By understanding how fruit trees develop, grow and produce fruit, we can better understand how to treat them to produce and maintain healthier trees, and ultimately optimise the crops we are trying to grow.
Plants grow from ‘meristematic cells’. Meristematic cells are in effect the ‘stem cells’ of a plant. They are undifferentiated cells that can reproduce and as they grow they can transform into any part of the plant that is needed, whether that be a leaf, stem, flower or something else.
How Shoots Develop
Shoots that emerge from a seed and buds that emerge from a plant stem contain a cluster of cells at their end or tip that are meristematic. Areas of plats where cells divide are called meristems and these are located at the tips of shoots and roots. This type of growth is often called primary growth.
How Flowers Develop
Flowers develop from specialised flower buds which burst open when they have received enough energy to do so. The flower stalk or pedicel has an apical meristem at its tip. From this tip which is known as the receptacle, the flower forms.
How Fruit Develops
After the petals and outer flower parts die and fall away, the fruits form if the flower has been successfully pollinated and fertilised. Ovules grow to become seeds and remain enclosed by the ovary. The ovary enlarges to become the fruit.
From our Tree Fruits ebook
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