Articles
Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.), a fruit species that is struggling to spread, but some initiatives in Italy are promising
Article number
1350_5
Pages
35 – 42
Language
English
Abstract
Why has the jujube not spread as a fruit crop in Italy and in other parts of the world and remains confined mostly only to China, despite its acclaimed qualities and very good taste? Although some positive examples of new development come from Australia and New Mexico, in general this crop is struggling to take off worldwide.
Moreover, in Italy there are some development factors that could improve the production and commercial situation, as a fresh fruit.
In fact, new Chinese cultivars without thorns and with excellent organoleptic characteristics have already been tested, sophisticated propagation techniques are being applied (grafting, cutting, micropropagation), there are examples of first specialized intensive orchards already in production, as well as original successful marketing initiatives.
In Italy also other fruit crops have recently undergone an important varietal, technological and commercial innovation, such as pomegranate (today appreciated for its nutraceutical value) and sweet cherry (for intensive farming systems and protection from rain). Finally, by effect to the climate change, one can hypothesize that the jujube, due to its known resistance to drought, can also be spread with more traditional systems in semi-arid and touristic areas of southern Italy.
Moreover, in Italy there are some development factors that could improve the production and commercial situation, as a fresh fruit.
In fact, new Chinese cultivars without thorns and with excellent organoleptic characteristics have already been tested, sophisticated propagation techniques are being applied (grafting, cutting, micropropagation), there are examples of first specialized intensive orchards already in production, as well as original successful marketing initiatives.
In Italy also other fruit crops have recently undergone an important varietal, technological and commercial innovation, such as pomegranate (today appreciated for its nutraceutical value) and sweet cherry (for intensive farming systems and protection from rain). Finally, by effect to the climate change, one can hypothesize that the jujube, due to its known resistance to drought, can also be spread with more traditional systems in semi-arid and touristic areas of southern Italy.
Publication
Authors
F. Cossio
Keywords
jujube, Ziziphus jujube, Italy
Groups involved
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