India is a land rich in vegetation wealth. Which includes 356 domestic species of economic importance. Out of which, commercial cultivation of more than 50 types of fruits, vegetables, spices and plantation crops, etc. are done in different parts of the country. Trying to understand all these plants separately becomes cumbersome and more repetitive. To deal with these problems, it is better to classify plants into groups based on similarity or dissimilarity of properties. The overall purpose of classification is to streamline the presentation, thereby facilitating the cultivation of plants with similar agricultural practices.
Classification of Fruits
I. Classification based on the climatic requirement
- Temperature Fruits: – Apple, Pear, Peach, Almond, Walnut, Plum, Apricot, Pecan nut, Hazelnut, Cherry, Strawberry, etc.
- Tropical Fruits: – Mango, Guava, Banana, Pineapple, Sapota, Jackfruit, Papaya, Custard Apple, Carambola Persimmon, Coconut, Cashew, etc.
- Sub-Tropical Fruits: – Fig, Ber, Pomegranate, Date palm, Ber, Citrus, Phalsa, Loquat, Litchi, Karonda, Grape, Beal, Aonla, Avocado, etc.
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II. Botanical Classification of Fruit
Sr. No. |
Family |
Common Name |
Botanical Name |
Chromosome Number (2n) |
A. |
Monocotyledonous |
|||
1 |
Arecaceae |
Coconut |
Cocos nucifera |
32 |
2 |
|
Areca Nut |
Areca catechu |
32 |
3 |
|
Oil Palm |
Elaeis guineensis |
32 |
4 |
|
Date Palm |
Phoenix dactylifera |
36 |
5 |
Bromeliaceae |
Pineapple |
Ananas comosus |
50 |
6 |
Musaceae |
Banana |
Musa paradisiaca |
22,33,44 |
B. |
Dicotyledonous |
|||
7 |
Anacardiaceae |
Mango |
Magifera indica |
40 |
8 |
|
Cashewnut |
Anacardium occidentale |
42 |
9 |
|
Pista |
Pistacia vera |
30 |
10 |
Apocynaceae |
Karonda |
Carissa carandas |
22 |
11 |
Caricaceae |
Papaya |
Carica papaya |
18 |
12 |
Euphorbiaceae |
Aonla |
Emblica officinalis |
18 |
13 |
|
Rubber |
Hevea brasiliensis |
36 |
14 |
Juglandaceae |
Walnut |
Juglans regia |
32 |
15 |
Leguminosae |
Tamarind |
Tamarindus indica |
24 |
16 |
Moraceae |
Fig |
Ficus carica |
26 |
17 |
|
Jack Fruit |
Artocarpus hetrophyllus |
56 |
18 |
Myrtaceae |
Guava |
Psidium guajava |
22 |
19 |
|
Jamun |
Syzygium cumini |
40 |
20 |
Punicaceae |
Pomegranate |
Punica granatum |
18 |
21 |
Rhamenaceae |
Ber |
Zizyphus mouritiana |
48 |
22 |
Rosaceae |
Almond |
Prunus amygladus |
16 |
23 |
|
Apple |
Malus domestica |
34 |
24 |
|
Apricot |
Prunus armeniaca |
16 |
25 |
|
Peach |
Prunus persica |
16 |
26 |
|
Pear |
Pyrus communis |
34 |
27 |
|
Plum (European) |
Prunus domestica |
48 |
28 |
|
Plum (Japanese) |
Prunus salicina |
16 |
29 |
|
Strawberry |
Fragaria chiloensis |
14 |
30 |
Rubiaceae |
Coffee |
Coffee arabica |
44 |
31 |
Rutaceae |
Beal |
Aegle marmelos |
18 |
32 |
|
Citron |
Citrus medica |
18 |
33 |
|
Grapefruit |
Citrus paradise |
18 |
34 |
|
Karna Khatta |
Citrus karna |
18 |
35 |
|
Jambhiri |
Citrus jambhiri |
18 |
36 |
|
Lemon |
Citrus limon |
18 |
37 |
|
Lime |
Citrus aurantifolia |
18 |
38 |
|
Mandarin Ornage |
Citrus reticulata |
18 |
39 |
|
Rangpur Lime |
Citrus limonia |
18 |
40 |
|
Sweet Lime |
Citrus limettoides |
18 |
41 |
|
Sweet Orange |
Citrus sinensis |
18 |
42 |
|
Pummelo |
Citrus grandis |
18 |
43 |
Sapotaceae |
Sapota |
Achars zapota |
26 |
44 |
Sapindaceae |
Litchi |
Litchi chinensis |
28 |
45 |
Sterculaceae |
Cocoa |
Theoproma cocao |
20 |
46 |
Theaceae |
Tea |
Cammellia sinensis |
15 |
47 |
Tiliaceae |
Phalsa |
Grewia subinaequalis |
36 |
48 |
Vitaceae |
Grape |
Vitis vinifera |
38 |
III. Classification based on the ripening behaviour
- Climacteric Fruits: – The sharp rise in respiration after harvesting.
Example: – Mango, Banana, Custard Apple, Fig, Peach, Guava, Papaya, Apple, Sapota, Pear, Plum, Jackfruit, Passion Fruit.
- Non-climacteric Fruits: – Steady respiration at the time of harvesting.
Example:- Citrus, Grapes, Pomegranate, Litchi, Ber, Pineapple, Jamun, Cashew, Cherry, Strawberry.
IV. Classification based on fruit type
- Berry: – Banana, Papaya, Grape, Sapota, Kiwi, Arecanut, Avocado, Date palm, Guava,
- Pome: – Apple, Pear, Quince, Loquat
- Drupe/Stone: – Plum, Mango, Peach, Ber, Coconut, Cherry, Cocoa, Coffee, Jamun, Almond, Apricot.
- Hesperidium: – Citrus
- Nut: – Litchi, Cashew nut, Walnut, Chestnut, Pecanut, Rambutan
- Capsule: – Aonla, carambola,
- Aggregate Fruits / Eteario of berries: – Raspberry, Custard Apple, Blackberry, Strawberry
- Psorosis:- Pineapple, Jackfruit, Mulberry, Breadfruit
- Syconus:- Fig
V. Classification based on the continuation of growth
- Evergreen: – Mango, Citrus, Litchi, Sapota etc.
- Deciduous: – Apple, Pear, Peach, Plum, Apricot, etc.
VI. Classification based on the nature of growth
- Herbaceous– Banana, Pineapple, Strawberry
- Shrubaceous – Karonda, Phalsa, Pomegranate,
- Woody/tree – Mango, Ber, Sapota, Jamun, Guava, Pear, Peach, Apple, Jackfruit, etc.
- Climber – Grapes, kiwi, etc.
VII. Classification based on photoperiod requirement
- Short day plant: – Plants require day length (light period) less than 12 hours.
Example: – Strawberry, Pineapple, Coffee,
- Long day plant:- Plants require a day (light period) length of 12 hours or more.
Example:- Plaintain, Passion Fruit, Apple
- Day neutral plants:- Not affected by day length or light period.
Example:- Papaya, Guava, Banana
VIII. Classification based on salinity tolerance
Tolerant |
Moderate Tolerant |
Sensitive |
Ber |
Fig |
Peach |
Pomegranate |
Citrus |
Apricot |
Phalsa |
Mango |
Avocado |
Date |
Grape |
Almond |
Aonla |
Cashew |
Plum |
Custard Apple |
Jamun |
Pear |
Guava |
|
Strawberry |
Classification of Vegetables
I. Classification based on the botanical relationship
Sr. No. |
Family |
Common Name |
Botanical Name |
Chr Number (2n) |
A. |
Monocotyledonous |
|||
1 |
Amaryllidaceae (Alliaceae) |
Onion |
Allium cepa |
16 |
2 |
|
Garlic |
Allium sativum |
16 |
3 |
|
Leek |
Allium porrum |
32 |
4 |
Araceae |
Colocasia |
Colocasia esculenta |
28 |
5 |
Liliaceae |
Asparagus |
Asparagus officinalis |
20 |
6 |
Dioscorecaeae |
Yam |
Dioscorea alata |
40 |
B. |
Dicotyledonous |
|||
7 |
Chenopodiaceae |
Beet |
Beta vulgaris |
18 |
8 |
|
Spinach |
Spinacea oleracea |
12 |
9 |
|
Palak |
Beta vulgaris var.bengalensis |
18 |
10 |
Convolvulaceae |
Sweet potato |
Ipomea batatas |
90 |
11 |
Cruciferae ( Brassicacaeae) |
Cabbage |
Brassica oleraceae var. capitata |
18 |
12 |
|
Cauliflower |
Brassica oleraceae var. botrytis |
18 |
13 |
|
Knol Khol |
Brassica oleraceae var.gongylodes or B.caulorapa |
18 |
14 |
|
Brussels sprout |
Brassica oleraceae var. gemmifera |
18 |
15 |
|
Chinese cabbage |
B. chinensis |
18 |
16 |
|
Turnip |
B. rapa |
20 |
17 |
|
Mustard |
B. juncea |
36 |
18 |
|
Raddish |
Raphanus sativus |
18 |
19 |
Cucurbitaceae |
Pumpkin |
Cucurbita moschata |
40 |
20 |
|
Summer squash |
Cucurbita pepo |
40 |
21 |
|
Cucumber |
Cucumis sativus |
14 |
22 |
|
Ridge gourd |
Luffa acutangular |
26 |
23 |
|
Sponge gourd |
Luffa cylindrica |
26 |
24 |
|
Snake gourd |
Trichosanthes anguina |
22 |
25 |
|
Bottle gourd |
Lagenaria siceraria |
22 |
26 |
|
Water melon |
Citrullus lanatus |
22 |
27 |
|
Winter squash |
Cucurbita maxima |
40 |
28 |
|
Bitter gourd |
Momordica charantia |
22 |
29 |
|
Pointed gourd |
Trichosanthes dioca |
22 |
30 |
Compositae (Asteraceae) |
Lettuce |
Lactuca sativa |
18 |
31 |
|
Globe artichoke |
Cynara scolymus |
34 |
32 |
|
Jerusalem artichoke |
Helianthus tuberosus |
102 |
33 |
Euphorbiaceae |
Tapioca/cassava |
Manihot esculenta |
36 |
34 |
Leguminosae (Fabaceae) |
Cluster bean |
Cyamopsis tetragonoloba |
14 |
35 |
|
Indian bean/Hyacinth bean |
Lablab purpureus |
22 |
36 |
|
Lima bean |
Phaseolus lunatus |
– |
37 |
|
Kidney/snap/French bean |
P.vulgaris |
22 |
38 |
|
Cow pea |
Vigna unguiculata |
22 |
39 |
|
Winged bean/Goa bean |
Psophocarpus tetragonolobus |
18 |
40 |
|
Methi/fenugreek |
Trigonella foenum graecum |
16 |
41 |
Malvaceae |
Okra |
Abelmoschus esculentus |
130 |
42 |
Solanaceae |
Potato |
Solanum tuberosum |
48 |
43 |
|
Tomato |
Lycopersicon esculentum |
24 |
44 |
|
Sweet pepper |
Capsicum annuum var grossum |
24 |
45 |
|
Chili |
Capsicum annuum var annuum |
24 |
46 |
|
Brinjal |
Solanum melongena |
24 |
47 |
Umbelliferae |
Carrot |
Daucus carota |
18 |
48 |
|
Coriander |
Coriandrum sativum |
22 |
49 |
|
Celery |
Apium graveolens |
22 |
II. Classification based on Life cycle
- Annuals: Vegetables that complete their life cycle in one season.
Eg: Broad bean, Lima bean, Watermelon, Musk melon, Indian spinach, Chinese cabbage, tomato brinjal, etc.
- Biennial: Those vegetables which complete their life cycle in two seasons.
Eg. Cabbage, cauliflower, turnip, carrot, potato, etc.,
- Perennial: Those vegetables which complete their life cycle in more than two seasons.
Eg. Artichoke, asparagus, chow chow, drumstick, etc.,
III. Classification based on parts used
- Stem: Asparagus, Potato, Kholrabi (Knol-Khol)
- Leaves: Methi, Palak, Coriander, Amaranthus, Spinach, Cabbage
- Fruits: Tomato, Brinjal, Okra, Peas, Beans, Watermelon, Pumpkin, Chilies
- Flower: Cauliflower, Broccoli, Globe artichoke
- Underground portions:
i) Roots: Beetroot, Radish, Carrot
ii) Tuber: Potato
iii) Bulb: Onion, Garlic
iv) Corm: Yam
v) Rhizome: Turmeric, Ginger
6. Immature seed: Peas, Beans
IV. Method of culture
By this method, it is possible to generalize the cultivation practices based on their culture and climatic requirements.
Sr.no |
Group |
Vegetables |
1 |
Perennial vegetables |
Asparagus, Artichoke, Chow chow, Moringa, Ivy guard, Pointed gourd, Spine gourd |
2 |
Greens |
Spinach, New Zealand spinach, Kale, Chard, Mustard, Collards, Amaranthus |
3 |
Salad crops |
Celery, Lettuce, Cress, Parsley |
4 |
Cole crops |
Cabbage, Cauliflower, Broccoli, Brussel’s sprout Chinese cabbage, Knol-khol |
5 |
Root crops |
Beetroot, Carrot, Parsnip, Turnip, Radish |
6 |
Bulb crops |
Onion, Leek, Garlic, Shallot, Welsh Onion, Chive |
7 |
Tuber crops |
Potato, Sweet potato, Cassava, Elephant foot yam |
8 |
Peas and beans |
Pea, Bean, Broad bean, Lima bean, Winged bean, Cowpea |
9 |
Solanaceous crops |
Tomato, Brinjal, Chili, Pepper |
10 |
Cucurbits |
Cucumber, Watermelon, Pumpkin, Gourds |
V. Classification based on photoperiod requirements
- Short day vegetables: Sweet potato
- Long day vegetables: Flowering is induced by a period longer than critical units. eg; Spinach, beet, Chinese cabbage, Lettuce, Radish, etc.
- Day-neutral vegetables: Flowerings induced by a period of 10-18 hours of even continuous illumination. eg: Tomato, Squash, Pumpkin, Asparagus, Pepper, etc.
VI. Classification based on the growing season
- Kharif: Cucurbitaceous vegetables which complete their life cycle during the rainy season.
- Rabi: Root crops, Cole crops, Potato, Lettuce, etc., which grow from October to February
- Summer: watermelon, muskmelon, etc. which grows from February to May.
VII. Classification based on the methods of raising
- Direct sown crops: Okra, Carrot, Radish, Beans, Peas, Garlic.
- Transplanted crops: Tomato, Brinjal, Chilies, Cabbage, Cauliflower.
VIII. Classification based on the rate of respiration
Very high |
High |
Moderate |
Low |
Very low |
Asparagus |
Bean |
Beet |
Cabbage |
Onion |
Broccoli |
Lettuce |
Carrot |
Sweet potato |
Potato |
Pea |
Lima bean |
Celery |
Turnip |
Pumpkin |
Spinach |
|
Cucumber |
|
Ashgourd |
Classification of Flowers / Annuals
I. Classification based on the growing season
- Summer Season Annuals:- Seed sowing February – March
Example:- Zinnia, Tithonia, Gaillardia, Kochia, Portulaca, Gomphrena, Sunflower, Coreopsis, Cosmos.
- Winter Season Annuals:- Seed sowing September – October
Example:- Aster, Larkspur, Sweet Sultan, Phlox, Poppy, Verbena, Nigella, Petunia, Candytuft,
- Rainy Season Annual:- Seed sowing June- July
Example:- Balsam, Amaranthus, Cock’s Comb, Gaillardia, Torenia
II. Classification based on the photoperiodic requirement
- Short day:- Poinsettia, Salvia, Primerose
- Long day:- Calendula, Aster, Gardenia, stock
- Day neutral:- Carnation, Hibiscus
III. Classification based on the mode of propagation
- Bulb:- Lily, Narcissus, Tulip
- Corm:- Gladiolus, Crocus
- Rhizomes:– Canna, Iris
- Tubers:- Dahlia
- Seed:- Zinnia, Zinnia, Tithonia, Gaillardia, Kochia, Portulaca, Gomphrena, Sunflower, Coreopsis, Cosmos
IV. Classification based on the botanical relationship
Family |
Common Name |
Botanical Name |
Ch. No. (2n) |
Rosaceae |
Rose |
Rosa spp. |
14 |
Caryophyllaceae |
Carnation |
Dianthus caryophylus |
30 |
Compositae |
Chysanthemum |
Chrysanthemum indicum |
18 |
Compositae |
Gerbera |
Gerbera jamesonii |
50 |
Asparagaceae |
Tuberos |
Polianthes tuberosa |
60 |
Compositae |
African Marigold |
Tegatus erecta |
24 |
|
French Marigold |
Tegatus petula |
48 (4x) |
Iridaceae |
Gladiolus |
Gladiolus grandiflorsa |
30 |
Oleaceae |
Jasmine |
Jasminum spp. |
26 |
Classification of Spices
I. Classification based on plant parts used
- Seed: Cumin, black cumin, fenugreek, coriander, fennel, ajowan, poppy, aniseed and mustard.
- Bulb: Onion, garlic
- Bark: Cinnamon
- Fruit: Chilli, cardamom, allspice and kokum
- Leaf: curry leaf, tejpata rosemary
- Rhizome: Turmeric, ginger
- Pod: Vanilla and tamarind
- Kernel: Nutmeg
- Floral part: Saffron
- Bud: Clove
- Latex: Asfotida
- Aril: Mace and anardana
- Berry: Black pepper, juniper and allspice
II. Classification based on the economic importance
On the basis of the economic importance of the spices grown in India, they can be grouped into two viz, major and minor spices.
- Major spices
- The spices which contribute major share in the spice trade industry of the world are called major spices.
- The spices come under this group are small cardamom, black pepper, chilli, turmeric and ginger.
- These spices contribute about 75-90% of the total foreign exchange earned through spices.
- Minor spices
- Excluding all these five major spices, all others are called minor spices. Minor spices are further divided into five subgroups. They are mentioned hereunder:
-
-
- Seed spices: – Coriander, cumin, black cumin, fennel, aniseed, celery, mustard, poppy and caraway.
- Bulbous spices: – Garlic, onion, leek and shallot
- Aromatic spices: – clove, cinnamon, allspice, aniseed and nutmeg
- Leafy spices: – Curry leaf, mint, rosemary, bay leaf, and parsley.
- Acidulent tree spices: –Tamarind, kokam and anardana
-
III. Classification based on climate requirement of the crop
- Tropical spices
- Spices of this category need high temperature and abundant humidity.
- They are easily damaged by low temperature.
- Tropical spices are ginger, turmeric, black pepper, cinnamon, kokam, galangal, small cardamom and clove.
- Subtropical spices
- The sub-tropical climate is found where three distinct seasons like winter, summer and monsoon are found.
- Low temperature occurs in winter and high temperature during summer.
- Most of the spices require relatively low temperature during their vegetative or early growth stage and high temperature in the reproductive stage.
- The examples of sub-tropical spices grown in winter are cumin, fennel, coriander, fenugreek, onion and garlic.
- Sub–tropical spices grown during summer are turmeric and ginger.
- Temperate spices
- Spices of this type can withstand low temperature and frosty weather but are damaged easily in hot weather.
- Examples of temperate spices are thymes, saffron, savoy, caraway seed and asafoetida.
IV. Classification based on origin and flavour
Depending on the origin and flavour content of the spices, they can be classified as follows:
- Aromatic spices: Cardamon, aniseed, celery, cumin, coriander, fenugreek and cinnamon.
- Pungent spices: Ginger, chilli, black pepper and mustard
- Phenolic spices: Clove and allspice
- Coloured spices: Turmeric, saffron and paprika
V. Classification based on the season of growth
According to the requirement of the season of growth, spices are grouped into the following three classes:
- Annual spices: Spices which complete their life cycle in one growing season are called annuals. Example of this type of spices is coriander, cumin, fennel, fenugreek, ajowan and black cumin.
- Biennial spices: It needs two growing seasons to complete the life cycle. Examples of biennial spices are onion and parsley.
- Perennial spices: Perennial spices are those which live for more than two years. Black pepper, saffron, -clove, nutmeg and cinnamon are an example of perennial spices
VI. Classification based on the botanical description
Name |
Botanical name |
Family |
Parts used |
Cumin |
Cuminum cyminum |
Apiaceae |
Fruit |
Coriander |
Coriandrum sativum |
Apiaceae |
Leaf and the seed |
Fennel |
Foeniculum vulgare |
Apiaceae |
Fruit |
Aniseed |
Pimpinella anisum |
Apiaceae |
Fruit |
Celery |
Apium graveolens |
Apiaceae |
Leaf, Fruit, Stem |
Mustard |
Brassica juncea, B. nigra |
Brassicaceae |
Seed |
Tamarind |
Tamarindus indica |
Caesalpiniaceae |
Fruit |
Fenugreek |
Trigonella foenum-graecum |
Fabaceae |
Seed |
Saffron |
Crocus sativus |
Iridaceae |
Stigma |
Mint |
Mentha piperita |
Lamiaceae |
Leaf |
Tejpat |
Cinnamomum tamala |
Lauraceae |
Leaf |
Cinnamon |
Cinnamomum verum |
Lauraceae |
Leaf and stem bark |
Nutmeg |
Myristica fragrans |
Myristicaceae |
Seed |
Clove |
Euginia caryophylus |
Myrtaceae |
Flower bud |
Black pepper |
Piper nigrum |
Piperaceae |
Fruit |
Chilli |
Capsicum annum |
Solanaceae |
Fruit |
Cardamom (small) |
Elettaria cardamomm |
Zingiberaceae |
Fruit |
Cardamom (Large) |
Amomum subulatum |
Zingiberaceae |
Fruit |
Turmeric |
Curcuma longa |
Zingiberaceae |
Rhizome |
Ginger |
Zingiber officinale |
Zingiberaceae |
Rhizome |
References cited
1.Chadha, K.L. Handbook of Horticulture (2002) ICAR, NewDelhi
2.Jitendra Singh Basic Horticulture (2011) Kalyani Publications, New Delhi
3.K.V.Peter Basics Horticulture (2009) New India Publishing Agency
4. Jitendra Singh Fundamentals of Horticulture, Kalyani Publications, New Delhi