The
variations in the ripening time of jujube (Z. mauritiana ) cultivars
Gola, Kaithali, Banarsi Kadaka, Umran, Mundia and Seb under the arid
regions of Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh; Sardarkrushinagar, Gujarat;
Jobner, Jodhpur and Bikaner, Rajasthan; and Hisar, Haryana, India were
determined. Meteorological data, including the minimum and maximum
temperature, and morning and evening relative humidity were recorded
during 1986-90 in all locations except for Bikaner for which
meteorological data were recorded during 1994-98. Irrespective of
cultivars, the peak ripening of jujube was between the last week of
November and the first week of January in the southern region of India
and between the 10th of January and 30th of March in the northern
regions of India. The prevailing maximum (23.3-34.4 deg C) and minimum
(6.2-19.1 deg ) temperatures, the temperature difference of 11.9-18.3
deg C and the morning relative humidity of 49.6-87.7% that lasts for at
least a month induced the peak ripening in jujube. The variations in
the climatic conditions and their durations in the locations studied
accounted for the variations in the ripening pattern of jujube |