2013 ASHS Annual Conference

Objective(s):
To present current knowledge of three exotic California-grown fruit crops. This workshop features three of California’s fascinating fruit crops, including figs, persimmon, and pitahaya. Figs were purportedly introduced into California in 1759 by Franciscan missionaries. Production of this crop increased steadily over the years and peaked in 1943. While fig acreage has declined, California currently ranks third in world production. Japanese and Chinese persimmons were introduced into the United States in the mid-1800s and are primarily grown in the San Joaquin valley and in southern California today. In the 1990s, adventurous producers started growing pitahaya or dragon fruit, which can be found in local markets. Each of these exotic fruits has production opportunities and challenges in a changing environment.

This workshop will feature three of California's fascinating fruit crops, including figs, persimmon, and pitahaya. Figs were purportedly introduced into California in 1759 by Franciscan missionaries. Production of this crop increased steadily over the years and peaked in 1943. While fig acreage has declined, California currently ranks third in world production. Japanese and Chinese persimmons were introduced into the United States in the mid-1800s and are primarily grown in the San Joaquin valley and in southern California today. In the 1990s, adventurous producers started growing pitahaya or dragon fruit, which can be found in local markets. Each of these exotic fruits has production opportunities and challenges in a changing environment.