Fruit growth and development

Abstract

The great diversity of the genus Citrus allowed its primary utilization as an ornamental plant before being massively cultivated in many countries for fresh consumption and processing utilization. Citrus fruits are extremely popular worldwide thanks to their physical and chemical attributes they reach during different stages of growth and development. Development of the final fruit size and shape as well as fruit color and flavor, and the accumulation of some compounds beneficial to human health are described and discussed in depth in this chapter. The chapter incorporates updated knowledge on citrus fruit growth and development acquired both by classical agronomic, genetic, and physiological means, and more recent studies using genomic, proteomic, and metabolomic approaches.