Advances in arid fruit crops: An overview

Abstract

Arid regions receive very little precipitation, usually less than 10 inches (25 centimeters) of rain per year. These regions, known as drylands, are characterized by semi-permanent water scarcity resulting from low soil moisture availability, ephemeral stream and river flow, and limited plant cover. There are approximately 30 plant species in arid zones that are known for their edible uses, with around 20 of these being known for their edible fruits or vegetables, such as aonla (Phyllanthus emblica), custard apple (Annona squamosa), lasora (Cordia myxa), ber (Ziziphus nummularia), phalsa (Grewia subinaequalis), bael (Aegle marmelos), karonda (Carissa carandas), jamun (Syzygium cumini), fig (Ficus carica), and pomegranate (Punica granatum) among others. Local people are already
familiar with the nutritional and medicinal properties of these crops. Therefore, it is important to conduct rigorous studies on the conservation and nutritional characterization of these crops, to expand the future food basket and enhance its functional and nutritional values.