Apples

Abstract

The genus Malus originated in Central and Minor Asia. There is evidence that apple was cultivated as early as 1000 BC. Today, about 72 million tons of quality fruit are produced annually worldwide across approximately 5 million hectares. The reasons for this success are that apple trees grow in different agro-ecological conditions and respond to the application of technological tools that increase yields. Apple fruits are pleasing to the eye and to the taste, they provide good nutrients with low calories, and they adapt well to conservation. The particular suitability for transport has made the apple one of the most accomplished examples of globalization of markets. This chapter covers topics of botany, taxonomy, varieties and cultivars, rootstocks, composition, and nutritional use of the apple. There is updated information on basic aspects of breeding and crop improvement, orchard management, harvest, post-harvest, high-tech cultivation, transport, and packing. Topics such as disease, pest, and physiological disorders are also taken into account.