ARS | Publication request: TRENDS AND FASHIONS IN FRUIT CULTIVAR PRODUCTION

Submitted to: HortTechnology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: July 20, 2005
Publication Date: July 20, 2005
Citation: Hummer, K.E., Stover, E.W. 2005. Trends and fashions in fruit cultivar production. HortTechnology. 15(3):490-491.

Interpretive Summary: This workshop summary presents the trends and changes of recent cultivar development in diverse fruits: citrus, peaches, cherries and nectarines, and blackberries. The market for fruits is experiencing extraordinary changes. Consolidation has reduced the number of major retail channels and the needs of large purchasers increasingly drive commodity production. Consumer affluence is driving demand for new, exciting, and top-quality produce. Market globalization is changing availability from 'seasonal' to all year around. Convenience is a critical factor for consumer selection. Fruit breeding and development is changing to accommodate these new realities.

Technical Abstract: This workshop summary presents the trends and changes of recent cultivar development in diverse fruits: citrus (Citrus L.); stone fruits (Prunus L.), and blackberry (Rubus L. subgenus Rubus). The market for fruits is experiencing extraordinary changes. Consolidation has reduced the number of major retail channels and the needs of large purchasers increasingly drive commodity production. Consumer affluence is driving demand for new, exciting, and top-quality produce. Market globalization is changing availability from 'seasonal' to all year around. Convenience is a critical factor for consumer selection. Fruit breeding and development is changing to accommodate these new realities.