Project, Bill Barney, Jerry Baron, Dan Kunkel, Debbie
Carpenter, Van Starner

ACTION REQUESTED:

	William P. Barney, Crop Grouping Project Coordinator, and Kathryn Homa,
Assistant Coordinator, USDA Interregional Research Project No. 4 (IR-4),
State Agricultural Experiment Station, Rutgers University has submitted
a petition (November 16, 2010) on behalf of the IR-4 Project, and the
Tropical Fruits Workgroup of the International Crop Grouping Consulting
Committee (ICGCC) to establish a new Crop Group (40 CFR § 180.41) Crop
Group 23, Tropical and Subtropical Fruit – Edible Peel Group, and
propose addition of Commodity Definitions 40 CFR 180.1 (g).

	The above-mentioned Tropical and Subtropical fruit crop group petition
requested the following five proposals:

1. Establish a new crop group in 40 CFR 180.41 (c) as “Tropical and
Subtropical Fruits, Edible Peel”.

2. Add the following 108 commodities to this new crop group:

Açaí, Euterpe oleracea Mart., (Arecaceae (alt. Palmae))

Acerola, Malpighia emarginata DC., (Malpighiaceae)

African plum, Vitex doniana Sweet, (Lamiaceae (alt. Labiatae) (also
placed in Verbenaceae))

Agritos, Berberis trifoliolata Moric., (Berberidaceae)

Almondette, Buchanania lanzan Spreng., (Anacardiaceae)

Ambarella, Spondias dulcis Sol. ex Parkinson, (Anacardiaceae)

Apak palm, Brahea dulcis (Kunth) Mart.,  (Arecaceae (alt. Palmae))

Appleberry, Billardiera scandens Sm., (Pittosporaceae)

Arazá, Eugenia stipitata McVaugh, (Myrtaceae)

Arbutus Berry, Arbutus unedo L., (Ericaceae)

Babaco, Vasconcellea x heilbornii (V. M. Badillo) V. M. Badillo,
(Caricaceae)

Bacaba palm, Oenocarpus bacaba Mart., (Arecaceae (alt. Palmae))

Bacaba-de-leque, Oenocarpus distichus Mart., (Arecaceae (alt. Palmae))

Bayberry, Red, Morella rubra Lour., (Myricaceae)

Bignay, Antidesma bunius (L.) Spreng., (Phyllanthaceae (also placed in
Euphorbiaceae, Stilaginaceae))

Bilimbi, Averrhoa bilimbi L., (Oxalidaceae (also placed in
Averrhoaceae))

Breadnut, Brosimum alicastrum Sw., (Moraceae)

Cabeluda, Plinia glomerata (O. Berg) Amshoff, (Myrtaceae)

Cajou (pseudofruit), Anacardium giganteum Hance ex Engl.,
(Anacardiaceae)

Cambucá, Marlierea edulis Nied., (Myrtaceae)

Carandas-plum, Carissa edulis Vahl, (Apocynaceae)

Carob, Ceratonia siliqua L., (Fabaceae (alt. Leguminosae) (also placed
in Caesalpiniaceae))

Cashew (pseudofruit), Anacardium occidentale L., (Anacardiaceae)

Ceylon iron wood, Manilkara hexandra (Roxb.) Dubard, (Sapotaceae)

Ceylon olive, Elaeocarpus serratus L., (Elaeocarpaceae)

Cherry-of-the-Rio-Grande, Eugenia aggregata (Vell.) Kiaersk.,
(Myrtaceae)

Chinese olive, black, Canarium tramdenum C. D. Dai& Yakovlev,
(Burseraceae)

Chinese olive, white, Canarium album (Lour.) Raeusch., (Burseraceae)

Chirauli-nut, Buchanania latifolia Roxb., (Anacardiaceae)

Ciruela verde, Bunchosia armeniaca (Cav.) DC., (Malpighiaceae)

Cocoplum, Chrysobalanus icaco L., (Chrysobalanaceae)

Date, Phoenix dactylifera L., (Arecaceae (alt. Palmae))

Davidson's plum, Davidsonia pruriens F. Muell., (Cunoniaceae (also
placed in Davidsoniaceae))

Desert-date, Balanites aegyptiacus (L.) Delile, (Zygophyllaceae (also
placed in Balanitaceae))

Doum palm coconut, Hyphaene thebaica (L.) Mart., (Arecaceae (alt.
Palmae))

False sandalwood, Ximenia americana L., (Olacaceae)

Feijoa, Acca sellowiana (O. Berg) Burret, (Myrtaceae)

Fig, Ficus carica L., (Moraceae)

Fragrant Manjack, Cordia dichotoma G. Forst., (Boraginaceae)

Gooseberry, Abyssinian, Dovyalis abyssinica (A. Rich.) Warb.,
(Salicaceae (also placed in Flacourtiaceae))

Gooseberry, Ceylon, Dovyalis hebecarpa (Gardner) Warb., (Salicaceae
(also placed in Flacourtiaceae))

Gooseberry, Indian, Phyllanthus emblica L., (Phyllanthaceae (also placed
in Euphorbiaceae))

Gooseberry, Otaheite, Phyllanthus acidus (L.) Skeels, (Phyllanthaceae
(also placed in Euphorbiaceae))

Governor's plum, Flacourtia indica (Burm. F.) Merr., (Salicaceae (also
placed in Flacourtiaceae))

Grumichama, Eugenia brasiliensis Lam, (Myrtaceae)

Guabiroba, Campomanesia xanthocarpa O. Berg, (Myrtaceae)

Guava, Psidium guajava L., (Myrtaceae) [Includes by crop definition:

Guava berry, Myrciaria floribunda (H. West ex Willd.) O. Berg,
(Myrtaceae)

Guava, Brazilian, Psidium guineense Sw., (Myrtaceae)

Guava, Cattley, Psidium cattleianum Sabine, (Myrtaceae)

Guava, Costa Rican, (Psidium friedrichsthalianum (O. Berg) Nied.),
(Myrtaceae)

Guava, Para, Psidium acutangulum DC., (Myrtaceae)

Guava, purple strawberry, Psidium cattleianum Sabine var. cattleianum,
(Myrtaceae)

Guava, strawberry, Psidium cattleianum Sabine var. littorale (Raddi)
Fosberg, (Myrtaceae)

Guava, yellow strawberry, Psidium cattleianum Sabine var. cattleianum
forma lucidum O. Deg., (Myrtaceae)

Guayabillo, (Psidium sartorianum (O. Berg) Nied.)

Illawarra plum, Podocarpus elatus R. Br. Ex Endl., (Podocarpaceae)

Imbé, Garcinia livingstonei T. Anderson, (Clusiaceae (alt. Guttiferae))

Imbu, Spondias tuberosa Arruda ex Kost., (Anacardiaceae)

Indian-plum, Flacourtia jangomas (Lour.). (basionym), (Salicaceae (also
placed in Flacourtiaceae))

Jaboticaba, Myrciaria cauliflora (Mart.) O. Berg, (Myrtaceae)

Jamaica-cherry, Muntingia calabura L., (Muntingiaceae, ((also placed in
Elaeocarpaceae, Tiliaceae))

Jambolan, Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels, (Myrtaceae)

Jelly palm, Butia capitata (Mart.) Becc., (Arecaceae (alt. Palmae))

Jujube, Chinese, Ziziphus jujuba Mill., (Rhamnaceae)

Jujube, Indian, Ziziphus mauritiana Lam., (Rhamnaceae)

Kaffir-plum, Harpephyllum caffrum Bernh. Ex C. Krauss,  (Anacardiaceae)

Kakadu plum, Terminalia latipes Benth. Subsp. psilocarpa Pedley,
(Combretaceae)

Kapundung, Baccaurea racemosa (Reinw.) Mull. Arg., (Phyllanthaceae (also
placed in Euphorbiaceae))

Karanda, Carissa carandas L., (Apocynaceae)

Kwai muk,  Artocarpus hypargyreus Hance ex Benth., (Moraceae)

Lemon aspen, Acronychia acidula F. Muell., (Rutaceae)

Mangaba, Hancornia speciosa Gomes, (Apocynaceae)

Marian plum, Bouea macrophylla Griff., (Anacardiaceae)

Mombin, Malayan, Spondias pinnata (J. Koenig ex L. f.) Kurz,
(Anacardiaceae)

Mombin, purple, Spondias purpurea L., (Anacardiaceae)

Mombin, yellow, Spondias mombin L., (Anacardiaceae)

Monkeyfruit, Artocarpus lacucha Buch.-Ham., (Moraceae)

Monos plum, Pseudanamomis umbellulifera (Kunth) Kausel, (Myrtaceae)

Mountain cherry, Bunchosia cornifolia Kunth, (Malpighiaceae)

Nance, Byrsonima crassifolia (L.) Kunth, (Malpighiaceae)

Natal plum, Carissa macrocarpa (Eckl.) A.DC, (Apocynaceae)

Noni, Morinda citrifolia L., (Rubiaceae)

Olive, Olea europaea L. subsp. europaea, (Oleaceae)

Papaya, Mountain, Vasconcellea pubescens A. DC., (Caricaceae)

Patauá, Oenocarpus bataua Mart., (Arecaceae (alt. Palmae))

Peach palm, Bactris gasipaes Kunth var. gasipaes, (Arecaceae (alt.
Palmae))

Persimmon, black, Diospyros texana Scheele, (Ebenaceae)

Persimmon, Japanese, Diospyros kaki Thunb., (Ebenaceae)

Pitomba, Eugenia luschnathiana Klotzsch ex O. Berg, (Myrtaceae)

Plum-of-Martinique, Flacourtia inermis Roxb., (Salicaceae (also placed
in Flacourtiaceae))

Pomerac, Syzygium malaccense (L.) Merr. & L.M. Perry, (Myrtaceae)

Rambai, Baccaurea motleyana (Mull. Arg.) Mull. Arg., (Phyllanthaceae)

Rose apple, Syzygium jambos (L.) Alston, (Myrtaceae)

Rukam, Flacourtia rukam Zoll. & Moritizi, (Salicaceae (also placed in
Flacourtiaceae))

Rumberry, Myrciaria dubia (Kunth) Mc Vaugh, (Myrtaceae)

Sea grape, Coccoloba uvifera (L.) L., (Polygonaceae)

Sentul, Sandoricum koetjape (Burm. F.) Merr., (Meliaceae)

Sete-capotes, Campomanesia guazumifolia (Cambess.) O. Berg,  (Myrtaceae)

 Silver aspen, Acronychia wilcoxiana (F. Muell.) T.G. Hartley,
(Rutaceae)

 Starfruit,  Averrhoa carambola L., (Oxalidaceae (also placed in
Averrhoaceae))

 Surinam cherry, Eugenia uniflora L., (Myrtaceae)

 Tamarind, Tamarindus indica L., (Fabaceae (alt. Leguminosae) (also
placed in Caesalpiniaceae))

 Uvalha, Eugenia pyriformis Cambess., (Myrtaceae)

 Water apple, Syzygium aqueum (Burm. F.) Alston, (Myrtaceae)

 Water pear, Syzygium guineense (Willd.) DC., (Myrtaceae)

 Water berry, Syzygium cordatum Hochst. Ex C. Krauss, (Myrtaceae)

 Wax jambu, Syzygium samarangense (Blume) Merr. & L.M.Perry,
(Myrtaceae).

And cultivars, varieties and/or hybrids of these.”

3. Recommend the following four commodities: Olive, fig, guava, and date
to be representative commodities for the new crop group.

4. Add the following three tropical and subtropical crop subgroups:

1). Subgroup 23A: Tropical and Subtropical, Small Fruits, Edible Peel
Subgroup - Proposed Representative Crop:  Olive

	There are fifty-seven commodities proposed for this subgroup and
include:

	Acerola; African plum; Agritos; Almondette; Appleberry; Arbutus berry;
Bayberry, Red; Bignay; Breadnut; Cabeluda; Carandas-plum; Ceylon iron
wood; Ceylon olive; Cherry-of-the-Rio-Grande; Chinese olive, black;
Chinese olive, white; Chirauli-nut; Cocoplum; Desert-date; False
sandalwood; Fragrant Manjack; Gooseberry, Abyssinian; Gooseberry,
Ceylon; Gooseberry, Otaheite; Governor’s plum; Grumichama; Guabiroba;
Guava berry; Guava, Brazilian; Guava, Costa Rican; Guayabillo; Illawarra
plum; Indian-plum; Jamaica-cherry; Jambolan; Jujube, Chinese;
Kaffir-plum; Kakadu plum; Kapundung; Karnada; Lemon aspen; Mombin,
yellow; Monos plum; Mountain cherry; Olive; Persimmon, Black; Pitomba;
Plum-of-Martinique; Rukam; Rumberry; Sea grape; Sete-capotes; Silver
aspen; Water apple; Water pear; Water berry; Wax jambu.

2). Subgroup 23B: Tropical and Subtropical, Medium to Large Fruits,
Edible Peel Subgroup - Proposed Representative Crops:  Fig and Guava.

	There are forty two commodities proposed for this subgroup and include:

	Ambarella; Arazá; Babaco; Bilimbi; Cajou (pseudofruit); Cambucá;
Carob; Cashew (pseudofruit); Ciruela verde; Davidson’s plum; Feijoa;
Fig; Gooseberry, Indian; Guava; Guava, Cattley, Guava, Para; Guava,
purple strawberry; Guava, strawberry; Guava, yellow strawberry; Imbé;
Imbu; Jaboticaba; Jujube, Indian; Kwai muk; Mangaba; Marian plum;
Mombin, Malayan; Mombin, purple; Monkeyfruit; Nance; Natal plum; Noni;
Papaya, Mountain; Persimmon, Japanese; Pomerac; Rambai; Rose apple;
Sentul; Starfruit; Surinam cherry; Tamarind; Uvalha.

3) Subgroup 23C: Tropical and Subtropical Palm Fruits, Edible Peel
Subgroup - Proposed Representative Crop:  Date

	There are nine commodities proposed for this subgroup and include:

Açaí; Apak palm; Bacaba palm; Bacaba-de-leque; Date; Doum palm
coconut; Jelly palm; Patauá; Peach palm.

5. Add Commodity Definition [40 CFR 180.1 (g)] for Guava?

A new crop definition is proposed for guava that includes many of the
closely related genus (Psidium), species and varieties.  The following
is a proposed crop definition for Tropical and Subtropical Fruit, Edible
Peel:

A	B

Guava

(Psidium guajava L.)	Guava  (Psidium guajava L.);   Guava, Para (Psidium
acutangulum DC.);  Guava, Brazilian (Psidium guineense Sw.); Guava,
cattley (Psidium cattleianum Sabine); Guava, Costa Rican (Psidium
friedrichsthalianum (O. Berg) Nied.); Guava, purple strawberry (Psidium
cattleianum Sabine var. cattleianum);  Guava, strawberry (Psidium
cattleianum Sabine var. littorale (Raddi) Fosberg); Guava, yellow
strawberry; (Psidium cattleianum Sabine var. cattleianum forma lucidum
O. Deg.); Guayabillo (Psidium sartorianum (O. Berg) Nied.)

BACKGROUND:

The Tropical and subtropical fruit, edible peel proposal was initiated
at the USDA/IR-4 Crop Grouping Symposium in Washington, DC, October
2002.  This workgroup was Chaired by Michael Braverman (IR-4) and
Co-Chaired by Jonathan Crane (University of Florida), Edith Lurvey
(IR-4), Nancy Dodd (EPA), Will Donovan (EPA), and Maria Rodriguez (EPA).

This new crop group was further discussed and developed within the
Tropical Fruit, Edible Peel Workgroup of the International Crop Grouping
Consulting Committee (ICGCC), which consisted of 62 U.S. crop or
regulatory experts from agriculture commodity groups, universities,
agrichemical industry, IR-4 Project, USDA, EPA, and also 33
international crop or regulatory experts representing over 30 countries.

An important aspect of developing this new crop group is the
harmonization effort with the Codex Crop Classification of Foods and
Animal Feeds.  The Codex classification system is currently under
revision also with many proposed tropical and subtropical fruit
additions.  The IR-4/EPA Crop Grouping Working Group and the ICGCC are
collaborating with the revision of the Codex crop classification.  In
the current Codex Crop Classification of Foods and Animal Feeds,
Assorted Tropical and Subtropical Fruits – Edible peel are included in
Group 005 and classified in Type 01 Fruits.  The IR-4/ICGCC submission
was forwarded to the Codex Electronic Working Group for the revision of
the Codex Classification of Foods and Animal Feeds.  This submission
also includes many of the recently proposed additions of tropical
fruits, edible peel to the Codex classification.  The inclusion of
tropical fruits with edible peels will ultimately benefit US growers in
exporting commodities that would have Codex MRL’s established based on
a harmonized tropical and subtropical fruits, edible peel crop group.

Fruits that will be processed primarily into juice, jams, jelly or wine
were also included in the edible peel crop group since it was assumed
that pesticide residues could contaminate the commodity during
processing.  Examples include (1) açaí, which is soaked in water to
soften the outer shell; (2) arazá, which is rarely eaten raw due to its
acidity and is mostly prepared into a juice or jelly; (3) red bayberry,
which has a knobby surface and is prepared into juice, sweets, jam and
wine; (4) bilimbi, which is extremely acidic/sour and is usually not
eaten raw, but is soaked and boiled to make jam, jelly and beverages and
(5) patauá, which is soaked before it is eaten to soften the pulp.

Palm commodities are proposed to be classified in a separate subgroup
based on the botanical similarity of trees in the family Arecaceae (alt.
Palmae).  Generally, trees within the palm family contain a tall,
unbranched stem that can reach 80 meters in height, a rosette of
leathery, evergreen palmate (fan-like) to pinnate (feather-like)
spirally arranged leaves that measure several meters long, spike or
branched inflorescences, and berry or drupe fruit.  In most palms, fruit
is produced in clusters that hang from the tree.  Because fruit is
produced in clusters that are partially exposed to the elements and
fruit is located considerably higher on palm trees than other tropical
and subtropical fruits, similar use patterns of pesticide applications
are expected to occur and similar residue patterns can be expected
within the palm group.

Some proposed tropical fruits with an edible peel (abrico-da-praia,
bacupari, bacupari-do-campo, cambuci, curriola, guabiju, jacaratia, jua,
mama-cadela, marmelada, per-do-cerrado, Puerto Rican guava and sorva)
were rejected from consideration from the crop group either because
there was not enough information available to properly classify them
into crop groups and subgroups or they are still rarely cultivated.

Tables 27, 28, 29, and 30 of this analysis, compare the existing U.S.,
and Codex tolerances established on Tropical and Subtropical Fruits with
an edible peel.  Most of the proposed additions to the Codex
Classification have been included in the U.S. proposed new crop group.
The majority of these tolerances are U.S. tolerances and it should be
noted that over half of the U.S. tolerances are tolerances for those
commodities that are included in the guava edible peel crop definition
as follows:

General commodity 	Specific Commodities Included in Definition 	Comments

Guava 	Guava, feijoa, jaboticaba, wax jambu, starfruit, passionfruit,
acerola	Primarily edible peel; note/peel rarely contaminates Passiflora
spp. during juicing

The proposed representative crop for subgroup 23A (small fruits, edible
peel) is olive and olive has the majority of tolerances compared to
other proposed member crops, acerola and wax jambu.  The same trend
follows for the proposed representative crops for subgroup 23B (medium
to large fruit) with the majority of tolerances listed for fig and guava
compared to ambarella, feijoa, jaboticaba and persimmon.  The only
tolerances listed for subgroup 23C are for date, the proposed
representative commodity.

Table 3 Tropical and Subtropical Fruit, Edible Peel Production in 2008
of this analysis (in separate report) shows the production (2008) of
Tropical and Subtropical fruits, edible peel from the FAO (Food and
Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) website.  The world
total hectares for carob, cashew fruit (called cashew apple), date, fig,
guava, and olive are over 17,737,858 hectares (ha) in 2008, and the
total production of these fruits has grown to over 62,762,678 metric
tons in 2008 (FAO 2008).  Note that the proposed representative crops
for the new US Tropical and Subtropical, edible peel crop group are all
included in the data reported by the FAO.

The proposed Tropical and Subtropical fruits, edible peel; crop group
consists of a diverse group of plants from many plant families.  Within
this group, fruit size of tropical and subtropical fruits with edible
peels ranged from the fruit of chirauli-nut fruit,(Buchanania latifolia
Roxb.) with an diameter of 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) to the babaco fruit,
(Vasconcellea x heilbornii (V. M. Badillo) V. M. Badillo) with a
diameter of 8 inches (20.3 cm).  In addition to size, the texture of
tropical and subtropical fruit also varies from a thin smooth peel to a
peel with fine hairs or pubescence.

Many publications have documented the relationship between surface area
and mass of a commodity (Maclachlan, D.J. and D. Hamilton, 2010; B.D.
Ripley, G.M. Ritcey, R. Harris, M.A. Denomme, L. Lissemore, 2003; F.
Matsumura, G.M. Boush, T. Misato, eds., 1972; and B. Schneider, 2002).
In general, the smaller the fruit, the larger the ratio of surface area
to weight becomes.  For example, pesticide deposits on grapes can be
expected to be about 3X the pesticide deposit on apples due to the
higher surface area per unit weight (Bates, 1990).  Nonbell peppers are
also often cited as an example.  Because of their size, they normally
have a higher residue than bell peppers with the same good agricultural
practices (GAP) and are likely to drive a tolerance or MRL for peppers.
There is also indication that surface area/mass ratio plays a more
important role on pesticide deposits than pubescence/serration present
on surfaces (Sundaram, 1991).

To classify Tropical and Subtropical fruits into groups (edible versus
inedible peel) and subgroups, Excel spreadsheets were developed to be
able to sort commodities with common characteristics.  These
spreadsheets include information regarding the common name, scientific
name, taxonomic family name, production in the US, fruit shape, maximum
radius (cm) and maximum height (cm) from the literature, calculated
volume, calculated surface area, surface area to mass (volume) ratio,
texture description and peel texture.  These spreadsheets allowed the
sorting of commodities into small versus medium to large fruit and
smooth peel versus a rough or hairy peel.  Fruits described in the
literature as small fruit generally had a surface area/mass (volume)
ratio of >1.5:1; so this criteria was used to separate small versus
medium to large fruit (surface area/mass (volume) ratio of ≤1.5:1).

Since sorting the spreadsheets into both fruit size (surface area/mass
(volume) ratio) and peel texture resulted in subgroups that could not be
supported by an appropriate representative commodity (lack of production
in the U.S.), so this scheme was rejected.  However, sorting the
commodities into fruit size (small versus medium to large fruit) based
on the surface area to mass (volume) ratio, with the addition of a
cactus and palm subgroup resulted in the proposed crop grouping scheme.

Based on above background and the input from the International Crop
Grouping Consulting Committee (ICGCC), IR-4 and the ICGCC propose that
the Tropical and Subtropical Fruits, Edible Peel be established as a new
crop group with three subgroups:  (1) Subgroup 23A - Tropical and
Subtropical, Small Fruits, Edible Peel; (2) Subgroup 23B - Tropical and
Subtropical, Medium to Large Fruits, Edible Peel Subgroup, and (3)
Subgroup 23C - Tropical and Subtropical Palm Fruits, Edible Peel
Subgroup.

Selection of representative commodities are based on a representative
commodity that is most likely to:  (1) contain the highest residues; (2)
be major in terms of production and/or consumption and (3) similar in
morphology, growth habit, pest problems and edible portion to the
related commodities within a group or subgroup.  Based on these
criteria, one representative commodity is proposed (olive) for Subgroup
23A; two representative commodities (fig and guava) are proposed for
Subgroup 23B and one representative commodity (date) is proposed for
Subgroup 23C.

HED RECOMMENDATIONS:

	Each of the IR-4 proposals and HED recommendations will be discussed
below, followed by a series of other recommendations on terminology,
database development, and harmonization with Codex.  The EPA would like
to commend the valuable and high quality input of the ICGCC, all its
members, and the Committee Chairperson Bill Barney, USDA IR-4,  and
Kathryn Homa, Assistant Coordinator, USDA IR-4 for her research and high
quality and comprehensive monographs that were used to develop the IR-4
proposal.  We also want to commend Dr. Yuen-Shaung Ng, Biologist, HED,
Andrew Ertman, Sidney Jackson, and Laura Nollen, Biologists, RD, EPA for
their input and development of various databases in this report and Dr.
Paul Schwartz, USDA, Office of Minor Use Pesticides for his advice, peer
review, and research office location.

IR-4 Proposals 1 and 2:

1.  “Establish a new crop group in 40 CFR 180.41 (c) as “Tropical
and Subtropical Fruits, Edible Peel”.

and

2.”Add the following 108 commodities to this new crop group”:

Açaí, Euterpe oleracea Mart., (Arecaceae (alt. Palmae))

Acerola, Malpighia emarginata DC., (Malpighiaceae)

African plum, Vitex doniana Sweet, (Lamiaceae (alt. Labiatae) (also
placed in Verbenaceae))

Agritos, Berberis trifoliolata Moric., (Berberidaceae)

Almondette, Buchanania lanzan Spreng., (Anacardiaceae)

Ambarella, Spondias dulcis Sol. ex Parkinson, (Anacardiaceae)

Apak palm, Brahea dulcis (Kunth) Mart.,  (Arecaceae (alt. Palmae))

Appleberry, Billardiera scandens Sm., (Pittosporaceae)

Arazá, Eugenia stipitata McVaugh, (Myrtaceae)

Arbutus Berry, Arbutus unedo L., (Ericaceae)

Babaco, Vasconcellea x heilbornii (V. M. Badillo) V. M. Badillo,
(Caricaceae)

Bacaba palm, Oenocarpus bacaba Mart., (Arecaceae (alt. Palmae))

Bacaba-de-leque, Oenocarpus distichus Mart., (Arecaceae (alt. Palmae))

Bayberry, Red, Morella rubra Lour., (Myricaceae)

Bignay, Antidesma bunius (L.) Spreng., (Phyllanthaceae (also placed in
Euphorbiaceae, Stilaginaceae))

Bilimbi, Averrhoa bilimbi L., (Oxalidaceae (also placed in
Averrhoaceae))

Breadnut, Brosimum alicastrum Sw., (Moraceae)

Cabeluda, Plinia glomerata (O. Berg) Amshoff, (Myrtaceae)

Cajou (pseudofruit), Anacardium giganteum Hance ex Engl.,
(Anacardiaceae)

Cambucá, Marlierea edulis Nied., (Myrtaceae)

Carandas-plum, Carissa edulis Vahl, (Apocynaceae)

Carob, Ceratonia siliqua L., (Fabaceae (alt. Leguminosae) (also placed
in Caesalpiniaceae))

Cashew (pseudofruit), Anacardium occidentale L., (Anacardiaceae)

Ceylon iron wood, Manilkara hexandra (Roxb.) Dubard, (Sapotaceae)

Ceylon olive, Elaeocarpus serratus L., (Elaeocarpaceae)

Cherry-of-the-Rio-Grande, Eugenia aggregata (Vell.) Kiaersk.,
(Myrtaceae)

Chinese olive, black, Canarium tramdenum C. D. Dai& Yakovlev,
(Burseraceae)

Chinese olive, white, Canarium album (Lour.) Raeusch., (Burseraceae)

Chirauli-nut, Buchanania latifolia Roxb., (Anacardiaceae)

Ciruela verde, Bunchosia armeniaca (Cav.) DC., (Malpighiaceae)

Cocoplum, Chrysobalanus icaco L., (Chrysobalanaceae)

Date, Phoenix dactylifera L., (Arecaceae (alt. Palmae))

Davidson's plum, Davidsonia pruriens F. Muell., (Cunoniaceae (also
placed in Davidsoniaceae))

Desert-date, Balanites aegyptiacus (L.) Delile, (Zygophyllaceae (also
placed in Balanitaceae))

Doum palm coconut, Hyphaene thebaica (L.) Mart., (Arecaceae (alt.
Palmae))

False sandalwood, Ximenia americana L., (Olacaceae)

Feijoa, Acca sellowiana (O. Berg) Burret, (Myrtaceae)

Fig, Ficus carica L., (Moraceae)

Fragrant Manjack, Cordia dichotoma G. Forst., (Boraginaceae)

Gooseberry, Abyssinian, Dovyalis abyssinica (A. Rich.) Warb.,
(Salicaceae (also placed in Flacourtiaceae))

Gooseberry, Ceylon, Dovyalis hebecarpa (Gardner) Warb., (Salicaceae
(also placed in Flacourtiaceae))

Gooseberry, Indian, Phyllanthus emblica L., (Phyllanthaceae (also placed
in Euphorbiaceae))

Gooseberry, Otaheite, Phyllanthus acidus (L.) Skeels, (Phyllanthaceae
(also placed in Euphorbiaceae))

Governor's plum, Flacourtia indica (Burm. F.) Merr., (Salicaceae (also
placed in Flacourtiaceae))

Grumichama,  Eugenia brasiliensis Lam, (Myrtaceae)

Guabiroba, Campomanesia xanthocarpa O. Berg, (Myrtaceae)

Guava, Psidium guajava L., (Myrtaceae) [Includes by crop definition:

Guava berry, Myrciaria floribunda (H. West ex Willd.) O. Berg,
(Myrtaceae)

Guava, Brazilian, Psidium guineense Sw., (Myrtaceae)

Guava, Cattley, Psidium cattleianum Sabine, (Myrtaceae)

Guava, Costa Rican, (Psidium friedrichsthalianum (O. Berg) Nied.),
(Myrtaceae)

Guava, Para, Psidium acutangulum DC., (Myrtaceae)

Guava, purple strawberry, Psidium cattleianum Sabine var. cattleianum,
(Myrtaceae)

Guava, strawberry, Psidium cattleianum Sabine var. littorale (Raddi)
Fosberg, (Myrtaceae)

Guava, yellow strawberry, Psidium cattleianum Sabine var. cattleianum
forma lucidum O. Deg., (Myrtaceae)

Guayabillo, (Psidium sartorianum (O. Berg) Nied.)

Illawarra plum, Podocarpus elatus R. Br. Ex Endl., (Podocarpaceae)

Imbé, Garcinia livingstonei T. Anderson, (Clusiaceae (alt. Guttiferae))

Imbu, Spondias tuberosa Arruda ex Kost., (Anacardiaceae)

Indian-plum, Flacourtia jangomas (Lour.). (basionym), (Salicaceae (also
placed in Flacourtiaceae))

Jaboticaba, Myrciaria cauliflora (Mart.) O. Berg, (Myrtaceae)

Jamaica-cherry, Muntingia calabura L., (Muntingiaceae, ((also placed in
Elaeocarpaceae, Tiliaceae))

Jambolan, Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels, (Myrtaceae)

Jelly palm, Butia capitata (Mart.) Becc., (Arecaceae (alt. Palmae))

 Chinese, Ziziphus jujuba Mill., (Rhamnaceae)

Jujube, Indian, Ziziphus mauritiana Lam., (Rhamnaceae)

Kaffir-plum, Harpephyllum caffrum Bernh. Ex C. Krauss,  (Anacardiaceae)

Kakadu plum, Terminalia latipes Benth. Subsp. psilocarpa Pedley,
(Combretaceae)

Kapundung, Baccaurea racemosa (Reinw.) Mull. Arg., (Phyllanthaceae (also
placed in Euphorbiaceae))

Karanda, Carissa carandas L., (Apocynaceae)

Kwai muk,  Artocarpus hypargyreus Hance ex Benth., (Moraceae)

Lemon aspen, Acronychia acidula F. Muell., (Rutaceae)

Mangaba, Hancornia speciosa Gomes, (Apocynaceae)

Marian plum, Bouea macrophylla Griff., (Anacardiaceae)

Mombin, Malayan, Spondias pinnata (J. Koenig ex L. f.) Kurz,
(Anacardiaceae)

Mombin, purple, Spondias purpurea L., (Anacardiaceae)

Mombin, yellow, Spondias mombin L., (Anacardiaceae)

Monkeyfruit, Artocarpus lacucha Buch.-Ham., (Moraceae)

Monos plum, Pseudanamomis umbellulifera (Kunth) Kausel, (Myrtaceae)

Mountain cherry, Bunchosia cornifolia Kunth, (Malpighiaceae)

Nance, Byrsonima crassifolia (L.) Kunth, (Malpighiaceae)

Natal plum, Carissa macrocarpa (Eckl.) A.DC, (Apocynaceae)

Noni, Morinda citrifolia L., (Rubiaceae)

Olive, Olea europaea L. subsp. europaea, (Oleaceae)

Papaya, Mountain, Vasconcellea pubescens A. DC., (Caricaceae)

Patauá, Oenocarpus bataua Mart., (Arecaceae (alt. Palmae))

Peach Palm, Bactris gasipaes Kunth var. gasipaes, (Arecaceae (alt.
Palmae))

Persimmon, black, Diospyros texana Scheele, (Ebenaceae)

Persimmon, Japanese, Diospyros kaki Thunb., (Ebenaceae)

Pitomba, Eugenia luschnathiana Klotzsch ex O. Berg, (Myrtaceae)

Plum-of-Martinique, Flacourtia inermis Roxb., (Salicaceae (also placed
in Flacourtiaceae))

Pomerac, Syzygium malaccense (L.) Merr. & L.M. Perry, (Myrtaceae)

Rambai, Baccaurea motleyana (Mull. Arg.) Mull. Arg., (Phyllanthaceae)

Rose apple, Syzygium jambos (L.) Alston, (Myrtaceae)

Rukam, Flacourtia rukam Zoll. & Moritizi, (Salicaceae (also placed in
Flacourtiaceae))

Rumberry, Myrciaria dubia (Kunth) Mc Vaugh, (Myrtaceae)

Sea grape, Coccoloba uvifera (L.) L., (Polygonaceae)

Sentul,  Sandoricum koetjape (Burm. F.) Merr., (Meliaceae)

Sete-capotes, Campomanesia guazumifolia (Cambess.) O. Berg,  (Myrtaceae)

 Silver aspen, Acronychia wilcoxiana (F. Muell.) T.G. Hartley,
(Rutaceae)

 Starfruit,  Averrhoa carambola L., (Oxalidaceae (also placed in
Averrhoaceae))

 Surinam cherry, Eugenia uniflora L., (Myrtaceae)

 Tamarind, Tamarindus indica L., (Fabaceae (alt. Leguminosae) (also
placed in Caesalpiniaceae))

 Uvalha, Eugenia pyriformis Cambess., (Myrtaceae)

 Water apple, Syzygium aqueum (Burm. F.) Alston, (Myrtaceae)

 Water pear, Syzygium guineense (Willd.) DC., (Myrtaceae)

 Water berry, Syzygium cordatum Hochst. Ex C. Krauss, (Myrtaceae)

 Wax jambu, Syzygium samarangense (Blume) Merr. & L.M.Perry,
(Myrtaceae).

And cultivars, varieties and/or hybrids of these.”

HED Recommendation for IR-4 Proposals 1 and 2:

	We agree with the IR-4 scientific approach and logic used in developing
this crop group and the three crop subgroups.  Specifically the
development of the proposed Tropical and Subtropical fruits, edible
peel, crop group consists of a diverse group of plants from many plant
families, with a wide range of fruit sizes with edible peel and in
addition to size, the texture of tropical and subtropical fruit also
varies from a thin smooth peel to a peel with fine hairs or pubescence.
Sorting the commodities into fruit size (small versus medium to large
fruit) based on the surface area to mass (volume) ratio, with the
addition of a palm subgroup is a  logical scheme.

	Based on similarities in fruit size and having an edible peel, cultural
practices, geographical distribution, lack of animal feed items,
comparison of available established tolerances, and pest problems, and
for international harmonization purposes, I recommend that ChemSAC
concur to establish a new Tropical and Subtropical edible peel crop
group with 107 commodities and three crop subgroups.  Chinese jujube
will not be included since it has become part of Crop group Stone Fruit
Group 12-12 (see discussion below).  Also an additional crop called
Borojó (Borojoa patinoi Cuatrec.) that was submitted  after IR-4
submitted this petition, and additional tropical fruit called Borojó
(Borojoa patinoi Cuatrec.) was submitted by Panama as a crop to be
included as an edible peel tropical fruit.

	Adding these commodities into a group will benefit the growers by
enabling tools for crop protection.  Some “minor orphan” tropical
fruit commodities have become more popular in some countries and areas
today than they were 10 years ago, such as the açaí and noni.
Increased globalization of cooking in the United States has resulted in
different fruits to be enjoyed worldwide.  Some of these “minor”
fruits have great potential to be grown on a larger scale in some areas
in the future due to their unique nutritional and medicinal values.
Being excluded from the crop groups, means that tolerances requested for
these commodities would have to be established based on separate residue
studies.  A crop group regulation would benefit growers and consumers,
save considerable taxpayer’s money on residue studies, save time for
government agencies on review of residue data and facilitate the
establishment of import tolerances.

	IR-4 previously recommended adding jujube to the Stone fruit group,
however, after analysis of this crop and with ChemSAC approval (July 10,
2009, Schneider, B., ChemSAC Review of the USDA IR-4 Crop Grouping
Proposal and Analysis of the Stone Fruit Crop Group 12, “it was
recommended not to add jujube to the stone fruit crop group, but to add
it to the proposed tropical fruit edible peel crop group”.  However,
based on review of a comment received from the Embassy of the Republic
of Korea requesting that Chinese jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) be
reconsidered as a member of Crop Group 12-12: Stone Fruit Group.
Chinese jujube was originally included in the petition to the Agency as
a proposed member of the revised stone fruit crop group (document ID No.
EPA-HQ-OPP-2006-0766-0044).  After reviewing the Korean data submitted
with the comment and literature from the United States, EPA finds that
Chinese jujube growth and cultural practices are similar to some stone
fruits, such as cherries and small varieties of plums, and should
therefore be similar to other stone fruit in terms of pesticide residue
exposure.  Chinese jujube is a traditional East Asian fruit crop mainly
cultivated in temperate regions of China, Korea, Taiwan, and Japan.
Chinese jujube has large leaf canopies shading the small sized fruits,
and the fruit is botanically considered a stone fruit or “drupe.”
The Chinese jujube is also deciduous; the crop loses its leaves in the
fall and has a dormant period in the winter, similar to other members of
Crop Group 12-12: Stone Fruit Group.  Additionally, the flower to
harvest time as well as the fruit shape, size, and smooth skin texture
is similar to the plum.  The Chinese jujube was introduced into the
United States from China in 1908, and it is widely distributed in the
southern states as both an ornamental crop and potential minor food
crop.  With improved varieties of Chinese jujube being available to
growers from commercial nurseries there has been recent research in
cultivating the crop in the United States as a potential profitable
minor crop.  For these reasons, Chinese jujube became a member of Crop
Group 12-12: Stone Fruit Group, and not a member of the proposed
tropical and subtropical fruit – edible peel crop group.

	In addition, after IR-4 submitted this petition, and additional
tropical fruit called Borojó (Borojoa patinoi Cuatrec.) was submitted
by Panama as a crop to be included as an edible peel tropical fruit.
This crop is currently be produced on over 3,000 ha in South America and
has been increasing in popularity.  After reviewing information on this
crop, I can recommend adding it to the commodities proposed for this
crop group.  Specific on this crop will be discussed in applicable
sections of this analysis.

	The following Table is a list of the proposed commodities and the
scientific names of the 108 commodities were also updated and are listed
below.

“HED Corrected Proposed Tropical and Subtropical Fruit – Edible Peel
23”.

Commodities

Açaí, Euterpe oleracea Mart.

Acerola, Malpighia emarginata DC.

African plum, Vitex doniana Sweet

Agritos, Berberis trifoliolata Moric.

Almondette, Buchanania lanzan Spreng.

Ambarella, Spondias dulcis Sol. ex Parkinson

Apak palm, Brahea dulcis (Kunth) Mart.

Appleberry, Billardiera scandens Sm.

Arazá, Eugenia stipitata McVaugh

Arbutus Berry, Arbutus unedo L.

Babaco, Vasconcellea x heilbornii (V. M. Badillo) V. M. Badillo

Bacaba palm, Oenocarpus bacaba Mart.

Bacaba-de-leque, Oenocarpus distichus Mart.

Bayberry, Red, Morella rubra Lour.

Bignay, Antidesma bunius (L.) Spreng.

Bilimbi, Averrhoa bilimbi L.

Borojó, Borojoa patinoi Cuatrec.

Breadnut, Brosimum alicastrum Sw.

Cabeluda, Plinia glomerata (O. Berg) Amshoff

Cajou, fruit, Anacardium giganteum Hance ex Engl.

Cambucá, Marlierea edulis Nied.

Carandas-plum, Carissa edulis Vahl

Carob, Ceratonia siliqua L.

Cashew apple, Anacardium occidentale L.

Ceylon iron wood, Manilkara hexandra (Roxb.) Dubard

Ceylon olive, Elaeocarpus serratus L.

Cherry-of-the-Rio-Grande, Eugenia aggregata (Vell.) Kiaersk.

Chinese olive, black, Canarium tramdenum C. D. Dai& Yakovlev

Chinese olive, white, Canarium album (Lour.) Raeusch.

Chirauli-nut, Buchanania latifolia Roxb.

Ciruela verde, Bunchosia armeniaca (Cav.) DC.

Cocoplum, Chrysobalanus icaco L.

Date, Phoenix dactylifera L.

Davidson's plum, Davidsonia pruriens F. Muell.

Desert-date, Balanites aegyptiacus (L.) Delile

Doum palm coconut, Hyphaene thebaica (L.) Mart.

False sandalwood, Ximenia americana L.

Feijoa, Acca sellowiana (O. Berg) Burret

Fig, Ficus carica L.

Fragrant Manjack, Cordia dichotoma G. Forst.

Gooseberry, Abyssinian, Dovyalis abyssinica (A. Rich.) Warb.

Gooseberry, Ceylon, Dovyalis hebecarpa (Gardner) Warb.

Gooseberry, Indian, Phyllanthus emblica L.

Gooseberry, Otaheite, Phyllanthus acidus (L.) Skeels

Governor's plum, Flacourtia indica (Burm. F.) Merr.

Grumichama,  Eugenia brasiliensis Lam

Guabiroba, Campomanesia xanthocarpa O. Berg

Guava, Psidium guajava L.

Guava berry, Myrciaria floribunda (H. West ex Willd.) O. Berg

Guava, Brazilian, Psidium guineense Sw.

Guava, Cattley, Psidium cattleianum Sabine

Guava, Costa Rican, (Psidium friedrichsthalianum (O. Berg) Nied.)

Guava, Para, Psidium acutangulum DC.

Guava, purple strawberry, Psidium cattleianum Sabine var. cattleianum

Guava, strawberry, Psidium cattleianum Sabine var. littorale (Raddi)
Fosberg

Guava, yellow strawberry, Psidium cattleianum Sabine var. cattleianum
forma lucidum O. Deg.

Guayabillo, (Psidium sartorianum (O. Berg) Nied.

Illawarra plum, Podocarpus elatus R. Br. Ex Endl.

Imbé, Garcinia livingstonei T. Anderson

Imbu, Spondias tuberosa Arruda ex Kost.

Indian-plum, Flacourtia jangomas (Lour.). (basionym)

Jaboticaba, Myrciaria cauliflora (Mart.) O. Berg

Jamaica-cherry, Muntingia calabura L.

Jambolan, Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels

Jelly palm, Butia capitata (Mart.) Becc.

Jujube, Indian, Ziziphus mauritiana Lam.

Kaffir-plum, Harpephyllum caffrum Bernh. Ex C. Krauss

Kakadu plum, Terminalia latipes Benth. Subsp. psilocarpa Pedley

Kapundung, Baccaurea racemosa (Reinw.) Mull. Arg.

Karanda, Carissa carandas L.

Kwai muk, Artocarpus hypargyreus Hance ex Benth.

Lemon aspen, Acronychia acidula F. Muell,

Mangaba, Hancornia speciosa Gomes

Marian plum, Bouea macrophylla Griff.

Mombin, Malayan, Spondias pinnata (J. Koenig ex L. f.) Kurz

Mombin, purple, Spondias purpurea L.

Mombin, yellow, Spondias mombin L.

Monkeyfruit, Artocarpus lacucha Buch.-Ham.

Monos plum, Pseudanamomis umbellulifera (Kunth) Kausel

Mountain cherry, Bunchosia cornifolia Kunth

Nance, Byrsonima crassifolia (L.) Kunth

Natal plum, Carissa macrocarpa (Eckl.) A.DC

Noni, Morinda citrifolia L.

Olive, Olea europaea L. subsp. europaea

Papaya, Mountain, Vasconcellea pubescens A. DC.

Patauá, Oenocarpus bataua Mart.

Peach Palm, fruit, Bactris gasipaes Kunth var. gasipaes

Persimmon, black, Diospyros texana Scheele

Persimmon, Japanese, Diospyros kaki Thunb.

Pitomba, Eugenia luschnathiana Klotzsch ex O. Berg

Plum-of-Martinique, Flacourtia inermis Roxb.

Pomerac, Syzygium malaccense (L.) Merr. & L.M. Perry

Rambai, Baccaurea motleyana (Mull. Arg.) Mull. Arg.

Rose apple, Syzygium jambos (L.) Alston

Rukam, Flacourtia rukam Zoll. & Moritizi

Rumberry, Myrciaria dubia (Kunth) Mc Vaugh, (Myrtaceae)

Sea grape, Coccoloba uvifera (L.) L.

Sentul, Sandoricum koetjape (Burm. F.) Merr.

Sete-capotes, Campomanesia guazumifolia (Cambess.) O. Berg

Silver aspen, Acronychia wilcoxian, (F. Muell.) T.G. Hartley

Starfruit,  Averrhoa carambola L

Surinam cherry, Eugenia uniflora L.

Tamarind, Tamarindus indica L.

Uvalha, Eugenia pyriformis Cambess

Water apple, Syzygium aqueum (Burm. F.) Alston

Water pear, Syzygium guineense (Willd.) DC

Water berry, Syzygium cordatum Hochst. Ex C. Krauss

Wax jambu, Syzygium samarangense (Blume) Merr. & L.M.Perry

Cultivars, varieties, and hybrids of these commodities.

	Additional notes:

HED also recommends changing the preferred commodity name for Cashew
(pseudofruit) to Cashew apple, which is the commodity name, used in
commerce.

The commodity Peach palm change to Peach palm, fruit to distinguish from
the Peach palm, nut that is a member in the Tree nut crop group.

Similarly Cajou, pseudofruit should be changed to Cajou, fruit to
distinguish from the Cajou, nut which is a member in the Tree nut crop
group.

HED also recommends that in the crop group table the term “varieties
and/or hybrids of these” should be changed to, “Cultivars,
varieties, and hybrids of these commodities” to avoid all confusion
with terminology regarding whether they are cultivars, varieties, or
hybrids of the tropical fruit edible peel commodities.

IR-4 Proposal 3:

3. “Recommend the following four proposed commodities: Olive, fig,
guava, and date to be representative commodities for the new crop
group.”

HED Recommendation for IR-4 Proposal 3:

	I recommend ChemSAC concur to add olive, fig, guava, and date as
representative commodities for the new Tropical and subtropical fruit
–edible peel Crop Group 23.  These representative commodities account
for > 95 % of the harvested U.S. acres for the members of the new crop
group.  The representative commodities are based on similarities in
fruit surface area, edible portions, and cultural practices and
geographical locations, pest problems, as well as their high production
(both acres and yield) and consumption.  Comparison of established
tolerances on these commodities will support that residue levels will
adequately cover the wide number of commodities.

Selection of representative commodities are based on a representative
commodity that is most likely to: (1) contain the highest residues; (2)
be major in terms of production and/or consumption and (3) similar in
morphology, growth habit, pest problems and edible portion to the
related commodities within a group or subgroup.  Based on these
criteria, one representative commodity is proposed (olive) for Subgroup
23A; two representative commodities (fig and guava) are proposed for
Subgroup 23B and one representative commodity (date) is proposed for
Subgroup 23C.  Established tolerances for the proposed tropical fruit
edible peel representative commodities are discussed in the
“comparison of potential residue levels in the tropical and
subtropical fruit-edible peel section of this analysis, and compare the
existing U.S. and Codex tolerances.

IR-4 Proposal 4:

4. “Add the following three tropical and subtropical crop subgroups:

Subgroup 23A.	Tropical and Subtropical, Small Fruits, Edible Peel
Subgroup

	Proposed Representative Crop:  Olive

Subgroup 23B.	Tropical and Subtropical, Medium to Large Fruits, Edible
Peel Subgroup

	Proposed Representative Crops:  Fig and Guava

Subgroup 23C.	Tropical and Subtropical Palm Fruits, Edible Peel Subgroup

	Proposed Representative Crop:  Date

	These subgroups would contain the following commodities:

1). Subgroup 23A: Tropical and Subtropical, Small Fruits, Edible Peel
Subgroup - Proposed Representative Crop:  Olive

	There are fifty-six commodities proposed for this subgroup and include:

	Acerola; African plum; Agritos; Almondette; Appleberry; Arbutus berry;
Bayberry, Red; Bignay; Breadnut; Cabeluda; Carandas-plum; Ceylon iron
wood; Ceylon olive; Cherry-of-the-Rio-Grande; Chinese olive, black;
Chinese olive, white; Chirauli-nut; Cocoplum; Desert-date; False
sandalwood; Fragrant Manjack; Gooseberry, Abyssinian; Gooseberry,
Ceylon; Gooseberry, Otaheite; Governor’s plum; Grumichama; Guabiroba;
Guava berry; Guava, Brazilian; Guava, Costa Rican; Guayabillo; Illawarra
plum; Indian-plum; Jamaica-cherry; Jambolan; Kaffir-plum; Kakadu plum;
Kapundung; Karnada; Lemon aspen; Mombin, yellow; Monos plum; Mountain
cherry; Olive; Persimmon, Black; Pitomba; Plum-of-Martinique; Rukam;
Rumberry; Sea grape; Sete-capotes; Silver aspen; Water apple; Water
pear; Water berry; Wax jambu.

2). Subgroup 23B: Tropical and Subtropical, Medium to Large Fruits,
Edible Peel Subgroup - Proposed Representative Crops  Fig and Guava.

	There are forty-three commodities proposed for this subgroup and
include:

	Ambarella; Arazá; Babaco; Bilimbi; Borojó, Cajou (pseudofruit);
Cambucá; Carob; Cashew (pseudofruit); Ciruela verde; Davidson’s plum;
Feijoa; Fig; Gooseberry, Indian; Guava; Guava, Cattley, Guava, Para;
Guava, purple strawberry; Guava, strawberry; Guava, yellow strawberry;
Imbé; Imbu; Jaboticaba; Jujube, Indian; Kwai muk; Mangaba; Marian plum;
Mombin, Malayan; Mombin, purple; Monkeyfruit; Nance; Natal plum; Noni;
Papaya, Mountain; Persimmon, Japanese; Pomerac; Rambai; Rose apple;
Sentul; Starfruit; Surinam cherry; Tamarind; Uvalha.

3) Subgroup 23C: Tropical and Subtropical Palm Fruits, Edible Peel
Subgroup - Proposed Representative Crop:  Date

	There are nine commodities proposed for this subgroup and include:

Açaí; Apak palm; Bacaba palm; Bacaba-de-leque; Date; Doum palm
coconut; Jelly palm; Patauá; Peach palm.

HED Recommendation for IR-4 Proposal 4:

surface area/mass (volume) ratio of ≤1.5:1.

Again, the selection of representative commodities are based on a
representative commodity that is most likely to:  (1) contain the
highest residues; (2) be major in terms of production and/or consumption
and (3) similar in morphology, growth habit, pest problems and edible
portion to the related commodities within a group or subgroup, and (4)
having production in the U.S.  Based on these criteria,  we agree with
one representative commodity olive  for Subgroup 23A; two representative
commodities fig and guava for Subgroup 23B and one representative
commodity date for Subgroup 22C.  Some “minor orphan” tropical fruit
commodities have become more popular in some countries and areas today
than they were 10 years ago, such as the açaí and noni.  Increased
globalization of cooking in the United States has resulted in different
fruits to be enjoyed worldwide.  Commodity terminology has also been
updated for the three crop subgroups as follows:

1). Subgroup 23A: Tropical and Subtropical, Small Fruit, Edible Peel
Subgroup - Proposed Representative Crop:  Olive

	There are fifty-six commodities proposed for this subgroup and include:

	Acerola; African plum; Agritos; Almondette; Appleberry; Arbutus berry;
Bayberry, Red; Bignay; Breadnut; Cabeluda; Carandas-plum; Ceylon iron
wood; Ceylon olive; Cherry-of-the-Rio-Grande; Chinese olive, black;
Chinese olive, white; Chirauli-nut; Cocoplum; Desert-date; False
sandalwood; Fragant Manjack; Gooseberry, Abyssinian; Gooseberry, Ceylon;
Gooseberry, Otaheite; Governor’s plum; Grumichama; Guabiroba; Guava
berry; Guava, Brazilian; Guava, Costa Rican; Guayabillo; Illawarra plum;
Indian-plum; Jamaica-cherry  Jambolan; Kaffir-plum; Kakadu plum;
Kapundung; Karnada; Lemon aspen; Mombin, yellow; Monos plum; Mountain
cherry; Olive; Persimmon, Black; Pitomba; Plum-of-Martinique; Rukam;
Rumberry; Sea grape; Sete-capotes; Silver aspen; Water apple; Water
pear; Water berry; Wax jambu.

2). Subgroup 23B: Tropical and Subtropical, Medium to Large Fruit,
Edible Peel Subgroup - Proposed Representative Crops:  Fig and Guava.

	There are forty-three commodities proposed for this subgroup and
include:

	Ambarella; Arazá; Babaco; Bilimbi; Borojó , Cajou, fruit; Cambucá;
Carob; Cashew apple; Ciruela verde; Davidson’s plum; Feijoa; Fig;
Gooseberry, Indian; Guava; Guava, Cattley, Guava, Para; Guava, purple
strawberry; Guava, strawberry; Guava, yellow strawberry; Imbé; Imbu;
Jaboticaba; Jujube, Indian; Kwai muk; Mangaba; Marian plum; Mombin,
Malayan; Mombin, purple; Monkeyfruit; Nance; Natal plum; Noni; Papaya,
Mountain; Persimmon, Japanese; Pomerac; Rambai; Rose apple; Sentul;
Starfruit; Surinam cherry; Tamarind; Uvalha.

3) Subgroup 23C: Tropical and Subtropical Palm Fruit, Edible Peel
Subgroup - Proposed Representative Crop:  Date

	There are nine commodities proposed for this subgroup and include:

Açaí; Apak palm; Bacaba palm; Bacaba-de-leque; Date; Doum palm
coconut; Jelly palm; Patauá; Peach palm, fruit.

IR-4 Proposal 5:

5. “Add Commodity Definition [40 CFR 180.1 (g)] for Guava?”

The current crop definition for tropical and subtropical fruit with
edible peel is proposed to be removed because the commodities will be
included in crop subgroups.

General commodity 	Specific Commodities Included in Definition 	Comments

Guava 	Guava, feijoa, jaboticaba, wax jambu, starfruit, passionfruit,
acerola 	Primarily edible peel; note/peel rarely contaminates Passiflora
spp. during juicing

IR-4 is proposing a new crop definition is proposed for guava that
includes many of the closely related genus (Psidium), species and
varieties.  The following is the proposed crop definition for guava:

A	B

Guava

(Psidium guajava L.)	Guava (Psidium guajava L.);  Guava, Para (Psidium
acutangulum DC.);  Guava, Brazilian (Psidium guineense Sw.); Guava,
cattley (Psidium cattleianum Sabine); Guava, Costa Rican (Psidium
friedrichsthalianum (O. Berg) Nied.); Guava, purple strawberry (Psidium
cattleianum Sabine var. cattleianum);  Guava, strawberry (Psidium
cattleianum Sabine var. littorale (Raddi) Fosberg); Guava, yellow
strawberry; (Psidium cattleianum Sabine var. cattleianum forma lucidum
O. Deg.); Guayabillo (Psidium sartorianum (O. Berg) Nied.)

HED Recommendation for IR-4 Proposal 5:

Currently, there is one Commodity Definitions for tropical fruits –
edible peel for guava that was approved by the ChemSAC [40 CFR 180 (1)
(g)] in 1998.  The current crop definition for tropical and subtropical
fruit with edible peel is proposed to be removed because the commodities
will be included in the new crop subgroups, and passionfruit will be
transferred to another new Tropical and subtropical fruit – inedible
peel crop group 23 when it is analyzed.

 I recommend for ChemSAC to approve deleting the previously ChemSAC
approved guava commodity definition under 40 CFR Part 180.1(g) because
each of these commodities are listed separately as members of the new
proposed Tropical and subtropical fruit – edible peel crop group.
Also, a guava definition is not necessary since it is one of the
proposed representative commodities for crop subgroup 23B, “Tropical
and Subtropical, Medium to Large Fruit, Edible Peel Subgroup”.  Since
the guava, commodity definition has not been published in the Federal
Register there is no issue deleting it.

Additional HED Conclusions:

HED Conclusion 6:

	Another important aspect of crop grouping is the harmonization effort
with the Codex Classification of Foods and Animal Feeds.  The proposed
EPA crop group for Tropical and subtropical fruit group – edible peel
is very similar to the corresponding Codex Assorted tropical and
sub-tropical fruit group – edible peel.  The Codex Group 005, Assorted
tropical and subtropical fruit group – edible peel (Crop Group 005),
consists of twenty-eight commodities Table 34).  Most of the Codex
commodities are the same as those proposed by USDA IR-4 in this petition
with certain exceptions.  Kumquat (FT0289) and limequat (FT2324) are
included in this Codex group but EPA has kumquat and limequat as part of
the revised Citrus fruit group 10-10, since they are citrus fruits or a
citrus fruit hybrids in the case of limequat..  Carambola is called
starfruit in the U.S.  Tree tomato (FT0312) is now included in the EPA
Fruiting vegetable crop group 8-10.  There are five commodities proposed
in the U.S. not yet in the Codex classification and these are agritos,
cambuca, otaheite gooseberry, yellow mombin, and black persimmon.  In
addition, Codex has feijoa in its inedible peel tropical and
sub-tropical inedible peel group while the US has its documented ad an
edible peel fruit.  A revision of the Codex Classification is underway
with consideration to include adding new commodities, creating
subgroups, and selecting representative commodities.

HED Conclusion 7:

Guidance for HED SOP 99.6 -  SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1  “Classification of
Food Forms with Respect to Level of Blending” issued August 20, 1999,
and HED SOP 2000.1 – “  SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1 Guidance for Translation
of Field Trial Data from Representative Commodities in the Crop Group
Regulation to Other Commodities in Each Crop Group/Subgroup” issued
September 12, 2000 can be updated to reflect the new Tropical and
Subtropical Fruit  - Edible Peel Group 23.  The updates are discussed in
the HED SOP 2001 Section of this analysis.

HED Conclusion 8:

	The Health Effects Division Dry Matter and Seeding Rate Database
prepared by Dr’s. Yuen-Shaung NG and B. A. Schneider, will be updated
to include the additional commodities for the Tropical and subtropical
fruit – edible peel subgroup 23.

HED Conclusion 9:

Guidance on expressing tolerance terminology for the new Tropical and
subtropical fruit group - edible peel crop group 23 is discussed under
the “Tolerance expression guidance section of this analysis.

HED Conclusion 10:

New lookup and preferred EPA terms for the members of the Tropical and
subtropical fruit group - edible peel crop group are listed in the EPA
Food and Feed Commodity Vocabulary section of this report and these
terms should be added to the updated EPA Food and Feed Commodity
Vocabulary website (http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/foodfeed).

DETAILED ANALYSIS OF THE USDA IR-4 PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH A NEW CROP
GROUP 23 FOR TROPICAL AND SUBTROPICAL FRUIT - EDIBLE PEEL:

	Tropical fruits form a large and diverse commodity group ranging from
perennial herbaceous and woody plants as well as trees, shrubs, and
vines.  Large numbers of tropical fruit produce edible fruits, but few
have expanded into international use.  Originally, tropical fruits were
produced near their original center of each species distribution.  As
storage and shipping techniques, pest problem controls,  and yield have
improved and increased so has the worldwide distribution of the tropical
fruits.  Limiting factors of further market growth includes capability
of controlling pests.

	Despite the relatively low   HYPERLINK
"http://www.answers.com/topic/caloric" \t "_top"  caloric  values of
tropical and subtropical fruits, they play an important role in human
diet mainly because of their high and diverse vitamin and mineral
content.  This has been of extreme importance in the tropics, where
people have been consuming them since ancient times, either by
collecting fruit from the wild or by cultivating plants in home or
community gardens.  They have become an important part of the diet of
people in the developed countries of the world.  Nutritionists have long
recommended a minimum of one hundred   HYPERLINK
"http://www.answers.com/topic/gram" \t "_top"  grams  of fruit per day
and that it is as varied as possible.  Toward the end of the twentieth
century market campaigns commonly recommend consumption of five fruits
per day, which reinforces the value of fruit as a part of the human
diet.

DEFINITION OF TROPICAL AND SUBTROPICAL REGIONS:

pproximately 23 26′ 16″ (or 23.4378) N and the   HYPERLINK
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropic_of_Capricorn" \o "Tropic of
Capricorn"  Tropic of Capricorn  in the southern hemisphere at
23 26′ 16″ (or 23.4378°) S.  The tropics include all the areas
on the earth where the sun reaches a point directly overhead and a point
directly underneath at least once during the solar year. Outside the
tropics, the sun never reaches a point directly overhead or a point
directly underneath at any time during the year. (Figure 1).

Figure 1 . Map of the Tropical Climatic Region.

SUBTROPICAL CLIMATIC REGION:

The subtropics are the   HYPERLINK
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geographical_zone" \o "Geographical zone"
geographical  and climatical zone of the earth immediately north and
south of the   HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropics" \o
"Tropics"  tropical  zone, which is bounded by the   HYPERLINK
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropic_of_Cancer" \o "Tropic of Cancer"
Tropic of Cancer  and the   HYPERLINK
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropic_of_Capricorn" \o "Tropic of
Capricorn"  Tropic of Capricorn , at   HYPERLINK
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latitude" \o "Latitude"  latitudes
23.5°N and 23.5°S.  The term "subtropical" describes the   HYPERLINK
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climate" \o "Climate"  climatic
HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Region" \o "Region"  region
found adjacent to the tropics, usually between 20 and 40 degrees of
latitude in both hemispheres.

In subtropical climates, the winters are relatively warm, but not as hot
as the summer season.  These climates rarely see frost or snow, and
plants such as palm, citrus and many   HYPERLINK
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broadleaf" \o "Broadleaf"  broadleaf
HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evergreen" \o "Evergreen"
evergreens  flourish, in contrast to the hardier   HYPERLINK
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deciduous" \o "Deciduous"  deciduous  and
 HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coniferous" \o "Coniferous"
coniferous  trees, which dominate mid-latitude climates.  As one moves
toward the tropical side the slight winter cool season disappears
altogether, while at the poleward threshold of the subtropics the
winters become much cooler.

	Rainfall patterns vary widely throughout the subtropics including hot
deserts,   HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Savanna" \o "Savanna"
 savannas ,   HYPERLINK
"http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Monsoon_forest&action=edit&re
dlink=1" \o "Monsoon forest (page does not exist)"  monsoon forests ,
HYPERLINK
"http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Humid_forest&action=edit&redl
ink=1" \o "Humid forest (page does not exist)"  humid forests  and the
warmer parts of the Mediterranean climate zone. Subtropical regions
include most of California and southern Europe (Mediterranean or
dry-summer subtropical climate), the low deserts of the Southwest USA
(hot arid type), the Gulf Coast and most of Florida (humid subtropical
climate), northern India (  HYPERLINK
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monsoon" \o "Monsoon"  monsoon ),
southeast   HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China" \o "China"
China  (humid), the middle part of South America, much of Australia and
coastal   HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Africa" \o
"South Africa"  South Africa .

Figure 2 . Map of the Subtropical Climatic Region.

DEFINITION OF TROPICAL AND SUBTROPICAL FRUIT COMMODITIES:

Tropical and   HYPERLINK "http://www.answers.com/topic/subtropical" \t
"_top"  subtropical  fruits, in contrast with temperate  (cool season)
fruits, can be broadly defined as those meeting the following criteria:

Crops that have their origin and commercial growing areas (when such
exist) in the tropics or   HYPERLINK
"http://www.answers.com/topic/subtropics" \t "_top"  subtropics , plants
that are evergreen and perennial, crops with a limited degree of frost
resistance,  and plants whose growth is practically   HYPERLINK
"http://www.answers.com/topic/nonexistence" \t "_top"  nonexistent
below 50°F (10°C) (with some exceptions according to species and
individual age).

	A distinction between tropical and subtropical is possible if one
considers that tropical species are not only sensitive to temperatures
below 68°F (20°C) but indeed require a climate with average mean
temperatures higher than 50°F (10°C) for the coldest month.  Most
tropicals require   HYPERLINK "http://www.answers.com/topic/humid" \t
"_top"  humid  environmental conditions.

	Strictly speaking, the tropics extend between the Tropics of Cancer and
Capricorn, at 23° north and south of the equator. However,
agronomically, these boundaries are too rigid.  Not only do they contain
areas, especially at higher altitudes that do not conform to the
climatic characteristics generally assigned to the tropics but also
regions outside this belt have coastal areas or   HYPERLINK
"http://www.answers.com/topic/insular" \t "_top"  insular  climates that
may exhibit climatic conditions fitting properly in the tropics.  In any
event, the main feature associated with the tropics is not so much that
of heat but rather steady warm temperatures throughout the year.  Samson
(1986) defined a tropical climate as having temperature averages around
80.6°F (27°C), with the warmest month being only a few degrees higher
than the coldest and temperature differences between night and day, at
any given time, being greater than those between winter and summer, and,
finally, little variation in daylength, with the longest day being less
than thirteen hours long.  In comparison, the subtropics have hotter
summers and cooler winters and the humidity is generally lower.
Daylength differences become greater with increased latitude.  The limit
for the subtropics is the   HYPERLINK
"http://www.answers.com/topic/isotherm" \t "_top"  isotherm  of 50°F
(10°C) average for the coldest month.  While hundreds of tropical and
subtropical fruits exist, but only some fifty are well known throughout
most of the world.  Major tropical fruits include banana and   HYPERLINK
"http://www.answers.com/topic/plantain" \t "_top"  plantain ,
HYPERLINK "http://www.answers.com/topic/mango" \t "_top"  mango , and
HYPERLINK "http://www.answers.com/topic/pineapple" \t "_top"  pineapple
, while minor tropical at present include for example abiu,   HYPERLINK
"http://www.answers.com/topic/atemoya" \t "_top"  atemoya , avocado,
HYPERLINK "http://www.answers.com/topic/breadfruit" \t "_top"
breadfruit , carambola,   HYPERLINK
"http://www.answers.com/topic/durian" \t "_top"  durian , guava,
jaboticaba,   HYPERLINK "http://www.answers.com/topic/jackfruit" \t
"_top"  jackfruit , langsat,   HYPERLINK
"http://www.answers.com/topic/litchi" \t "_top"  litchi , longan,
mangosteen,   HYPERLINK "http://www.answers.com/topic/papaya" \t "_top"
papaya , passion  HYPERLINK
"http://www.answers.com/topic/tropical-and-subtropical-fruit" \l "#" \t
"_blank"  fruit , pulusan, rambutan,   HYPERLINK
"http://www.answers.com/topic/sapodilla" \t "_top"  sapodilla , and
soursop.  Various wild fruits belonging to diverse botanical families,
and at present are not yet cultivated commercially in any country and
are much in need of characterization, conservation, selection, and
further breeding.

	Major-category fruits are cultivated in most tropical and subtropical
countries, are well known in both local, and export/import markets.
Minor fruits are not so extensively cultivated, and consumption and
trade tend to be more limited, both geographically and quantitatively.
However, many are of considerable economic importance in their
respective regional markets, as is the case with   HYPERLINK
"http://www.answers.com/topic/carambola" \t "_top"  carambola , durian,
and mangosteen, which are major fruits throughout Southeast Asia.

BOTANICAL ASPECTS OF PROPOSED TROPICAL FRUIT COMMODITIES:

	Tropical and subtropical fruits include not only woody plants, such as
the mango, but also   HYPERLINK
"http://www.answers.com/topic/herbaceous" \t "_top"  herbaceous  crops
like the banana and vines like the passionfruit.  Most botanical
families can claim to at least one species of tropical or subtropical
fruit, and list some 137 families (Martin, 1987, See Table 1).  Tropical
fruits are a botanically divers groups of fruits native to tropical and
subtropical regions of the world.  Tradionally tropical fruits were
consumed  and grown locally.

	From the botanical point of view, a fruit is the structure developed
from flowers or inflorescences.  In most cases, the fruit consists only
of the developed   HYPERLINK "http://www.answers.com/topic/ovary" \t
"_top"  ovary , but it may include other parts of the flower, such as
the   HYPERLINK "http://www.answers.com/topic/pedicel" \t "_top"
pedicel , sepal, or   HYPERLINK
"http://www.answers.com/topic/receptacle" \t "_top"  receptacle , or
even a portion of the seed   HYPERLINK
"http://www.answers.com/topic/stalk" \t "_top"  stalk .  As with
temperate crops, many different fruit types appear among the tropicals
and subtropicals, from single fruits, including berries, such as the
avocado; drupes such as the mango and olive; pomes such as the
HYPERLINK "http://www.answers.com/topic/loquat" \t "_top"  loquat ;
capsules, such as the durian; nutlets, such as the lychee and the
HYPERLINK "http://www.answers.com/topic/longan" \t "_top"  longan ; to
compound fruits, as in the typical syncarpium of the pineapple or even a
bunch of individual berries, as in the banana.  Botanically the date
fruit is a berry consisting of a single seed surrounded by a fibrous,
parchment-like endocarp, a fleshy mesocarp and the fruit skin
(pericarp).  The fruit is attached to the spikelet by a perianth (calyx
or cap).  It takes up to about 200 days from pollination to reach full
maturation stage.  To differentiate fruit crops from perennial
vegetables whose fruits are also eaten, it is necessary to keep in mind
that in a horticultural sense a fruit is something that is normally
eaten fresh and out of hand., but a number of exceptions exist, like the
breadfruit and the plantain, considered fruits by all but only
HYPERLINK "http://www.answers.com/topic/palatable" \t "_top"  palatable
when cooked, as if they were vegetables.

	The potential for development of tropical fruits does not rely only on
consumption, since planting tropical fruits for   HYPERLINK
"http://www.answers.com/topic/agroforestry" \t "_top"  agroforestry  and
for ornamentals urban uses important factors.  Tropical countries like
Malaysia encourage and promote   HYPERLINK
"http://www.answers.com/topic/intercropping" \t "_top"  intercropping
of suitable perennial fruits with compatible forest species (Anang and
Chan, 1999).  These considerations may involve research searching for
cultivars that can be oriented also toward wood or flower production.

	Unlike most crop groups that are based on a family or fruit type such
as the Pome fruits  and Stone fruits that are members of the Rosaceae or
Rose family, the proposed Tropical and subtropical fruit edible peels
are representative of thirty-four plant families (Table 1).  The most
common plant tropical fruit family is the Myrtaceae commonly called the
myrtle family and contains feijoa, guava, jaboticaba, wax jambu, and
others.

Table 1.  Botanical Families of the Proposed Tropical and Subtropical
Edible Peel Crop Group (Currently commodities in bold are the best known
world-wide).

Botanical Family	Commodity

Anacardiaceae	Açaí; Almondette; Ambarella; Cajou, fruit; Cashew apple;
Chirauli-nut; Imbu; Kaffir-plum; Marian plum; Malayan mombin; Purple
mombin, Yellow mombin

Apocynaceae	Carandas-plum; Karanda; Mangaba; Natal plum

Arecaceae	Apak palm; Bacaba palm; Bacaba-de-leque; Date; Doum palm
coconut; Jelly palm; Patauá; Peach Palm

Berberidaceae	Agritos

Boraginaceae	Fragrant Manjack

Burseraceae	Chinese olive, black; Chinese olive, white

Caricaceae	Babaco; Mountain papaya

Chrysobalanaceae	Cocoplum

Clusiaceae	Imbé

Combretaceae	Kakadu plum

Cunoniaceae	Davidson's plum

Ebenaceae	Black persimmon; Japanese persimmon

Elaeocarpaceae	Ceylon olive

Ericaceae	Arbutus Berry

Fabaceae	Carob; Tamarind

Lamiaceae	African plum

Malpighiaceae	Acerola; Ciruela verde; Mountain cherry; Nance

Meliaceae	Sentul

Moraceae	Breadnut; Fig; Kwai muk; Monkeyfruit

Muntingiaceae	Jamaica-cherry

Myricaceae	Bayberry, Red

Myrtaceae	Arazá; Cabeluda; Cambucá; Cherry-of-the-Rio-Grande; Feijoa;
Grumichama; Guabiroba; Guava; Guava berry; Guava, Brazilian ; Guava,
Cattley;  Guava, Costa Rican; Guava, Para; Guava, purple strawberry;
Guava, strawberry; Guava, yellow strawberry; Guayabillo; Jaboticaba;
Jambolan; Monos plum; Pitomba; Pomerac; Rose apple; Rumberry;
Sete-capotes; Surinam cherry; Uvalha; Water apple; Water pear; Water
berry; Wax jambu

Oleaceae	False sandalwood; Olive

Oxalidaceae	Bilimbi; Starfruit

Phyllanthaceae	Bignay; Indian gooseberry; Otaheite gooseberry;
Kapundung; Rambai;

Pittosporaceae	Appleberry

Podocarpaceae	Illawarra plum

Polygonaceae	Sea grape

Rhamnaceae	Indian jujube

Rubiaceae	Borojó, Noni

Rutaceae	Lemon aspen; Silver aspen

Salicaceae	Abyssinian  gooseberry; Ceylon gooseberry, Ceylon; Governor's
plum; Indian-plum; Plum-of-Martinique; Rukam

Sapotaceae	Ceylon iron wood

Zygophyllaceae	Desert-date

ORIGIN AND HISTORY OF TROPICAL AND SUBTROPICAL FRUIT CULTIVATION:

Areas of Origin and Spread:

	Many of the tropical fruits were domesticated over 2,000 years ago.
Although most of the continents, including the islands throughout the
Pacific, have contributed tropical and subtropical fruits, most of the
best-known ones came from the tropical and subtropical regions of
America (for example, papaya, avocado, pineapple,   HYPERLINK
"http://www.answers.com/topic/guava" \t "_top"  guava ) and Asia (for
example, banana, and litchi).  The only important fruit native to the
African continent is the date. Europe, with no tropical and limited
subtropical areas, has none.

	Spreading of tropical fruits to the regions surrounding their areas of
origin probably began early, as soon as humans realized their value in
terms of nutrition and the variety they could add to the primitive diets
of the time.  The potential of some species to provide not only food but
also shelter or clothing (some types of banana), wood, and medicine
hastened their distribution.

	An example is the mango that was native to the Indo-Burma region, and
by the end of the fourth century, it had spread to all the tropical
countries of Southeast Asia.  Crops from the Americas are not as well
documented, but archaeological findings have shown connections between
the cultures of Mexico and Peru dating as far back as 1000 BCE, giving a
solid opportunity for some tropical and subtropical fruits to spread
around the warmer American lands.

	Soon after the European discovery of America, the Old and New Worlds
rapidly exchanged crops.  The banana carried to Santo Domingo from the
Canary Islands in 1516, which were a routine last port of call for
European ships facing an Atlantic crossing.  After Columbus's voyages,
expeditions explored all corners of the world, and where the ships went,
food went also, to say nothing of   HYPERLINK
"http://www.answers.com/topic/tasty" \t "_top"  tasty  fruits and easily
propagated species.  Between 1500 and 1650   HYPERLINK
"http://www.answers.com/topic/tropical-and-subtropical-fruit" \l "#" \t
"_blank"  Portuguese  sailors connected Brazil and the Cape of Good
Hope, touching Goa, Malacca, the   HYPERLINK
"http://www.answers.com/topic/spice-islands" \t "_top"  Moluccas ,
Canton, and Macao, trading from there with Japan and Formosa.  The
Spanish Manila galleon route dominated shipping from 1565 to 1815, in
the seas between the Philippines and Mexico. Dutch, British, and French
voyagers were also important in spreading tropical fruits around the
world.

	No hard and fast rule explains why some fruits spread quickly
throughout the world while others remain limited in scope even in the
twenty-first century.  Several factors may be involved, among them crop
adaptability, shelf life, ease of propagation (including the capacity to
survive long voyages), size of the plant, multiplicity of uses (other
than as fresh fruit such as medicinal), and taste acceptance.

	The excellent taste of the pineapple, the long-lasting viability of the
plant's suckers as planting material, and the rapidity with which it
produces fruit all account for its prompt appearance in Europe in
glasshouses and India as early as 1548.  Similar considerations apply to
the banana and the papaya and even to woody perennial trees like the
mango or the guava, which soon spread throughout the tropics and
subtropics, even though their size precluded cultivation in greenhouses
outside these areas.  On the other hand, true tropical trees are usually
demanding in climate and in some cases are difficult to propagate.  The
mangosteen, rambutan, and durian have remained confined almost
exclusively to their area of origin in Southeast Asia.

	The origin of the cashew apple is northeastern Brazil in the region
between the Atlantic and Amazon rainforests.  This area is a dry forest
or savannah-woodland habitat.   Portuguese explorers first took the
cashew from Brazil to India and then to Mozambique Africa in the 16th
century.  From these two areas, the cashew spread to other parts of East
Africa and Angola, as well as throughout southeastern Asia and northern
Australia.  It is likely that Spanish explorers spread the plant to
Central America and the Caribbean basin.  Cashews were first imported to
the United States from India in the early part of the 20th century.
While cashew nut is an important item of commerce, however, in the past
the cashew apple was of primary interest, not the nut.  There are areas
of the Caribbean, South and Central America and East Africa, where trees
grow solely for local cashew apple consumption.

Figure 1. Cashew apple and nut.

	The members of this proposed crop group have similar uses, and all are
consumed fresh or consumed cooked or raw in various recipes including
salads, jellies, and juices.  They are also used fresh or in a
dehydrated form.  Some of these tropical fruits also have medicinal
properties.  The most widely grown edible peel tropical and subtropical
fruits in the world with largest acreages will be the representative
commodities for the new crop group.

Commercialization and Trade

	Many tropical and subtropical fruits are no longer exotic products in
world markets, but have become firmly established with guaranteed supply
and reasonable prices.  Guava, starfruit, lychee, mangosteen,
passionfruit, and rambutan have experienced notable development.  The
main importers of most of these tropical and subtropical fruits are the
European Union, the United States, Japan, Canada, and China.

	Exports of fresh fruits are mainly by ship or surface transport.
Postharvest techniques for extending the shelf life of most tropical and
subtropical fruits have been mastered, and refrigerated boats (some with
controlled atmosphere installations) move these commodities from
production countries to their ultimate markets with ease.  A small
proportion of the tropical fruits, particularly pineapple, mango, and
papaya, are transported by air, either destined specially for
HYPERLINK "http://www.answers.com/topic/gourmet" \t "_top"  gourmet  or
 HYPERLINK "http://www.answers.com/topic/niche" \t "_top"  niche
markets or for celebrations at certain times of the year, such as
Christmas and New Year's, when they command higher prices.  Some of the
minor crops, still considered exotics, like the mangosteen and the
rambutan, have a more difficult postharvest life and have to be exported
by air.

	Many countries from virtually all the continents have designated
specific areas for production of fruits destined purely for export.
These countries include India, Malaysia, Thailand, and China in Asia;
the Philippines and Australia in Oceania; South Africa and Ivory Coast
in Africa; Mexico, Brazil, the United States, Peru, Costa Rica, and
Chile in North and South America; Spain in Europe; and Israel.

	While banana, olive, and pineapple have a long history of international
trade, the avocado trade only began in the 1970s.  The mango did not
become a well-known fruit (from a consumption point of view) until the
1990s, with Mexico as the leading exporter.  Several of the tropical
fruits could become very popular in the future with consumer demand such
as açaí, cashew apple, Japanese perimmon, and tamarind.

	There are several organizations and horticultural societies at national
and international levels dedicated to particular tropical or subtropical
fruits.  Their members include growers, researchers and academics,
handlers, traders, and consumers.  The Intergovernmental Group on
Bananas and on Tropical Fruits, under the   HYPERLINK
"http://www.answers.com/topic/auspices" \t "_top"  auspices  of the Food
and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), meets every
two years to discuss issues related to marketing and trade.

	One specific crop is the development of dates as a major crop.  The
date palm has been cultivated in the Middle East since ancient times.
The date palm is adapted to areas with long, very hot summers with
little rain, low   HYPERLINK "http://www.answers.com/topic/humidity" \t
"_top"  humidity , and abundant underground water.  These conditions are
common to oasis and river valleys in the   HYPERLINK
"http://www.answers.com/topic/arid" \t "_top"  arid  subtropical deserts
of the Middle East, the area of origin of the date palm.  This is the
"Fertile Crescent," where agriculture is thought to have arisen.  The
date palm has been cultivated in this area since about 7000 B.C.E., and
was possibly one of the first crops domesticated.  By 2000 B.C.E., date
palm culture had already spread to Arabia, Egypt, North Africa, and
western India.

	People undoubtedly used date palms or their wild progenitors even
before actual cultivation began.  The dried fruits were easily stored
and transported after leaving the oasis.  Date palms also supplied
building material, fiber, fuel, animal feed, honey (syrup), and wine.
In the early twenty-first century, the Middle East is still the center
of date production and consumption.  The largest producers of dates are
Egypt, Iran, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia.  Production of dates is highly
specialized and labor-intensive.  There are great variations in date
growing practices: from traditional oasis culture to modern industrial
plantings.  The United States has led the way in mechanization of date
production, and this practice is spreading to other countries as they
modernize.  There are thousands of local varieties of dates grown in the
Middle East.  Other countries have a more limited number of varieties
derived from a few importations.

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE TROPICAL AND SUBTROPICAL FRUIT CROPS:

	Understanding how the tropical and subtropical fruit crops grow and
develop is a key part of developing a pest control strategy for optimum
fruit yield and quality and a helpful reference for analysis of residue
field trials by EPA scientists.  Proper timing of pesticide
applications, based on crop growth stage and pest growth cycle can
improve a product’s efficacy, prevent crop injury, and yield losses.
Pesticide labels often use crop growth stages and codes to identify when
to apply a pesticide, and State Extension pest control recommendations
and spray schedules are based on these distinct growth stages.  Rarely,
if ever, will a grower need to apply treatments at all of the key growth
stages shown for a given fruit.  The number, distribution, and content
of needed treatments will vary between the major tropical fruit growing
regions of the world and within any given region and are dependent on
pest pressures, which reduce the yield, quality, and marketability of
the fruit.

	Some of the internationally recognized growth stages for the tropical
and subtropical fruit edible peel are represented by the olive, are
listed as BBCH Codes (Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt and
Chemical industry), and are shown in Table 2.  In biology, the
BBCH-scale for olive describes the   HYPERLINK
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phenology" \o "Phenology"  phenological
development of   HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olive" \o
"Olive"  olive trees  using the   HYPERLINK
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BBCH-scale" \o "BBCH-scale"  BBCH-scale .
They are based on the principal growth stage such as leaf development,
flowering, and fruit development, and they list a standard BBCH Code for
each stage as well as a description of each code.  The selected growth
stages are also essential for identifying the propose timings to scout
pest problems for control of these pests and for applications of
pesticides as part of an integrated pest management program (IPM).

Table 2.  Selected Principal Growth Stages for Olive, A Representative
Commodity Tropical and Subtropical Fruit – Edible Peel Group.  BBCH
Identification Codes (Adapted from   Meier, 1994).

BBCH Code 	Principal Growth Stage	General Description

00	Bud development	Foliar buds at the apex of shoots grown the previous
crop-year are completely closed, sharp-pointed, and stemless and ochre
colored.

01	Bud development 	Foliar buds start to swell and open, showing the new
foliar primordial.

03	Bud development	Foliar buds lengthen and separate from the base.

07	Bud development	External small leaves open, not completely separated,
remaining joined by apices.

09	Bud development 	External small leaves open, not completely
separated, remaining joined ny apices.

11	Leaf development	First leaves completely separated. grey-greenish
colored.

15	Leaf development 	The leaves are separated without reaching their
final size. First leaves turn greenish on the upper side.

19	Leaf development 	Leaves get the typical variety size and shape.

31	Shoot development	Shoots reach 10% of final size.

33	Shoot development	Shoots reach 30% of final size.

37	Shoot development	Shoots reach 70 % of final size.

50	Inflorescence emergence	Inflorescence buds in leaf axils are
completely closed. They are sharp-pointed, stem less and ochre-colored.

51	Inflorescence emergence	Inflorescence buds start to swell on its
stem.

52	Inflorescence emergence	Inflorescence buds open. Flower cluster
development starts.

54	Inflorescence emergence	Flower cluster growing.

55	Inflorescence emergence	Flower cluster totally expanded. Floral buds
start to open.

57	Inflorescence emergence	The corolla, green-colored, is longer than
calyx.

59	Inflorescence emergence	The corolla changes from green to white
color.

60	Flowering	First flowers open.

61	Flowering	Beginning of flowering: 10% of flowers open.

65	Flowering	Full flowering: at least 50% of flowers open.

67	Flowering	First petals falling.

68	Flowering	Majority of petals fallen or faded.

69	Flowering	End of flowering, fruit set, non-fertilized ovaries fallen.

71	Development of Fruit	Fruit size about 10% of final size.

75	Development of Fruit	Fruit size about 50% of final size. Stone starts
to lignified (it shows cutting resistance).

79	Development of Fruit	Fruit size about 90% of final size. Fruit
suitable for picking green olives.

80	Maturity of fruit	Fruit deep green color becomes light green,
yellowish.

81	Maturity of fruit	Beginning of fruit coloring.

85	Maturity of fruit	Increasing of specific fruit coloring.

89	Maturity of fruit 	Harvest maturity: fruits get the typical variety
color, remaining turgid, suitable for oil extraction.

92	Senescence	Overripe: fruits lose turgidity and start to fall.

Growth Stages of the Date:

	The date palm fruits develop and mature in stage and color that
distinguish each variety.  Botanically the date fruit is a berry
consisting of a single seed surrounded by a fibrous, parchment-like
endocarp, a fleshy mesocarp and the fruit skin (pericarp). The fruit is
attached to the spikelet by a perianth (calyx or cap).  It takes up to
about 200 days from pollination to reach full maturation (tamar stage).
During its formation and ripening, the fruit passes through a number of
distinct phases, each of them distinguished by one or more particular
characteristics.  The following terms for these development stages are
‘Kimri’, ‘Khalal’, ‘Rutab’, and ‘Tamar’ (See Figure 3).
The ‘Kimiri’ is the growing stage where the fruit is green,
immature, still developing, and not full size.  The ‘Khalal’ is the
growing stage at which the fruit attains their maximum size and are
yellow or red.  The ‘Rutab’ is the stage from the time the fruit
begins to soften at their tips until they are cured.  The ‘Tamar’ is
the fully cured or dried stage of the fruit when it will not ferment and
sour.  Another characteristic of variety maturity is the fruit shape,
which is most distinct in the khalal stage as difference in shape,
diminishes as the fruit matures.  The variety of shapes for the four
main cultivars in California is ‘Deglet Noor’ and ‘Medjool’ are
oblong-ovate; ‘Zahidi’ is obovate; and ‘Khadrawy’ is oblong or
oblong elliptical in shape.

Figure 3. Formation and Ripening of the Dates (FAO, 1993)

Specifically, these models help to understand the development of the
date through four stages named by their Arabic denominations:
‘kimri’, ‘khalaal’, ‘rutab’ and ‘tamar’.  Hababauk is
the term used for the female flower and the period just after
pollination when the young fruit is still creamy white before gradually
turning green at the ‘kimri’ stage.  At the ‘kimri’ stage, there
is a rapid increase in size, weight, and reducing sugars; it is the
period of highest acid activity and moisture content (up to 85%).  All
factors level off at the end of this stage when the fruit starts to turn
yellow (or red according to variety).  At this point, the date seed
could already germinate and the fruit is botanically mature.  At the
‘khalaal’ stage, weight gain is slow but sucrose content increases,
moisture content goes down, and tannins will start to precipitate and
lose their astringency.  In some varieties this latter process evolves
rapidly, which makes them already palatable at the ‘khalaal’ stage,
and one could speak of commercial maturity for this type of fruit at
this stage.  Usually the tips of the fruit starting to turn brown, the
rutab stage sets in which is characterized by a decrease in weight due
to moisture loss, a partial inversion of sucrose into invert sugar and a
browning of the skin and softening of the tissues.  The moisture content
goes down to about 35% and the dates at this stage are sold as fresh
fruit.  Only when the dates ripen further on the palm will they turn
into tamar, climatic conditions permitting, characterize by a moisture
content at which the date is self-preserving.  The upper limit for the
date to be self-preserving lies at around 24 - 25%.  Dates distinguish
themselves therefore from most other fruit in that they have a botanical
maturity and at least three distinct commercial maturation levels, the
sweet ‘khalaal’, the ‘rutab’, and the ‘tamr’ stage.   The
date goes from one extreme of moisture content (85% at the early
‘kimri’ stage) to another (5 – 10 % in dry desert dates.  In
between there are several levels of moisture, i.e. about 50 – 60 % for
sweet ‘khalaal’, about 35 - 40% for ‘rutab’, around 24% for
entering the zone of self-preservation, and about 20% at which a large
amount of dates are marketed because they are safe to store but have
still retained a pliable and attractive texture.  The practical and
commercial subdivision of dates in "soft", "semi-dry", and "dry", based
on their external qualities of texture and pliability at the ‘tamar’
stage, is seemingly correlated to increasing sucrose content, with the
Deglet Noor and to a certain extent the Zahdi as exceptions, the latter
one also sometimes classified as a dry date.  Moisture and fiber content
are expected to play a role in determining whether a date is "soft",
"semi-dry" or "dry" and some examples are given in Table 3.

Table 3.  Sugar content of soft, semi-dry and dry dates (FAO, 1993).

Stage:

Cultivar	% Moisture

(fresh weight)	Total sugar

% on dry weight basis 	Reducing sugars

% on dry weight basis 	Sucrose

% on dry weight basis

Soft:

Barhee

Khadrawy	37.3

24.4	84.8

82.2 	84.8

82.2 	0

0

Semi-dry:

Deglet Noor

Dayri

Zahdi	24.1

22.2

13.6

- 	77.1

75.7

78.2

82.0	38.6

70.4

70.7

64.6 	38.5

5.3

7.5

17.4

Dry:

Kinta	15.5	73.0 - 80.0 	40.9 - 35.0 	32.1 - 45.0

CLIMATE AND SOILS AFFECT CULTIVATION AND ADAPTATION OF TROPICAL AND
SUBTROPICAL FRUIT TO CERTAIN REGIONS:

	As stated previously, under the “Definition of Tropical and
Subtropical Fruit Heading” growing regions in the tropic is considered
a region of the earth by the equator.  It is limited in   HYPERLINK
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latitude" \o "Latitude"  latitude  by the
 HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropic_of_Cancer" \o "Tropic of
Cancer"  Tropic of Cancer  in the northern hemisphere and the
HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropic_of_Capricorn" \o "Tropic
of Capricorn"  Tropic of Capricorn  in the southern hemisphere.  The
subtropics are the   HYPERLINK
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geographical_zone" \o "Geographical zone"
geographical  and climatic zone of the earth immediately north and south
of the   HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropics" \o "Tropics"
tropical  zone, which is bounded by the   HYPERLINK
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropic_of_Cancer" \o "Tropic of Cancer"
Tropic of Cancer  and the   HYPERLINK
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropic_of_Capricorn" \o "Tropic of
Capricorn"  Tropic of Capricorn , at   HYPERLINK
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latitude" \o "Latitude"  latitudes
23.5°N and 23.5°S.  The term "subtropical" describes the   HYPERLINK
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climate" \o "Climate"  climatic
HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Region" \o "Region"  region
found adjacent to the tropics, usually between 20° and 40° of latitude
in both hemispheres.   Strictly speaking, the tropics extend between the
Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, at 23° north and south of the equator.
However, agronomically, these boundaries are too rigid.  Not only do
they contain areas, especially at higher altitudes that do not conform
to the climatic characteristics generally assigned to the tropics but
also regions outside this belt have coastal areas or   HYPERLINK
"http://www.answers.com/topic/insular" \t "_top"  insular  climates that
may exhibit climatic conditions fitting properly in the tropics.
Specific climate and soil information is discussed below for each
tropical and subtropical fruit.

Açaí:

	Açaí grows best in tropical flooded lowlands under shady rainforest
canopies and tolerates firm land.  Forms extensive stands in swampy
forests, the Amazon estuary, and along rivers in the rainforest, and
grows close to the coast.  Prefers organic acidic soil, high humidity,
and warm tropical climates where the temperature does not drop below 10
° C (50 ° F).  It is not tolerant of dry conditions.  Propagation is
by seed, and seeds should be air-dried for several days after being
removed from the fruit and stored in plastic bags at room temperature
for a short period.  Germination occurs in 4 to 8 weeks.

Acerola:

	Acerola requires hot tropical lowlands with medium to high rainfall and
rainfall of 175 centimeters (69 inches) per year is beneficial to growth
and fruiting.  Temperatures of 15 to 32 ° C (59 to 90° F) are
beneficial.  Thrives in warm climates at sea level, and tolerant of
seasonal dry periods and a variety of well-drained soils.  It is not
tolerant of frost and temperatures below 7 °C (45 °F) for long
periods.  Shading increases leaf size and decreases ascorbic acid levels
in fruit.  Cross-pollination is needed for good fruit production.
Propagation is by seed, cuttings, layering and grafting.  Seeds are not
recommended for production purposes, since there is such high genetic
variability.  Propagation by cuttings is more preferred, and cuttings
should be 20 to 25 centimeters (8 to 10 inches) long and 0.64 to 1.3
centimeters (0.3 to 0.5 inch) in diameter.  With rooting hormone,
cuttings root in 6 weeks, and then transplanted during the rainy season.
 Plants should be spaced 3.7 by 4.6 meters (12 by 15 feet) to 5.5 by 5.5
meters (18 by 18 feet) and fertilized with 15 grams (0.5 ounce) of a
complete fertilizer.  The tree can be pruned and trained to a single
trunk.  Irrigation is required for proper growth and fruiting.
Currently, the plant is not heavily cultivated.

African plum:

	The African plum grows in fields, coastal deciduous woodlands,
savannah, secondary forests, dry forests, riverbanks, lowland forests,
fallows, alluvial soils, and wetter areas at low elevations in Western
and Eastern Africa.  It flourishes from sea level to 1,850 meters (6,070
feet).  Requires a high water table, a mean annual temperature of 10 to
30 °C (50 to 86 °F), and a mean annual rainfall of 75 to 200
centimeters (30 to 79 inches), and tolerates a variety of soil
conditions.  Propagation methods include seed, coppice, and root
suckers; seeds require a long time to germinate and fire may help break
the seed coat.  Pruning and coppicing aid optimum tree shape.

Agritos:

	Agritos is propagated by seed, suckers, and leaf cuttings in autumn.
It grows in a variety of habitats including flat pastureland, lower
alluvial flats, drainage channels, mesa sides, and dry, stony hills.  It
prefers a semiarid climate with plenty of sun and a variety of dry,
well-drained soils.

Almondette

The almondette is grown for its fruits in the hot topical-monsoon
climate in dry, open deciduous tropical forests containing yellow
sandy-loam soils.  It grows up to an elevation of 500 meters (1,640
feet).  Propagation is by seed, rooting cuttings and tissue culture.

Ambarella

Ambarella grows well in the warm subtropics and tropics in hot, tropical
lowlands and full sun, and prefers a monsoon climate.  Tolerant of all
types of well-drained soils, shade, drought and elevations up to 700
meters (2,300 feet).  Trees grown in shade produce little fruit it is
not tolerant of frost.  Requires sheltered locations.  Propagation is by
seed, large hardwood cuttings, grafting, and shield budding, or air
layering.  Seeds take 1 - 2 months to germinate.  It takes 4 to 5 years
to bear fruit from seed or 2 to 3 years from cuttings.

Appleberry:

The appleberry grows in coastal heath to forest and inland areas and it
prefers sandy or loamy well-drained acidic moist soil.  Grows in
semi-shade or sun.  Hardy to USDA Zone 8.  Propagation is by seed, tip
cuttings, and layering.

Arazá:

The arazá grows wild and are cultivated on small properties throughout
the basin of the Amazon.  Plants are beginning to become domesticated.
Grows in well-drained, rich, loamy soils; tolerates poor clay oxisols.
Requires an elevation of 0 to 650 meters (0 to 2,133 feet), a mean
temperature of 26 ° C (79 ° F), and an annual rainfall of 200 to 260
centimeters (79 to 102 inches).  Propagation is by seed.  For
cultivation, seedbeds are established in the shade with seeds are
planted 2 cm (0.8 inch) apart and lightly covered.  Germination is not
uniform and takes up to 80 days.  Seedlings remain in the bed until they
reach a height of 7 to 10 centimeters (3 to 4 inches).  The plants are
then transplanted into polyethylene bags filled with soil and manure and
placed into a nursery, and stay in bags for one year in the shade and
are then planted out on the final site, spaced 3 x 3 meters (10 x 10
feet) apart and fertilized with mature.

Arbutus berry:

	Arbutus berry grows in woodlands, scrub and rocky hillsides on
well-drained soils.  Hardy from USDA Zones 8B through 11.  Requires part
shade/part sun to full sun; tolerates well-drained, dry acidic and
alkaline soils including clay, loam and sand.  Seeds and cuttings
propagate it.  Arbutus berry is cultivated on a small scale in the south
of France for fruit production.

Babaco:

	The babaco trees prefer warm, protected sunny locations with light,
fertile well-drained soil and grown in cool, subtropical climate.
Prefers temperatures of 15 to 20 ° C (59 to 68 ° F), at least 4.5
hours of sunlight, rainfall of 60 to 130 centimeters (24 to 51 inches),
and slightly acidic or neutral (pH 6.5 to 7) sandy clay soils rich in
organic matter.  Most cold-tolerant plants are in this genus.  Grown at
2,000 to 3,000 meters (6,562 to 9,843 feet) in Ecuador.  It is not
tolerant of wind or heavy frost.  Propagated by cuttings from 2 year old
plants and cuttings should be 25 to 30 centimeters (10 to 12 inches)
long and 4 to 6 centimeters (1.6 to 2.4 inches) in diameter.  Rooting
occurs in 10 weeks and cuttings may become producing plants within one
year.  Grown commercially in Australia and New Zealand for export; grown
in greenhouses in Israel and the Middle East.  Cultivated in Ecuador
since before the arrival of the Europeans.  The field is deeply plowed
before trees are planted.  Trees are planted in double rows or triangles
at a planting density of one plant per 1.5 square meters.  Side shoots
should be removed for high quality fruiting.  After 4 to 6 months of
production, trees should be cut back to just above the soil line.  The
plant can only be used for four production cycles.  Frequent irrigation
and fertilization every three months are needed.

Bacaba palm:

	The bacaba palm grows in a tropical climate with sun to partial shade
conditions and prefers a moist, sandy, well-drained area.  It grows well
in flooded and non-flooded areas in rainforest ecosystems and may form
high-density stands.  Adapts to forests and new grasslands and requires
well-distributed annual rainfalls of 150 to 300 centimeters (59 to 118
inches).  It thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 9B to 11.  Tolerant of high
temperatures, fire, poor, heavy clay oxisols of the Amazon, and 2 to 4
months of dry season.  It does not tolerate water logging.  Propagated
by seeds with germination occurring in 4 months.  Seedlings will
tolerate heavy shade.

Bacaba-de-leque:

Bacaba-de-leque grows in a tropical or warm subtropical climate in sunny
conditions.  Prefers moist, well-drained soils and conditions below 350
meters (1,148 feet).  Grows best on sandy soils of seasonal dry land
forests in Southeastern Amazonas and the transitional vegetation of the
savannas.  Plants are propagated by seed, with germination taking 2 to 4
months.

Bayberry, Red;

The red barberry is grown in tropical to temperate climates.  Annual
temperatures should be greater than 14 °C (57 °F) and annual rainfall
should be 130 to 170 centimeters (51 to 67 inches).  The tree requires
any moist, lime-free loam or peat well-drained soil and an open location
in sun or light shade.  Prefers sandy loams to clay soils and a pH of 4
to 5.5.  In China, most fruit grows on hillsides and slopes.  Tolerates
winter temperatures of 2 to -9 °C (16 to 36 °F), less-fertile soils
and shade, but it does not tolerate wind.  Propagated is by seed,
grafting, cuttings, layering and suckers.  Stratified seed should be
planted during the early winter.  Germination occurs during the spring.
In mid- to late spring, seedlings are transplanted.  For commercial
purposes, 600 trees per hectare are planted.  Fertilizers are applied
three times per year to aid growth.  Trees should be pruned during the
spring and fall.  Fruit is highly perishable, and has a storage life of
9 to 12 days at 0 to 2 °C (32 to 36 °F) or 1 to 2 days at 20 °C (68
°F).  The tree can remain in production for up to 30 years.  The major
area of production is Southeastern China.

Bignay:

The bignay trees thrive from sea level to 1,200 meters (4,000 feet) in
full sun to partial shade and are spaced 12 to 14 meters (40 to 45 feet)
apart.  One male tree is planted for every 10 to 12 female trees.
Propagation is by cuttings, grafting or air layering.

Bilimbi:

The bilimbi is cultivated in tropical to warm subtropical lowland
locations throughout the world.  Requires full sun, rich, moist,
well-drained soil, and yearly evenly distributed precipitation with a 2
to 3 month dry season.  It is hardy in Zones 9B to 11.  Tolerant of a
number of soils, but not tolerant of frost and drought.  Less wind and
cold tolerant than the starfruit.  Propagated by seeds, grafting,
cuttings, and air layering.

Borojó:

The borojó is cultivated in humid rainforests as a understory tree with
rainfall up to 40 cm per year and average temperature of 26 °C and high
humidity (over 85%).  It is adapted to Warm tropical lowlands with heavy
soils.  Propagation is by seed with germination in 20 - 45 days.

Breadnut:

The breadnut requires a hot, humid to sub-humid tropical climate with a
seasonal dry period and full sun or bright shade.  Grows in tropical
forests or dry limestone woodlands.  Prefers annual rainfalls of 60 to
400 centimeters (24 to 157 inches), elevations of sea level to 1,000
meters (3,281 feet), temperatures of 15 to 37 ° C (59 to 99 ° F), and
a mean annual temperature of 27 °C (81 °F).  Grows best in
well-drained, fertile soils with high organic matter.  Adapts to shallow
calcareous or rocky soils and acid ultisols poor in nutrients and rich
in organic matter.  Tolerant of a variety of soil conditions, a pH from
6.8 to 8.2, short and light frosts, salt spray, shade, droughts, and
seasonal flooding.  Propagation is by seed, cuttings, or air layers.
Seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours before planting into
containers.  Germination occurs in 28 days.  After seedlings reach 30 to
50 centimeters (12 to 20 inches) tall, trees are planted 10 by 10 meters
(33 by 33 feet) apart in the field.

Cabeluda:

The Cabeluda requires a tropical, humid climate with moist, fertile soil
and full sun or partial shade.  The tree is fairly cold tolerant and can
withstand temperatures up to -3 °C (27 °F), and is propagated by seed.

Cajou, fruit:

The cajou, fruit grows in hot, humid tropical lowlands, dryland forests,
flood plains, and the non-flooded areas of the rainforest; sometimes
found on the high flood plains where the soils are briefly waterlogged.
Prefers clay soils, mean annual temperatures of 28 °C (82 °F), annual
rainfalls of 200 centimeters (79 inches), and elevations up to 300
meters (984 feet).  It requires hot, humid tropical conditions.
Propagation is by seed, with germination occurs in 6 to 8 days.

Cambucá:

Cambucá grows in hot, rainy regions with temperatures ranging between 9
to 42 °C (48 to 108 °F) and annual rainfall around 200 centimeters (79
inches): well adapted to many different cooler and drier climates.
Propagation is by seeds and remains viable for no more than one week
when kept dried or four weeks when preserved in moss.  Seeds are covered
with 0.5 to 1 centimeters (0.2 to 0.4 inch) of soil and watered 2 times
per day.  Sprouting occurs in 2 to 5 months.  Seedlings are planted 8
meters (26 feet) apart in an area protected from sun and wind 10 to 12
months after germination when they are 40 to 50 centimeters (16 to 20
inches) high.  Mature trees prefer a deep, rich, well drained soil in
full sun.  Young trees need pruning regularly.

Carandas plum:

Carandas plum requires a hot climate with low rainfall.  Grows at forest
edges, in forests, woodlands, coastal thickets, rocky hillsides, in clay
soils including black cotton soils, and in dry and moist low and
midlands at elevations of 1,500 to 2,500 meters (4,921 to 8,202 feet).
Propagation is by seed and cuttings and is consumed as a famine food.

Carob:

Carob grows throughout the Mediterranean region in the warmest areas
near the coast in sandy, well-drained loam; prefers warm temperatures
and subtropical areas: slightly hardier than the sweet orange.  Ideal
precipitation for fruit set is 35 centimeters (14 inches), while higher
yields are obtained with precipitation of 50 to 55 centimeters (20 to 22
inches).  Pods should not be exposed to rain after turning brown.
Tolerates a number of soils including rocky hillsides, deep sand or
heavy loam that is well-drained, drought, mild and dry areas with poor
soils, and hot and humid coastal areas, but does not tolerate acid or
wet soils.  Young trees suffer frost damage; mature trees can survive a
temperature drop to -6.7 °C (20 °F).  Propagated by seeds, budding,
cuttings, and grafting.  Seeds must be scarified and soaked before
planting.  Swollen seeds are planted in flats and when the second set of
leaves is produced, plants are transferred to pots.  When 30 centimeters
(12 inches) tall, plants are transplanted to nursery rows and spaced 9
meters (30 feet) apart.  Pruning and fertilization aid yield.  It is
cultivated for seeds and pods.

Cashew apple:

Cashew apple fruit grows in moist, warm temperate to very dry tropical
conditions.  It can tolerate annual precipitation of 7 to 20 cm (28 to
80 inches), average annual temperatures of 24 to 28 °C (75 to 83 °F)
and a relative humidity of 65 to 80%.  Cashew trees are well adapted to
many well-drained soil types and trees growing in light sand and
limestone soils produce satisfactory yields.  Tolerant of deep,
well-drained, sandy, poor soils; requires a pH of 4.5 to 6.5.  Drought
tolerant and high rainfall and humidity favor diseases, but it has cold
tolerance.  Propagation is by seed that is planted directly in the
field.  For commercial purposes, plants are spaced 6 to 11 meters (20 to
35 feet) apart.

Ceylon iron wood:

Ceylon iron wood trees grow wild in dry evergreen forests in India:
cultivated on a small scale in gardens, especially near big cities where
there exists a good market for the fruits.

Ceylon olive:

Ceylon olive is grown as a sub-canopy tree in evergreen to
semi-evergreen forests up to 1600 meters (5,249 feet).  It thrives in
the moist, low country, and is propagated by seed.

Cherry-of-the-Rio-Grande

Cherry-of-the-Rio-Grande grows in tropical to subtropical conditions in
a variety of soils.  Slightly acid soils are preferred ad requires full
sun.  It is not tolerant of drought.  Large amounts of water are
required during bloom and fruit development.  Mature trees tolerate
temperatures down to -6 °C (21 °F).  Propagation is by seed and
grafting.  Fruit production occurs in 4 to 5 years from seed.
Established trees require a fertilizer at least three times a year.
Thrives in USDA Zones 9 to 11.

Chinese olive, black:

The black Chinese olive grows in forests at 500 to 1,300 meters (1,640
to 4,265 feet).  Cultivated for food in southern China (Kwangsi,
Kwangtung, Fukien, and Szechwan) and Indochina.  Cultivated in northern
Vietnam at altitudes below 500 meters (1,640 feet).  The tree requires
full sun, deep humid soil, and steep land.

Chinese olive, white:

The white Chinese olive trees are distributed in primary and secondary
forests in China, Japan, Malaysia, Northern Vietnam, and Laos.  Trees
are cultivated in Thailand.  Requires a subtropical to cool tropical
climate, and tolerates a variety of moist soils, from sand to heavy
clay; tolerates acid to alkaline pH conditions.  Grown in areas with
elevations of 400 to 1,200 meters (1,312 to 3,937 feet), mean
temperatures of 18 to 24 °C (64 to 75 °F) and a rainfall of 150 to 250
centimeters (59 to 98 inches).  Tolerates semi-shade conditions, and it
is propagated by seed.

Chirauli-nut:

The chirauli-nut grows in the deciduous dry forests and valleys at
altitudes of 750 to 1,500 meters (2,461 to 4,921 feet).  In India, the
tree is adapted to a relative humidity in January from 40 to 80% and in
July from 70 to 90%, and propagates by seed.

Ciruela verde:

Ciruela verde is grown in tropical climates at low to middle elevations.
 Tolerant of a variety of moist soils including sandy, loamy and clay
conditions with an acidic, neutral or a basic pH.  Grows in sunny or
semi-shade conditions.  Propagation is by seed and trees fruit within 2
- 3 years from seed.  Tolerant of freezing but it is slightly damaged by
temperatures of -2 ° C (28 ° F).

Cocoplum:

The cocoplum grows along the coast in thickets on dunes and rocky
headlands up to 500 meters (1,640 feet); also prefers hot tropical
lowlands with shallow poor to fertile soils.  Thrives inland along
watercourses, on sandy, nutrient-poor soils.  Grows where competing
vegetation is kept short.  Tolerant of wind, salt spray and flooding;
requires full sun.  Grown in USDA Zones 10 to 12.  Semi-tender; foliage
is damaged at -1 °C (30 °F).  It is propagated by seeds and cuttings,
and root cuttings are made at 6 to 8 weeks.

Date:

The date grows in dry subtropical and tropical areas of the world.
Requires hot and dry conditions for proper fruit maturation.  Fruit
production is best where there are long, intensely hot summers with
little rain and very low humidity from pollination to harvest and
abundant underground water near the surface or irrigation.  Tolerant of
salt, alkaline conditions, various soil types with good drainage, and
temperatures to about -5 °C (23 °F).  Thrives in conditions with an
annual precipitation of 3.1 to 40.3 cm (12.2 to 158.7 inches), annual
temperatures of 12.7 to 27.5 °C (55 to 82 °F), and pH of 5.0 to 8.2.
In cultivation, one trunk is allowed to grow large.  Propagation is by
seed, suckers from the base of the trunk, or tissue culture.  Seedlings
are planted in nursery rows and later transplanted to the permanent
location.  Fruit production occurs in 5 to 8 years from suckers.  Trees
are planted 9 meters (30 feet) apart with one male tree for every 50
female trees.  Artificial pollination is also practiced.  Dates are a
major fruit crop in arid regions of North Africa and the Middle East.

Davidson’s plum:

The Davidson’s plum grows in tropical and subtropical rainforests in
northeast Queensland from sea level to 1,000 meters (3,281 feet).
Tolerant of full to part sun and a range of soil types; prefers moist
soil with high levels of organic matter and it thrives where there is
consistent rainfall throughout the year.  Adult trees may survive frost
but juvenile trees encounter leaf burn.  Propagated by seed or tissue
culture.  Trees are planted 2.5 to 5 meters (8 to 16 feet) apart in rows
that are 3 to 5 meters (10 to 16 feet) apart.  Large yields are improved
by removing apical shoots to induce multiple stems.  Mulching,
irrigation and windbreaks are common cultivation practices.

Desert date:

The desert date requires a hot arid climate and does not tolerate humid
climate.  Fruit still develops in unusually dry years.  Grows at
frost-free elevations from sea level to 2,000 meters (6,562 feet) in
fertile, low-lying sites with deep sandy soil and access to water.  Also
grows well on heavier, fertile clay soils with low salinity, open
parklands and grasslands.  Requires a mean annual temperature of > 20
°C (> 68 °F) and <25 to 80 centimeters (10 to 31.5 inches) of mean
annual rainfall.  Propagation is mainly by seed.  Plants may be
propagated by cuttings.  Seeds are soaked in warm water for several
hours before planting time.  A loamy nursery medium, a rooting depth of
at least 12.5 centimeters (5 inches), and shade aids germination.
Seedlings should remain in the nursery for 3 to 6 months and fruiting
begins in 5 to 7 years from seed.  Full fruiting potential is reached by
25 years.  Trees live for 100 or more years and thus far little progress
towards commercial production.

Doum palm coconut:

The Doum palm coconut grows best in moist, tropical climates in a rich,
well-drained sandy loam with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5 and sunny conditions.
Forms thick stands along watercourses in hot, dry areas.  Tolerates arid
and semi-arid areas with dry tropical or subtropical climate; however,
fruit size and production is lower in these areas.  It is found in open
grasslands and desert.  Tolerates moderate salinity and nutrient poor
soils and is able to withstand some frost.  Propagation is by seed and
basal offsets.  Seeds take up to a year to germinate and underground
development takes place before the first seedling leaf emerges.  Plant
seeds singly in deep containers or 20 centimeters (8 inches) deep in the
ground.  Soil must be kept moist for 2 to 3 months while the seed is
germinating, and once germination occurs, seedlings can withstand up to
10 months of drought.

False sandalwood:

False sandalwood requires hot tropical lowlands or subtropical climates.
 Found as solitary trees dispersed in open, dry savannah, as an
understory of dry forests or woodlands, along seashores, or on
riverbanks.  Prefers areas where there are stony, sandy, clay, clay
loam, loamy, sand, and sandy clay soils.  Tolerates a mean annual
rainfall ranging from 30 to 125 centimeters (12 to 49 inches) and a mean
annual temperature of 14 to 30 °C (57 to 86 °F), and it grows at
elevations from ground level to 2,000 meters (0 to 6,562 feet).
Tolerant of light frost and drought, and propagation is by seed and
cuttings.

Feijoa:

	Feijoa grows in the cool subtropical, warm temperate and cool highland
tropical climates.  Found growing in the subtropical forests with large
timber tree species at altitudes of 400 to 800 meters (1,312 to 2,625
feet), temperate forests at 900 meters (2,953 feet), and high altitude
grasslands and low canopy forests at about 900 meters (2,953 feet) in
South America.  Thrives on the forest margin or as an understory tree.
Tolerant of a considerable range in rainfall and a variety of soil
conditions including nutrient poor and acidic soils.  Fruiting is poor
in hot tropical lowlands.  For optimal fruit production, plants are
planted in fertile, well-drained soil in a sunny location.  Does not
tolerate cold winters, and cold temperature damage occurs below -3 °C
(27 °F) in summer and -8 °C (18 °F) in winter.  Frosts damages the
fruit.  Hot and dry conditions in spring during flowering and fruit set
may interfere with pollination and lead to low yields.  Propagation is
by seed, cuttings, layering, and grafting.  During late summer is the
best time to make cuttings.  Rooting takes 8 to 10 weeks.  Trees in
orchards are planted 3 to 3.5 meters (10 to 11 feet) apart in the row
with rows 4.5 to 5 meters (15 to 16 feet) apart.  Requires a slow
release fertilizer.  Plants are often self-sterile, and fruiting is
improved by cross-pollination.  To ensure proper fruiting, two trees of
different cultivars must be planted close together.  New Zealand is the
world’s large producer of this fruit; generally, fruit are not
produced on a commercial scale.

Fig:

Fig trees are located in the subtropical, cool tropical and temperate
zones with moderate winters.  Grows best in dry climates where the cool
season alternates with the hot season.  Prefers hot, dry, summers with
low humidity, no autumn rains and low to medium fertile soil.  Summer
temperatures of 32 to 37 °C (90 to 99 °F) or higher are optimal.
Mature trees can tolerate winter low temperatures of -10 °C (14 °F),
while young trees cannot tolerate temperatures between -8 to -6 °C (18
to 21 °F).  It is also tolerant of a variety of soil conditions from
sand to clay, with good drainage and low acidity, a pH range of 6 to
7.8, temperatures below freezing when plants are dormant, drought, and
some soil salinity.  High rainfall causes trees to produce poorly.  Fig
orchards growing in the hot dry climates require about 76 centimeters
(30 inches) of water annually.  Cultivated from sea level to over 5,000
feet (1,524 meters).  Propagation is by seed, cuttings, and grafting.
Cuttings are taken during the dormant season.  Tree spacing is variable
depending on whether figs will be dried or produced for the fresh
market.  Plants for drying are planted on a square or offset pattern
with 6 meters (20 feet) between the rows to allow space for drying and
machine harvest and from 4.2 to 5.4 meters (14 to 18 feet) between
trees.  Orchards for fresh fruit production are set closer in square or
offset plantings with from 4.2 to 4.8 meters (14 to 16 feet) between
rows and from 3.6 to 4.8 meters (12 to 16 feet) between trees.  In many
commercial production regions, trees are pruned severely after each
harvest because fruit is mainly produced on new growth.  Commercially
grown trees average from 5 to 8 meters (16 to 26 feet) in height and 6
to 7 meters (20 to 23 feet) in width.  Pruning also enables the fruit to
be harvested more easily.  Irrigation at lower elevations will increase
production.

Fragrant Manjack:

Fragrant manjack grows in tropical and subtropical areas in open woods
on slopes and beside mountain streams; grows singly in the sub-Himalayan
region up to about 1,500 meters (4,921 feet) and in dry deciduous, moist
deciduous, monsoon forests and tidal forests.  Cultivated in its natural
range for fruit in borders and along roadsides.  Prefers an annual mean
rainfall of 25 to 300 centimeters (10 to 118 inches), a deep, moist,
sandy loam soil, and full sun to part shade in moist ravines and
valleys.  Tolerates a wide range of soils.  In areas where the rainfall
is less than 50 centimeters (20 inches), plants are found growing along
streams or depressions.  Propagation is by seed, grafting, coppicing,
and cuttings.  Plant seeds directly into containers, beds, or trays, and
germinates in 3 to 6 weeks.  Plant seedlings in the field in 3 to 4
months at lower elevations and after a year at higher elevation or just
before a monsoon.  Plant in June to July at a depth of 2 centimeters
(0.8 inch) in lines spaced 20 centimeters (8 inches) apart.  Seedlings
must be protected from frost and require full sun.  Grafted trees flower
in the fourth year.

Gooseberry, Abyssinian:

The Abyssinian gooseberry grows in hot, dry tropical climates.  In
Ethiopia, the plant grows along river courses in humid lower highland
forests of moist and wet forest in moist and wet midland at elevations
of 1,600 to 2,200 meters (5,249 to 7,218 feet).  Tolerant of higher
rainfall.  Only minor injury is encountered at temperatures below
freezing.  Propagation is by seed and cuttings.

Gooseberry, Ceylon:

The Ceylon gooseberry requires hot, humid, sunny, tropical lowlands.
Grows vigorously on sand or limestone and in woodland thickets.  Rich,
moist, well-drained soil and an abundance of water are best for fruit
production.  In the Philippines, fruit grows from sea level to 792
meters (2,600 feet) and in Malaya from sea level to 1,219 meters (4,000
feet).  Tolerant of dry to moist climates, a variety of soils and light
frost, but is not tolerant of drought and extreme cold.  Propagated by
seed, shield budding, grafting and cuttings.  An aggressive growing
plant.  Trees are fertilized annually and it grows in USDA Zones 9 to
10.

Gooseberry, Indian:

The Indian gooseberry is grown in hot tropical lowlands to dry deciduous
subtropical forests.  The plant is more subtropical than tropical and
survives cold winters.  The tree is found in locations from sea level up
to 1,800 meters (5,906 feet).  However, fruit is only cultivated in
locations up to 1,500 meters (4,921 feet).  In India, mature trees
tolerate temperatures up to 46 °C (115 °F).  It is tolerant of both
dry and humid conditions.  Young plants must be shaded.  Propagation is
by seed, cuttings, layering, budding and grafting.  The seed germinates
and produces a seedling with a 0.8 centimeter (0.3 inch) stem diameter
in 4 months.  Budding and grafting takes place from June to September
and February to March in India.  Trees are spaced 9 to 12 meters (30 to
39 feet) apart.  Transplanted trees should be irrigated or planted at
the start of the rainy season.  Trees begin to bear when 5 to 6 years
old and can bear for 50 years.

Gooseberry, Otaheite:

The Otaheite gooseberry grows in subtropical to tropical climates.  The
tree is grows in hot, humid tropical lowlands.  Tolerant of a variety of
soils, a seasonal dry period, light frost, and elevations of up to 914
meters (3,000 feet).  Propagation is by seed, budding, air layers, and
cuttings.

Governor’s plum (including Plum-of-Martinique, Rukam, and Indian
plum):

The Governor’s plum (Flacourtia indica) thrives near humid limestone
coasts, hot, humid tropical lowland valleys, dry tropical deciduous
forests, and high, dry savannahs and hillsides.  Plants are also found
in forests having dry seasons, woodlands, wooded grassland, bush land,
and near watercourses.  Grows well in areas with a high water table and
full sun.  Requires a minimum temperature of 4 ° C (39 ° F) and a
maximum temperature of about 45 °C (113 °F); requires a minimum annual
rainfall of 50 centimeters (20 inches) and a maximum rainfall of 200
centimeters (79 inches).  Tolerant of drought conditions and a variety
of well-drained soils from sand to clay, but it does not tolerate frost.
 Propagation is by seed, layering and grafting.  The Plum-of-Martinique
(Flacourtia inermis) requires hot, humid tropical lowlands.  Does not
tolerate frost.  Propagation is by seed, air layering and budding.
Trees live approximately 20 years.  Rukam (Flacourtia rukam) requires
hot, humid tropical lowlands and full sun to shade.  Prefers elevations
up to 2,100 meters (6,890 feet).  Grows in primary or secondary forests
and along rivers.  Tolerates a range of temperatures, rainfall and soil
conditions.  Propagation is by seed, root suckers and grafting.  Seed
germinates quickly.  Trees should be spaced 8 to 12 meters (26 to 39
feet) apart.  The Indian plum (Flacourtia jangomas) requires hot, humid
tropical lowlands.  Grows at elevations up to 800 meters (2,625 feet) in
mountain rain forests and evergreen broad-leaved forests.

Grumichama:

The grumichama is a subtropical plant that grows in warm, wet tropical
lowlands in deep, well-drained medium-acid soil.  Tolerates a wide range
of soils including shallow, moist, sandy soils, deep fertile sandy loam,
or rich clay.  Grows best in partial shade, but tolerates full sun.
Requires an annual rainfall that is above 178 centimeters (70 inches).
Not very tolerant to frost but it can survive temperatures of -3.33 °C
(26 °F) in Brazil.  Propagation is by seed, grafting and cuttings.
Fruit production occurs the fourth year from 1.2 meter (4 foot) tall
seedling trees.  Produces fruit from 76 to 610 meter (300 to 2,000 foot)
elevations.  Most fruit is produced at elevations from 76 to 274 meters
(250 to 900 feet).  Trees are pruned as a shrub and kept at 2 to 3 meter
(6 to 10 foot) heights to facilitate harvesting.  Commercial trees are
planted at 5 to 6 meter (15 to 20 foot) spacing or grown in hedgerows.
Most commercial production occurs in Brazil.

Guabiroba:

Guabiroba is grown in hot, dry Southern and Western savannah regions of
Brazil.  Grows well in hot, dry climates and poor soils.  Somewhat frost
hardy and in Brazil, cultivated in domestic orchards, mainly in the
south and southeast part of the country, propagated by seeds.

Guava:

Guava grows in the tropics and warm subtropics in both dry and moist
climates.  Prefers areas with long dry periods, full sun, medium
rainfall of 100 to 200 centimeters (39 to 79 inches) per year,
elevations of 0 to over 2,000 meters (6,562 feet), mean temperatures of
23 to 28 °C (73 to 82 °F), high light, and soils with good drainage,
high organic matter, and a pH of 5 to 7.  Tolerances a wide range of
rainfall, shade, drought, saline conditions, and very light frost.  Can
grow in low-lying seasonally flooded pastureland.  Propagation is by
seed, cuttings, layering, budding and grafting.  Seeds are viable for a
long period of time.  Plant seeds in a well-drained media; germination
occurs in 15 to 20 days.  Seedlings should be transplanted when 5 to 76
centimeters (2 to 30 inches) high, and placed in the field when 1 to 2
years old.  Seedlings can be budded or grafted when stems are 1.2 to 2.0
centimeters (0.5 to 0.8 inch).  The side wedge method is used most in
grafting. Cuttings 13 to 25 centimeters (5 to 10 inches) long are taken
from green wood with two true leaves.  Cuttings should be placed under
mist with 28 to 30 °C (82 to 86 °F) bottom heat.  Rooted cuttings 6 to
8 months old should be transplanted to the field.  Trees should be
spaced 3 by 5 or 5 by 6 meters (10 by 16 or 16 by 20 feet) apart.  For
commercial production, moisture (irrigation or rain) is required during
vegetative growth, flowering and fruit development.  Fertilization,
defoliation and pruning after harvest aid production.  Harvesting
depends on skin color, the variety, and the stage at which the fruit is
to be eaten.  Cultivated in every tropical and subtropical country
around the world.

Guava berry:

The guava berry is grown in tropical America in dry or moist coastal
woodlands and forests from sea level to 300 meters (1,000 feet).
Requires warm tropical lowlands and full sun.  Tolerates dry to moist
conditions and a variety of soils.  Grows best in rich loam.  Moderate
salt tolerance.  Poor growth occurs in high pH soils.  It can tolerate
some frost and is propagated by seed

Guava, Brazilian:

The Brazilian guava requires tropical to warm subtropical climates.
Tolerant of a variety of soil conditions, low temperatures, and arid
conditions.  Does not tolerate light sandy soil.  The tree bears heavily
at sea level.  Propagation is by seed or cuttings.  Germination occurs
in several weeks to a few months.  Seeds should be planted in 24 to 29
°C (75 to 85 °F) soil.

Guava, Cattley (includes Purple strawberry guava, Yellow strawberry
guava, and Strawberry guava).

The Cattley guava requires a cool to hot climate.  Prefers full sun,
rich sandy loam or red clay, dry climate, and elevations of sea level to
1,500 meters (4,921 feet).  Can be grown on a variety of soil conditions
including poor, limestone, saline, swampy, or well-drained soils; can
grow in moist to dry forests and disturbed areas.  The red form
tolerates temperatures up to -6 °C (21 °F), shade, and drought.
Hardier than the common guava.  The yellow form is less tolerant of cold
temperatures, but can tolerate minor flooding.  Trees are invasive in
many areas of the world, forming thickets and mats of roots: can shade
out native vegetation and is considered the worst pest plant in Hawaii.
Propagation is by seed, grafting, budding, rooted cuttings, and
layering.  Most red form cultivars are propagated vegetatively.  Yellow
form fruit are usually grown from seed.  Young trees are not commonly
trained but are fertilized and irrigated.

Guava, Costa Rican:

The Costa Rican guava rrequires a hot tropical climate.  Trees grow in
valleys, along streams, on temperate highlands, and in swampy woods
along the coast and inland.  Prefers medium to high rainfall.  Tolerates
a variety of well-drained soil conditions and low to medium elevations.
Trees do not fruit well at sea level, but do well at higher elevations.
Not tolerant of frost.  Propagation is by seed and cuttings.

Guava, Para:

Para guava growing rrequirements are similar to the common guava.
Prefers a hot, dry tropical climate, light soils, full sun to part
shade, high rainfall and low to medium elevations.  Less hardy than the
tropical guava.  Fertilization aids fruit set and it is propagation is
by seed.

Guayabillo:

The guayabillo requires a warm tropical or subtropical climate but can
tolerate some frost.  Propagation is by seed.

Illawarra plum:

The Illawarra plum prefers a rich, moist non-alkaline soil and a humid
climate.  Grows best in coastal lowlands on deep alluvial soils beside
riverbanks.  Also thrives in the dense subtropical riverbank and
seashore rainforests of Queensland and New South Wales.  Tolerates