Pomology

– **History**:
– Pomology practiced by Sumerians in ancient Mesopotamia
– Egyptians cultivated indigenous fruits like palm date and sorghum
– Introduction of grapes, watermelon, sycamore fig, and Christs thorn in Egypt
– New fruits like carob, olive, apple, and pomegranate introduced during the New Kingdom
– Peaches and pears introduced during the Greco-Roman period

– **Middle East**:
– Sumerians grew dates, grapes, apples, melons, and figs
– Egyptians cultivated grapes, watermelon, sycamore fig, and Christs thorn
– Introduction of carob, olive, apple, and pomegranate in Egypt during the New Kingdom
– Greco-Roman period saw the introduction of peaches and pears
– Later introduction of peaches and pears during the Greco-Roman period

– **Europe**:
– Greeks and Romans cultivated apples, pears, figs, grapes, quinces, citron, strawberries, and blackberries
– Exotic fruits like azeroles and medlars were less common
– Cherries and apricots were popular in the 1st century BC
– Peaches introduced in the 1st century AD from Persia
– Romans advanced fruit cultivation and storage techniques

– **United States**:
– Mid-19th century saw expansion of fruit orchard programs in the US
– USDA and agricultural colleges introduced new fruit varieties from foreign expeditions
– Establishment of the Division of Pomology by the USDA in 1886
– Andrew Jackson Downing and Charles prominent in pomology and horticulture
– USDA commissioned artists for watercolor illustrations of new fruit cultivars

– **See also**:
– Arboriculture
– Floriculture
– Horticulture
– Olericulture
– Viticulture