eChapters

Classification refers to grouping of individuals with similar identities related to genetic make up, evolution or climatic requirements. The major units are order, family, sub-family, genus, species, variety/cultivar and strain. Monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous are two major classes and most of the fruits are covered under dicotyledonous family. Different basis of classification of fruits are: Botanical; Ecological; Stem morphology; Fruit morphology; Flowering habit; Respiration rate; Photoperiodism; Shade tolerance; Drought tolerance; Soil texture and topography; Soil reaction; Soil tolerance; Horticultural; Bearing habit; Inflorescence type; pollination types; Type of self incompatibility; Type of dichogamy; Edible parts; Center of origin; Ploidy levels; Longevity of fruit crops; Fruit size and Nutrient contents of fruits.