RESUMO
Persimmon, belonging to the genus Diospyros, is a deciduous fruit tree renowned for its distinctive fruit and nutritional richness. This review provides a comprehensive examination of persimmon, encompassing its botanical taxonomy, morphological features, and genetic diversity. The horticultural section explores optimal cultivation practices, varietal characteristics, and methods of propagation, while addressing challenges like pest management. Persimmons are not only valued for their sweet and flavorful taste but are also rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, contributing to potential health benefits. The paper discusses the nutritional composition, bioactive compounds, and emerging evidence of persimmon's positive impacts on health. Furthermore, it touches upon global consumption trends, trade dynamics, and the economic significance of persimmons. Future research directions and areas requiring further exploration are highlighted, underscoring the importance of this fruit in agriculture and human nutrition.
RESUMO
Protected cultivation of horticultural crops has emerged as a crucial technique in modern agriculture, offering numerous benefits such as increased yield, enhanced quality, and protection against adverse climatic conditions and pests. This comprehensive review aims to present the current status of protected cultivation practices and explore its future prospects in horticulture. The review begins by discussing the various types of protected cultivation structures, including greenhouses, high tunnels, and shade houses, along with their advantages and limitations. It then highlights the significance of protected cultivation in addressing global food security challenges by ensuring year-round crop production and reducing dependence on seasonal variations. The review further explores the impact of protected cultivation techniques on the growth and development of horticultural crops, including improved crop morphogenesis, precipitation management, and the optimization of environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide levels. Furthermore, the utilization of advanced technologies like hydroponics, aeroponics, and vertical farming within protected cultivation systems is examined, with an emphasis on their potential for maximizing crop productivity while minimizing resource consumption. Moreover, the paper delves into the challenges and constraints faced in implementing protected cultivation, including cost considerations, energy requirements, and the use of synthetic inputs. It discusses sustainable and environmentally friendly approaches, such as utilizing renewable energy sources and adopting organic farming practices, to mitigate these challenges and promote ecological balance. Lastly, the review discusses some future prospects and trends in protected cultivation, including the integration of precision agriculture techniques, the use of artificial intelligence, and the adoption of smart farming technologies. These advancements have the potential to further optimize resource utilization, improve automation, and enhance crop monitoring and management, ultimately leading to greater yield and quality improvements in horticultural crop production.