January 08, 2026 | Applied Fruit Science |
This review conducted by Nagaland University, India, examines off-season fruit production as a strategy to extend harvest windows, stabilize market supply, and improve farm income in tropical and subtropical regions. Off-season flowering and fruiting are complex processes influenced by plant physiology, orchard management, environmental conditions, and genetic factors.
The review summarizes key determinants of off-season production, including tree vigor, carbohydrate and nutrient status, and hormonal balance. Environmental drivers such as temperature, photoperiod, and humidity are highlighted as major regulators of flowering responses. Cultural and management practices, including pruning, soil management, mulching, and the use of plant growth regulators, are discussed for their roles in manipulating flowering time. Recent advances in molecular approaches, particularly CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing, are also reviewed as emerging tools for precise control of flowering-related traits. Evidence from major fruit crops such as mango, guava, and pomegranate demonstrates that appropriate cultivar selection combined with targeted management practices can support successful off-season production.
The review also identifies key constraints, including climate variability, alternate bearing, limited availability of quality planting material, and insufficient infrastructure. Overall, the study emphasizes that integrated, crop- and region-specific strategies, supported by continued research, are essential for improving the reliability and sustainability of off-season fruit production.
