This study aimed to accomplish the agroclimatic zoning of Minas Gerais State, in order to provide subsidies for selection of areas for implantation of the West Indian Cherry (Malpighia glabra L.) crop. The average temperature and precipitation data relative to 110 meteorological stations located in Minas Gerais and surrounding states were used. Based on these data, the moisture index by Thornthwaite & Mather for a soil water storage capacity of 125 mm was calculated. The thermal and hydric aptitude maps were drawn for the crop from the average temperature and moisture index. The State agroclimatic aptitude map was obtained by superposing these maps. It was found that only 12.6% of the state territory, south region and a small portion of the central region are inapt for the cultivation of the West Indian Cherry, because of low temperatures in this region. Favorable conditions for this crop are found in 55.6% of the State area, whereas 4.5% show regular conditons. The areas showing regular aptitude occupy 27% of the state territory, but the crop is only recommended with irrigation for 18% from this total, because of water restriction, whereas it is restrained by excess water in the remaining 9% areas.
Malpighia glabra L.; fruit growing; agroclimatic aptitude; hydric and thermal aptitudes
