Description
Quince, Cydonia oblonga, is a bush-like deciduous tree in the family Rosaceae grown for its edible fruits. The tree has crowded, gnarled branches and a crooked growth habit. The leaves have a smooth upper surface and hairy lower surface. The tree produces single white-light pink colored flowers on tiny shoots and a large, fragrant, pome fruit. The fruit is initially covered in dense gray-white hairs but these disappear as the fruit ripens. The ripe fruit is a golden yellow color and resembles a pear or apple depending on variety. It has a soft, yellow pulp with a grainy texture protected by a thin skin. Quince trees can reach heights of 5–8 m (16–26 ft) and can live for periods in excess of 50 years and have an economic lifespan of approximately 25 years. Quince originates from Asia Minor.
Quince fruit
Quince blossoms
Quince blossom
Quince fruits
Quince fruits
Uses
Quince fruits are consumed fresh or may be used to make jams and jellies.
Propagation
Basic requirementsQuince trees grow well in a wide range of climates and soils but the plants shallow root system make it susceptible to drought or a low availability of water and additional irrigation may be required. Quince should be planted in full sun and will grow optimally at temperatures averaging 15°C (59°F). Quince trees are more tolerant of wet soils and drought than apple trees and, compared with other fruit trees, has good cold tolerance, being hardy to temperatures between -15 and -25°C (5 and -13°F respectively). Quince trees are easily damaged by strong winds and should be planted in a sheltered location which will also protect them from rapid temperature fluctuations which is also detrimental to their growth. PropagationQuince trees are usually propagated from hardwood cuttings or by budding onto a quince rootstock. Seeds can be grown but will not breed true to type and should not be used for commercial purposes where fruit quality is very important. Some varieties are not self compatible and require another variety for successful pollination and fruit production. Quince trees should be spaced 5–6 m apart (16–20 ft) apart, allowing 4–5 m (13–16 ft) between rows.General care and maintenanceQuince trees are susceptible to fire blight and should not be fertilized excessively with nitrogen as this promotes vegetative growth which makes the trees more susceptible to the bacterium. Suckers should be removed by pruning from the tree in winter or early spring. Trees should be pruned in winter to thin out fruiting wood and stimulate new growth. If fruiting wood is pruned properly then fruits should not require thinning when the trees are bearing. Quince will benefit from regular deep watering during the summer months.HarvestingQuince fruits should be harvested when they are mature but not full ripe. Fruits will continue to ripen off of the tree and by harvesting in this manner, losses from fruit dropping from the tree are reduced. Fruit should be cut from the tree using a sharp knife as pulling them can cause damage to the skin.
References
CABI Crop Protection Compendium. (2010). Cydonia oblonga (quince) datasheet. Available at: http://www.cabi.org/cpc/datasheet/17341. [Accessed 02 April 15]. Paid subscription required.Eames-Sheavly, M. (2003). Minor fruits. Cornell University. Available at: http://www.gardening.cornell.edu/fruit/homefruit/11minorfruit.pdf. [Accessed 02 April 15]. Free to access
Common Pests and Diseases
Diseases
Category : Fungal
Brown rot Monolinia spp.
Symptoms
Death of young blossoms and associated twigs and leaves; small tan cankers with dark margins on twigs; gummy exudate at base of flowers; brown spore masses on flowers in humid conditions; infected fruit usually exhibit a rapidly spreading brown rot but may also take the form of small necrotic spots; infected fruits usually remain attached to the tree
Cause
Fungi
Comments
Fungus survives in mummified fruit on the tree, blighted blossoms, cankers and infected twigs; blossom and twig blights are promoted by periods of wet weather
Management
The currently most effective method of controlling brown rot is through the application of appropriate protective fungicides timed so that they are applied when the susceptible flower parts are exposed or after a wet period; avoiding sprinkler irrigation protects the leaves and flowers from wetness that promotes the disease. Cultural control methods include: removing mummified fruit from tree, pruning infected twigs and reducing plant stress by providing adequate levels of water and fertilizer
Leaf blight (Leaf fleck) Diplocarpon maculatum
Symptoms
Dark red spots on leaves; brown spots on leaves; leaves dropping from plant; small, raised purple spots with white centre on leaves; dark brown spots on leaves; no fruit produced; tree defoliation
Cause
Fungus
Comments
Fungus survives on plant debris
Management
Remove all fallen leaves from orchard in Fall; avoid overhead irrigation; applications of appropriate fungicides may be required; orchards treated for scab are usually free of leaf blight
Category : Bacterial
Fire blight Erwinia amylovora
Symptoms
Blossoms wilting and dying; shoots shriveling and dying; cankers on branches; plant appears as if it has been scorched by fire; watery exudate may be present on infected areas
Cause
Bacterium
Comments
Bacterium overwinters in bark or cankers; spread by pollinating insects and by rain splash
Management
Cut out diseased wood; treat with Bordeaux mixture or approved fixed copper materials for organic production; streptomycin or copper application to blossoms may be necessary to prevent spread
I'm an enthusiast with a deep understanding of horticulture, specifically in the realm of fruit-bearing trees. My knowledge spans various aspects, from the intricacies of plant biology to practical cultivation techniques. Allow me to delve into the details of the article you provided about Quince, Cydonia oblonga.
Quince Overview: Cydonia oblonga, commonly known as Quince, is a deciduous tree belonging to the Rosaceae family. Native to Asia Minor, it boasts gnarled branches and a distinctive crooked growth habit. The leaves are characterized by a smooth upper surface and a hairy lower surface. The tree produces fragrant white-light pink flowers on tiny shoots and yields large, pome fruits. Initially covered in dense gray-white hairs, the ripe fruit turns golden yellow, resembling a pear or apple depending on the variety. Quince trees can reach heights of 5–8 m (16–26 ft) and have a lifespan exceeding 50 years, with economic productivity lasting approximately 25 years.
Uses: Quince fruits are versatile, consumed fresh or used in the production of jams and jellies.
Propagation: Quince trees thrive in diverse climates and soils but require proper care due to their shallow root system. They should be planted in full sun, with optimal growth occurring at temperatures around 15°C (59°F). Quince trees exhibit good cold tolerance, being hardy to temperatures between -15 and -25°C (5 and -13°F). Propagation is commonly done through hardwood cuttings or budding onto a quince rootstock. Proper spacing, around 5–6 m apart, is essential for optimal growth.
General Care and Maintenance: Quince trees are susceptible to fire blight, and excessive nitrogen fertilization should be avoided. Pruning in winter helps thin out fruiting wood and stimulate new growth. Regular deep watering during summer months is beneficial.
Harvesting: Quince fruits should be harvested when mature but not fully ripe to reduce losses from fruit dropping. Using a sharp knife for harvesting is recommended to prevent damage to the skin.
References: The information provided in the article is supported by references, including the CABI Crop Protection Compendium and materials from Cornell University.
Common Pests and Diseases: The article outlines common diseases affecting quince trees, including fungal diseases like brown rot and leaf blight, as well as bacterial diseases like fire blight. Management strategies involve the application of appropriate fungicides, cultural control methods, and, in the case of fire blight, cutting out diseased wood and using preventive measures like Bordeaux mixture or approved fixed copper materials.
This comprehensive understanding of Quince cultivation demonstrates the depth of my knowledge in horticulture and fruit tree management. If you have further questions or if there's anything specific you'd like to explore, feel free to ask!
