New Mexico State University (NMSU) researchers have successfully harvested jujube fruits from cultivar trials and are sharing their findings with local growers, according to a press release by NMSU. Jujubes, also known as Chinese dates, are gaining popularity in the United States due to their nutritional value.
The recent trials conducted at Leyendecker Plant Science Center and the Agricultural Science Centers in Alcalde and Los Lunas showed excellent performance by jujube trees. According to the press release, 95% of the trees planted in 2017 at Leyendecker produced fruit during their first year. This data will be valuable for growers and home gardeners in selecting the right cultivars.
Professor Shengrui Yao, an extension fruit specialist from NMSU's Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, highlighted the importance of the harvest process. "During the harvesting process, we also roughly know their maturation date and maturation order, which is also important for growers," said Yao. The researchers have been collecting data on yield and fruit quality parameters for the past 7 to 9 years and this year could be the last for data collection.
Through these cultivar trials, researchers like Yao have collected crucial data on yield and fruit quality parameters, helping determine which cultivars are the most productive and offer the best taste. Jujube cultivars can be used for various purposes, including fresh eating, drying, multipurpose use, and ornamental applications.
Jujube fruits are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. "It is a sweet fruit, high in vitamin C, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), triterpenes, and phenols," explained Yao. "The vitamin C content is 4 to 12 times higher than citrus depending on cultivars. Jujube fruits have been widely used as a medicinal herb for its fruit and seeds for thousands of years in China."
With the research conducted by NMSU, local growers will have valuable information to guide their cultivation of jujube trees and meet the increasing demand for this nutritious fruit in the United States.