The Future of farming on a single tree "Tree of 40 fruits"

Can you imagine having all of the sources of your fruit salads or fruits shakes in one tree?

It has been brought to reality by Sam Van Aken who is professor of Syracuse University.

Why do we call it as "tree of 40 fruits"?

A Tree of 40 Fruit is one of a sequence of fruit trees that have been developed through the process of grafting. The trees all yield forty varieties of stone fruit, of the Prunus genus, ripening sequentially from July to October in the USA.

(Grafting: Grafting is a process by which two plants are joined so that water and nutrients can travel between them.)

Van aken started grafting budwood from several of the more than 250 heritage varieties it produces there, some rare, onto a tree of stock.Overs a period of around five years the tree had built up branches from forty different "donor" trees, each featuring a different type of fruit such as almond, apricot, cherry, nectarine, peach and plum varieties. It really is part of an art work, the tree in spring has flowers of different sorts and in summer fruits of a different sort. It is a product of blending of art and agriculture.

Influences on Agricultural use:

The project draws attention to how maintaining genetic variety in fruit trees is essential in ensuring long-term food security as well as stability against climate change. The project advocates for environmentally friendly agricultural systems by highlighting grafting and varietal diversity in fruit gardens as a potent capability.

Genetic engineering is also one of the methods by which multi fruit trees such as "Tree of 40 fruits" can be developed. It can be developed Genetic engineering has a big role to play in the development of multi-fruit trees, trees that have multiple varieties or kinds of fruit growing on a single plant.

How genetic engineering can be used?

1. Grafting Compatibility Improvement

Genetic modification can change the genes controlling graft compatibility so that various species or varieties can be grafted more effectively onto one rootstock.

2. Inducing Multi-Fruit Traits Gentically

For instance, genes from other fruit species (e.g., plum and peach) might be crossed to produce a tree that naturally produces several fruits.

3. Altering Flowering and Fruiting Cycles

Genetic engineering can harmonize the flowering and fruiting seasons for various fruit types so that they mature simultaneously on one tree.

4. Sustaining Disease Resistance in Multi-Fruit Trees

The addition of disease-resistant genes can make multi-fruit trees more resilient, as they tend to be weaker because several species are grafted onto a single plant.

5. Boosting Nutrient Uptake and Growth

Genetic alterations can boost the rootstock's efficiency in absorbing water and nutrients, enabling one tree to sustain several fruit-bearing branches better.

6. CRISPR and Gene Editing for Multi-Fruit Trees

CRISPR technology makes it possible to edit accurately genes involved in fruit development, size, color, and flavor to potentially create multi-fruit trees without grafting.

Scientists would be able to introduce characteristics from various fruit species into one genome, making one tree that bears different fruits.

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Future Possibilities

In the future, genetically engineered multi-fruit trees might be produced that do not depend on grafting but instead produce multiple fruit types naturally from one seed.

Biotechnology advancements can allow cross-species genetic fusion of trees bearing a mixture of closely related fruits (like citrus fruits) or even more divergent species.

Now the question is that it is not possible to cultivate ang fruits in all temperatures as each fruit requires some temperature and weather conditions, then how is it possible to manage it?

Effects of Temperature on Multi-Fruit Trees and Management Strategies

Temperature is an important factor in the growth, flowering, fruiting, and overall well-being of multi-fruit trees. Being that these kinds of trees usually have various fruit varieties, they are more temperature-sensitive compared to single-variety trees.

Effects of Temperature on Multi-Fruit Trees

1. Impact on Growth and Development

High Temperatures (Heat Stress)

• Results in excessive water loss, resulting in wilting and dehydration.

• Suppresses photosynthesis, slowing the growth.

• May result in sunburn on fruits, which leads to discoloration and low quality.

• Some fruits ripen too fast, which influences flavor and shelf life.

Low Temperatures (Cold Stress & Frost Damage)

• Slows down the growth and metabolism.

• Frost can harm the buds, flowers, and young fruit, resulting in loss of fruit.

• Prolonged cold can split the bark and kill certain fruiting branches.

2. Effect on Flowering and Fruiting

Heat Stress:

Can lead to premature flower drop, which can reduce the yield of fruit.

Can interfere with pollination since some pollinators do not function well in hot temperatures.

Cold Stress:

Can postpone or suppress flowering in some types of fruits.

Some tropical fruits will not set fruit normally in cool temperatures.

3. Temperature Disparity Between Grafted Varieties

Various varieties of fruits on a multi-fruit tree might require varying temperatures.

Some fruits (such as peaches and plums) need chilling hours for dormancy, while others (such as citrus) thrive with warmer temperatures.

If the temperature is out of balance, some grafted portions will not yield fruit or even die.

Management Techniques for Temperature Management

1. Heat Stress Management

Mulching: organic mulch must be used around the base to conserve soil moisture and control root temperature.

Shade Protection: shade nets or plant trees must be employed in partially shaded areas to cut off direct sun exposure.

Proper Irrigation: deep watering must be supplied during heat waves to maintain moisture in the roots.

Reflective Coatings: whitewash or kaolin must be applied to fruit and leaves to minimize heat damage.

2. Cold and Frost Protection

Covering Trees: frost cloths, plastic covers, or burlap during should be utilized in severe cold spells.

Windbreaks: shrubs or barriers should be put in place to minimize cold wind effect.

Prior to Frost: watering

Moist ground holds more heat; a day prior to a frost incidence, the tree must be watered.

Sources of Heat: outdoor heating units, candles or string lights, or fireplace pits must be placed around trees during severe cold.

3. Choosing Temperature-Tolerant Types

More tolerant rootstocks need to be used to a degree of temperatures.

The combinations of fruits should be chosen that share similar temperature requirements (e.g., several stone fruits rather than combining stone fruits with citrus).

4. Pruning and Canopy Management

A canopy that is open should be maintained to enhance air movement, minimizing temperature extremes within the tree.

Weak or damaged branches should be purned following extreme weather to avoid disease.

5. Genetic and Biotechnological Solutions

Utilization of genetically engineered or selectively bred varieties that are resistant to temperature extremes.

There is research being conducted on CRISPR-based genetic engineering to develop temperature-resistant fruit trees.

Through the adoption of these measures, multi-fruit trees can be protected more effectively from temperature changes, with a stable yield and long-term health.

Therefore, there is a need to select fruits based on the temperature of the location where the tree will be planted and cultivated.

Let us assume that we are interested in growing a multi fruit tree in India then how is it possible?

In India, the climate ranges from tropical in the southern part to temperate and alpine in the north. The most suitable multi-fruit tree combinations are based on the temperature range of the region, rainfall, and seasonality. Given below are appropriate multi-fruit tree combinations for various Indian climates:

• Tropical and Subtropical Areas (South India, Coastal Regions, Central India)

Examples: Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra (Konkan), West Bengal, Odisha

Temperature Range: (15°C – 40°C)

(Challenges: High heat, humidity, monsoons, intermittent cyclones)

Optimum Multi-Fruit Tree Blends:

1. Mango + Guava + Papaya + Jackfruit

All do well with warm temperature and similar water requirements.

2. Citrus Blend: Lemon + Orange + Sweet Lime (Mosambi) + Kinnow

Citrus plants can withstand high heat and periodic dryness.

3. Banana + Coconut + Areca Nut + Pineapple

Most suitable for coastal humid climates with high rainfall.

4. Cashew + Pomegranate + Sapota (Chikoo) + Amla (Indian Gooseberry)

Drought-resistant combination, suitable for semi-arid regions.

• Arid and Semi-Arid Regions (Rajasthan, Gujarat, Western Madhya Pradesh, Parts of Maharashtra & Telangana)

Temperature Range: (5°C – 45°C)

(Challenges: Extreme heat, water shortages, cold winters)

Best Multi-Fruit Tree Combinations:

1. Pomegranate + Ber (Indian Jujube) + Fig + Amla

These fruits are drought and heat tolerant.

2. Date Palm + Custard Apple (Sitaphal) + Drumstick + Tamarind

Drought-tolerant trees that need very little water, suitable for dry regions.

• Temperate and Mountain Regions (North India – Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir, North-East India)

Temperature Range: (-5°C – 30°C)

(Challenges: Frost, snowfall, short summers)

Best Multi-Fruit Tree Combinations:

1. Apple + Pear + Plum + Peach

All need chilling hours to fruit and can withstand light frost.

2. Walnut + Almond + Cherry + Apricot

Ideal for Himalayan foothills and above.

3. Kiwi + Persimmon +Pomegranate + Grapes

Best in North-East India and temperate cool regions.

• Indo-Gangetic Plains & River Valleys (Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab, Haryana, West Bengal, Assam, Chhattisgarh)

Temperature Range: 5°C – 40°C

(Challenges: Excessive summer and winter, monsoon floods)

Best Multi-Fruit Tree Combinations:

1. Mango + Litchi + Guava + Bael (Wood Apple)

Heat tolerant and well-suited to seasonal variation.

2. Coconut + Banana + Papaya + Betel Nut

Suits eastern states with high humidity.

3. Jamun (Black Plum) + Jackfruit + Amla + Pomegranate

Can resist both drought.

As in this world nothing is 100 percent perfect, the "tree of 40 fruits"has also numerous advantages and disadvantages.

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Advantages

1. Biodiversity – It enables several varieties of fruits to grow in a small area, encouraging biodiversity.

2. Space Efficiency – A single tree grows different types of fruits instead of planting several trees, conserving space.

3. Longer Harvesting Season – As the different fruits ripen at different seasons, it offers fruit during the growing season.

4. Aesthetic Value – The tree is a multi-colored bloomer during spring, and hence it looks very beautiful.

5. Pollination Advantage – Multiple varieties of fruits on a single tree can enhance pollination and yields.

6. Value as an Education Tool – It is an education tool regarding grafting, hybridization, and biodiversity.

7. Resistance to Drought – Some of the grafted varieties will enhance the tree's tolerance to drought conditions.

Drawbacks

1. Difficult to Maintain – Demands expert maintenance, pruning, and grafting technique knowledge in order to keep all the grafts healthy.

2. Uneven Growth – Grafted branches can grow unevenly, such that some are more vigorous compared to others, creating imbalances in the tree.

3. Disease Risk – Various fruit types can be susceptible to various pests and diseases, thus complicating management.

4. Shorter Lifespan – The grafted shoots might not be as durable as naturally grown shoots, decreasing the lifespan of the tree.

5. Limited Commercial Application – It is better for educational or artistic use compared to commercial fruit production on a large scale.

6. Possibility of Graft Rejection – Some of the grafted branches fail to assimilate and may wilt away in the long term.

7. High Initial Investment – The tree is not commercially sold in regular nurseries, and grafting on order can be costly.

Overall, the Tree of 40 Fruits is a remarkable combination of art, science, and horticulture, but demanding to upkeep.

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