Quick Guide to Environmental Factors Impacting Subtropical and Tropical Fruit Crops in Florida

Commercial tropical fruit crop acreage is expanding in Florida outside the traditional extreme south Florida and coastal counties. This largely results from the significantly warmer climate, less frequent freezing events, and less severity and duration of freezing events throughout the state, especially south-central counties. In addition, as the loss of citrus acreage continues, citrus growers and entrepreneurs are seeking alternative crops to remain in business. The successful establishment and maintenance of tropical and subtropical fruit crops in Florida depend on the crop’s tolerance to critical abiotic factors, including tolerance to flooded or waterlogged soil conditions, its ability to withstand high soil and irrigation water salinity, and its high and low temperature ranges for growth, flowering, and production. This publication aims to provide an understanding of the impacts of environmental factors on subtropical and tropical fruit crops grown in Florida.