Frost: Stress Mitigation in Subtropical Fruit Orchards

Subtropical regions experience both hot summers and cold or frosty winters. These regions are located between the temperate and tropical latitudes on both sides of the equator. In the NW sub-Himalayan areas and the adjacent plains, frost is a significant threat, particularly for fruit crop cultivation. The cultivation of evergreen subtropical plants is always at risk of frost damage. Despite advancements in agricultural research and crop production practices, effective frost protection technology is still lacking. Researchers worldwide are working with dedication and enthusiasm to address this issue. This book is a collection of information developed by the author and others globally on managing frost. It aims to increase understanding of frost, frost-induced freezing, and the options available for mitigating its effects. In addition to providing an overview of frost and its impact on subtropical fruit plantations, the book offers a simplified version of information on orchard energy balance, plant tissue damage mechanisms, and biomolecular aspects of plant defense. The practical aspects and elaborations derived from open field studies, keeping growers perspectives in mind, are included while discussing crop frost sensitivity, damage symptoms, frost prediction, frost-prone area delineation, and frost impact mitigation. Therefore, this book is a comprehensive account of both the theoretical and practical aspects of frost and its impact mitigation, tailored to the needs of growers.