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How is Pepino Cultivation Done?
Pepino cultivation has become an important agricultural activity in many countries with increasing interest in recent years. The pepino plant belongs to the Solanaceae family and is becoming increasingly well-known in our country. With the increase in consumption, pepino cultivation is gaining popularity among our farmers. The plant, also known as Solanum muricatum, spread to the world from the South American region. Today, leading countries in pepino production include New Zealand, Chile, and Colombia. There are different varieties of pepino fruits. Among the most preferred varieties in our country are; Schmidt, Kawi, Suma, Asca, Lincoln Gold, Miski, and Comeraya. For pepino cultivation in Turkey, the Miski variety is generally preferred.
Where Does Pepino Grow?
Pepino grows naturally in South American countries such as Peru, Colombia, and Chile. However, today it is also cultivated in different regions around the world. In Turkey, pepino is grown especially in regions with suitable climates such as Erzincan, Malatya, and Antalya. Interestingly, since pepino is generally a plant that loves temperate climates and the sun, it is successfully grown in regions with a Mediterranean climate. Pepino cultivation is increasingly gaining popularity in these regions.
Climate and Soil Structure in Pepino Cultivation
How to Plant Pepino?
How to Tell When Pepino Fruit is Ripe?
Generally, when the fruits ripen, they turn from green to creamy yellow, and purple stripes form from the stem cavity towards the fruit tip. These color changes indicate that the fruit has reached its normal maturity level. Additionally, ripening pepino fruits become juicier and melon-flavored, which makes them more attractive in terms of taste and aroma. It is important to determine that the pepino fruit has reached harvest maturity because fruits not harvested at the right time may suffer quality loss. When harvest is delayed, brown spots may form on the fruits, which can lower the quality. Also, the sugar content in the fruit may increase over time. If the fruits are left in the field despite spotting, diseases such as alternaria may occur, and the product may lose its market value. Therefore, it is important to harvest on time by considering the signs that the pepino fruits are ripe.
At What Age Does a Pepino Seedling Bear Fruit?
The pepino fruit has a flavor profile that is a mixture of melon, pineapple, and banana and can have purple stripes at maturity. Attracting attention with its unique aroma, this fruit resembles the taste of melon while also having a juicy and medium-sweet structure. Rich in vitamin C and potassium, pepino is known as a nutritious fruit. Pepino seedling production is generally carried out by cutting or tissue culture methods. These methods allow for the production of healthy and efficient seedlings. The fruit yield time of the pepino tree starts between 1 to 2 years after planting. The development speed of the seedling is moderate and it usually begins to yield products within a short time after being planted. When appropriate care and climate conditions are provided during this process, the pepino tree has the potential to yield a large amount of fruit.
Diseases and Pests Seen in Pepino Cultivation
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur It is possible to encounter some diseases and pests during pepino cultivation. Among these pests are potato beetle, snail, whitefly species, caterpillars, and bird species. As water-loving plants, pepinos can become particularly sensitive to fungal diseases, so it is important to be careful during the cultivation process. Additionally, virus diseases such as pepino mosaic virus can also be seen in pepino plants, which can pose a threat to plant health. Therefore, symptoms of diseases and pests should be checked regularly and appropriate interventions should be made when necessary.
What are the Benefits of Pepino?
