The ber (Zizyphus mauritiana) is an important fruit crop for arid and semi arid regions in tropical and sub tropical regions. Its origin is India. It is known for its ability to withstand adverse conditions. It is truly a desert apple of Thar Desert. It can be processed to prepare murabba, pulps, jam and beverage.Z. mauritiana cultivated in the tropical and subtropical regions of Indian regions. The commercial method of vegetative propagation is by budding. The best method widely adopted is shield budding (T or I budding). Success in micro propagation of ber in vitro from stem explants of mature tree was reported. Leguminous crops are preferred as intercrop. Ber fruits followed a double sigmoid growth curve. Fruits having a specific gravity of < 1 were considered to be ready to harvest. Powdery mildew is the most serious disease of ber and causes heavy losses.
Ber, Importance, Species, Varieties, Future planning
