Characterization of Promising Apricot (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Prunus armeniaca</Emphasis> L.) Genetic Resources in Malatya,Turkey

The study here was conducted on nearly 12,000 apricot seedlings in the Malatya Region in the Eastern part of Turkey. This region is famous for its horticulture based mainly on apricot production and the Country's highest apricot production originates from this region. The flower and fruit characteristics of all populations, which include apricot seedlings, in the region were evaluated. Based on their horticultural performances, 13 genotypes were selected, of which seven were considered as apricots served in dried form and six as in table consumption form. Among the selected genotypes, the fruit weight ranged between 28.5 and 71.19 g, soluble solids ranged between 12.7 and 26.5%, while the range in total acidity was between 0.35 and 1.80% and fruit development period was between 87 and 183 days. To determine the selected genotypes performance in a similar environment, they were grafted on to 4-year-old rootstocks. The results from these combinations showed that there was some decrease, especially in fruit size and soluble solids, in the genotypes performance when compared to the results of the initial observations. Some differences were also detected in taste, fruit shape, pit shape, fruit flesh firmness, skin and flesh colors. The dry fruit yield was determined as 22.50–28.36% for the selected dry apricot genotypes. The dry fruit yield of all seven genotypes considered for dry consumption were similar to ‘Hacıhaliloğlu’ and higher than ‘Canino’, which were evaluated as control cultivars.     

Characterization of core collection of lentil germplasm for phenology, morphology, seed and straw yields

Increasing and maintaining crop residues in predominantly cereal-based rotations of the US Pacific Northwest is critical to controlling soil erosion. The core collection of lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) germplasm comprising 287 accessions was evaluated for variation in phenological, morphological and growth parameters including seed yields and residue amounts over a two-year period under conventional tillage and no-till conditions. The objectives of this study were (i) assess lentil genetic variation in germplasm for variation in biomass production and seed yield, (ii) assess the relationship of phenological and morphological traits with biomass and seed yield and (iii) identify high biomass producing germplasm for use as parents in the breeding program. Days to flowering and days to maturity ranged from 31 to 78 and from 71 to 106 days, respectively. Time to flowering in terms of cumulative heat units was a more efficient measurement than days to flowering. Plant height and plant canopy width had a significant association with total biomass, seed yield and residue amounts. Total biomass ranged from 788–6389 kg ha^–1 under conventional tillage, while the range under no-till conditions was 1045–6195 kg ha^–1. Most of the lines with higher biomass also produced the highest seed yields and residue amounts. Overall, only one accession produced more residue than `Laird'. In the more favorable environment of 1997, six accessions exceeded the control cultivars, `Laird' and `Indianhead', for residue amounts, and seven and twenty-four accessions exceeded control cultivars, `Pardina' and `Brewer', for seed yield. Results indicated that plant height, canopy width at maturity and seed yield explained most of the variation in biomass and residue production. Large seeded germplasm consistently had a longer reproductive growth period than small seeded accessions and had 17%, 7% and 21% more biomass, seed yield and residue, respectively. Our data indicated significant variation in lentil germplasm for biomass, seed yield and residue amounts to warrant their use in the breeding program.     

Genetic diversity of introduced and local Spanish persimmon cultivars revealed by RAPD markers

Persimmon culture has become an alternative for fruit growers in Italy, Israel and Spain. However, there is some confusion concerning cultivar identification in non-Asian countries were the species was introduced. Authenticating the identity of germplasm resources of persimmon would be a great value for breeding. Due to the floral biology of the persimmon species the expected genetic variability is high. RAPD markers were chosen for this study of persimmon germplasm resources in Spain. Nineteen markers were obtained from 8 primers. The average of 2.4 markers/primer was higher than that obtained in other woody fruit species. The availability of data referenced from isozymes and pomological traits revealed complete agreement among groups identified by RAPDs, isozymes and pomological traits. Results suggest that RAPD technology is adequate for fingerprinting persimmon and the data is consistent with persimmon's hypothetical origins, adaptation history and previous classification by isozymes or pomological traits. Many synonyms have been identified, mostly in cultivars from local surveys, suggesting that a few new genotypes arose in Spain since the species was introduced to Europe. By means of RAPD markers, a better identification of the European persimmon germplasm is available.     

Carotenoids from new apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) varieties and their relationship with flesh and skin color

Thirty-seven apricot varieties, including four new releases (Rojo Pasión, Murciana, Selene, and Dorada) obtained from different crosses between apricot varieties and three traditional Spanish cultivars (Currot, Mauricio, and Búlida), were separated according to flesh color into four groups. The L*, a*, b*, hue angle, and chroma color measurements on the skin and flesh as well as other quality indices including flesh firmness, soluble solids, titratable acidity, and pH were plotted against the total carotenoid content measured by HPLC. Among the 37 apricot varieties, the total carotenoid content ranged from 1,512 to 16,500 microg 100 g(-1) of edible portion, with beta-carotene as the main pigment followed by beta-cryptoxanthin and gamma-carotene. The wide range of variability in the provitamin A content in the apricot varieties encouraged these studies in order to select the breeding types with enhanced carotenoid levels as the varieties with a higher potential health benefit. The carotenoid content was correlated with the color measurements, and the hue angle in both flesh and peel was the parameter with the best correlation (R = 0.92 and 0.84, respectively). An estimation of the carotenoid content in apricots could be achieved by using a portable colorimeter, as a simple and easy method for field usage applications.     

Embryo Abortion in Relation to Fruit Size,Quality, and Concentrations of Nutrients in Skin and Pulp of Mango

To investigate the effects of embryo abortion on fruit size and weight, stone weight, and fruit quality, including total soluble solids (TSS), acidity, TSS/acid ratio, sugars, and concentrations of macro and micronutrients in skin and pulp, nubbins (seedless fruit) and seeded fruit of mango (Mangifera indica L.) cultivars ‘Glenn,’ ‘Irwin,’ ‘Haden,’ ‘Kent,’ and ‘Kensington Pride’ were compared at the ripe stage. Nubbins had significantly smaller fruit size and lower fruit weight than in seeded fruit in all the cultivars. Mean stone weight was also significantly lower in nubbins (9.04 g) than in seeded fruit (30.27 g) and the trend was similar in all the cultivars. Percent dry pulp weight was significantly higher in nubbins than in seeded fruit in all five cultivars. Nubbins exhibited significantly lower acidity and higher TSS and TSS/acid ratio than did seeded fruit in all of the cultivars. The concentrations of nitrogen (N), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu) in the skin and N, phosphorus (P), K, calcium (Ca), Mg, sulfur (S), Fe, zinc (Zn), and Cu in the pulp of nubbins did not differ significantly from those in the skin and pulp of seeded fruit in all of the cultivars. However, mean concentrations of P, Ca, and S were significantly higher in the skin of nubbins than in the skin of seeded fruit. Mean concentrations of manganese (Mn) and boron (B) in both skin and pulp of nubbins were significantly higher than in the skin and pulp of seeded fruit. The experimental results suggest that embryo abortion at early stages of fruit development, although it reduces fruit size and weight, does not affect the concentrations of these elements in the pulp and skin of mature fruit. In conclusion, embryo abortion in mango fruit substantially reduced fruit size, weight, and stone weight and improved TSS, TSS/acid ratio, total sugars, and non-reducing sugars compared with seeded fruit in all the cultivars and led to minor changes in the concentrations of most of macro and micronutrients in skin and pulp of the fruit.     

Storage temperature effects on blood orange fruit quality.

Orange fruits of two blood varieties (Tarocco and Moro) were stored at 8 degrees C and 22 degrees C for 85 and 106 days, respectively, and analyzed periodically for standard quality parameters (total soluble solids, total acidity, ascorbic acid, juice yield, and rind color) and sensory influencing parameters (anthocyanins, and total and free hydroxycinnamic acids). A decrease in total acidity (TA) and juice yield during storage was observed for both cultivars; total soluble solids (TSS) increased only in the Tarocco oranges stored at 8 degrees C. The increase in TSS observed for Tarocco and the simultaneous decrease in TA in both varieties resulted in a higher maturity index (TSS/TA) for the two cultivars. No loss of vitamin C was noted in Tarocco orange at either temperature, whereas a sharp reduction in vitamin C occurred in the first 50 days of storage for Moro. A significant increase in anthocyanin content was observed in Tarocco and Moro stored at 8 degrees C. Overlong storage induces extensive hydrolysis of hydroxycinnamic derivatives to free acids in Moro orange and these, in turn, could develop the malodorous vinylphenols.     

Genetic diversity and relationships of common apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) in China based on simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers

The common apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) is adaptable to the diverse geographical areas throughout northern China where the original center for common apricot is worldwide. The diversity of 94 apricot samples, including 66 typical Chinese local cultivars, four kernel-using apricots, thirteen cultivars of Xinjiang (belong to Central Asian groups), ten exotic cultivars and one black apricot (Prunus dasycarpa Ehrh.) accession, were investigated using 21 simple sequence repeat markers. Totally, 662 genotypes were identified in the set of tested 93 common apricot cultivars, with an average of 31.52 genotypes per locus. The allele diversity per locus, with an average allele number of 15.14, and the heterozygosity rates, with an average expected heterozygosity value for the sample set of 0.792, were found to be higher than those in previous studies, implying that Chinese apricot germplasms presented a high level of genetic diversity. The clustering analysis and principal coordinate analysis outlined the genetic relationships of apricot cultivars tested from different geographical distributions. The results supported the traditional classification of apricot germplasm based on the ecological types, and showed that the richest diversity existed in the northern China and northwestern China local cultivars among common apricot germplasm resources tested. This study will facilitate the understanding of the evolution relationships and the conservation strategies of the genetic diversity in apricot in China.     

Physical characters and antioxidant, sugar, and mineral nutrient contents in fruit from 29 apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) cultivars and hybrids

Fruit physical and chemical characters of 29 apricot cultivars of Greek and American origin and their hybrids were evaluated using correlation and principal component analysis. A remarkable variation was observed in the total phenol content (0.3-7.4 mg gallic acid equivalent g(-1) FW) and total antioxidant capacity (0.026-1.858 mg ascorbic acid equivalent g(-1) FW), with the American origin cultivars Robada and NJA(2) and the new cultivar Nike exhibiting the greatest values. The cultivar Tomcot and hybrid 467/99 had the highest content of total carotene (37.8 microg beta-carotene equivalent g(-1) FW), which was up to four times greater as compared with the rest of studied genotypes. The dominant sugar in fruit tissue was sucrose, followed second by glucose and third by sorbitol and fructose-inositol. The new cultivars Nike, Niobe, and Neraida contained relatively higher contents of sucrose and total sugars, while Ninfa and P. Tirynthos contained relatively higher contents of K, Ca, and Mg. Correlation analysis suggested that late-harvesting cultivars/hybrids had greater fruit developmental times (r = 0.817) and contained higher sugar (r = 0.704) and less Mg contents (r= -0.742) in fruit tissue. The total antioxidant capacity was better correlated with the total phenol content (r = 0.954) as compared with the total carotenoid content (r = 0.482). Weak correlations were found between the fruit skin color and the antioxidant contents in flesh tissue. Multivariate analysis allowed the grouping of variables, with more important variables being the harvest date, fruit developmental time, skin Chroma, sorbitol, and total sugar, K and Mg contents. Plotting the genotypes in a dendrogram revealed cases of homonymy between parents and hybrids, although independent segregation of the measured traits after hybridization was also found.     

基于主成分分析的高丛蓝莓品种果实品质综合评价

比较分析不同品种蓝莓果实品质特性,确定代表性品质指标,建立蓝莓品质综合评价体系,为蓝莓品质合理评价和优良蓝莓品种筛选提供理论参考。以26个高丛蓝莓品种果实为材料,测定其11项品质指标（单果质量、果实横径、果实纵径、果形指数、果实硬度、可溶性固形物质量分数可溶性糖质量分数、可滴定酸质量分数、糖酸比、维生素C质量分数、花色苷质量分数）,并采用主成分分析方法进行果实品质综合评价。结果表明：26个蓝莓品种的11项果实品质性状中糖酸比、可滴定酸质量分数、单果质量和花色苷质量分数的变异系数较大,其变异系数分别为33.67%、32.25%、30.84%和28.48%。通过主成分分析确定单果质量、果形指数、可溶性糖质量分数、可滴定酸质量分数、花色苷质量分数和果实硬度可作为评价蓝莓果实品质的代表性指标;建立综合品质评价模型,并依据各品种的综合品质得分进行优良度排序,得分排名前10位的蓝莓品种依次为‘大果蓝金’‘莱格西’‘公爵’‘日出’‘维口’‘蓝片‘早蓝’‘蓝丰’‘爱国者’‘红利’,研究结果为大连地区蓝莓品种合理开发和应用提供了依据。     

Assessment of genetic variability in the endangered <Emphasis Type="Italic">Citrus macroptera</Emphasis> Mont. (“hatkora”) from Mizoram,north-east India

Assessment of genetic variability in the available germplasm is the prerequisite for development of improved genotypes through planned breeding programmes. In view of this, 39 “hatkora” (Citrus macroptera Mont.) genotypes collected from different locations of Mizoram, India were evaluated for physico-chemical characteristics during 2013–2015. The study reveals that there was significant variation among the collections in these particular traits. Individual fruit weight ranged from 277.78 to 617.69 g; fruit diameter 9.32–12.52 cm; fruit length 7.74–10.19 cm, fruit volume 238.33–583.33 cc; pulp weight 153.75–320.94 g; pulp:peel ratio 1.50–3.24 and seed number 9.33–23.6. Similarly, the chemical parameters also varied significantly among different germplasms. The juice content varied from 13.45 to 32.53 %, ascorbic acid 34.81–73.64 mg/100 mL, TSS 6.15–9.10 %, acidity 5.03–8.75 %, total sugars 5.16–7.97 % and sugar:acid ratio 0.75–1.52. From the analysis of genetic parameters, it could be concluded that characters like fruit weight, fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit volume, pulp weight, pulp–peel ratio, juice, Total soluble solids (TSS), acidity, ascorbic acid, total sugars, and sugar–acid ratio could be used as selection criteria for development of effective and productive plant types in “hatkora”. Wide range of variation in physico-chemical parameters of “hatkora” fruits indicated the great scope of individual plant selection based on these characters for future genetic improvement programme.     

Diversity among landraces of Indian snapmelon (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Cucumis melo</Emphasis> var. <Emphasis Type="Italic">momordica</Emphasis>)

Diversity among 36 snapmelon landraces, collected from 2 agro-ecological regions of India (9 agro-climatic sub-regions), was assayed using RAPD primers, morphological traits of plant habit and fruit, 2 yield-associated traits, pest and disease resistance and biochemical composition (TSS, ascorbic acid, titrable acidity). Typical differences among accessions were observed in plant and fruit characteristics and snapmelon germplasm with high titrable acidity and possessing resistance to downy mildew, Cucumber mosaic virus, Zucchini yellow mosaic virus, Papaya ringspot virus, Aphis gossypii and Meloidogyne incognita was noticed in the collection. RAPD based grouping analysis revealed that Indian snapmelon was rich in genetic variation and region and sub-region approach should be followed across India for acquisition of additional melon landraces. Accessions of var. agrestis and var. momordica clustered together and there was a separate cluster of the accessions of var. reticulatus. Comparative analysis of the genetic variability among Indian snapmelons and an array of previously characterized reference accessions of melon from Spain, Israel, Korea, Japan, Maldives, Iraq, Pakistan and India using SSRs showed that Indian snapmelon germplasm contained a high degree of unique genetic variability which was needed to be preserved to broaden the genetic base of melon germplasm available with the scientific community. N. P. S. Dhillon and Ranjana contributed equally to this work and are considered the first authors.     

苹果品种用于加工鲜榨汁的适宜性评价

为科学评价苹果品种的鲜榨汁加工适宜性,以122个单果质量在100 g以上的品种为对象,运用相关分析、因子分析、概率分级、层次分析、K-均值聚类、判别分析等方法建立苹果品种鲜榨汁加工适宜性评价技术。结果表明：果实与鲜榨汁间可滴定酸含量、可溶性固形物含量、可溶性糖含量、固酸比和糖酸比5项指标均呈极显著相关,相关系数分别为0.8967、0.9393、0.8413、0.9036和0.9099。果实可溶性固形物含量、固酸比、出汁率、单宁含量等4项指标被确定为苹果品种鲜榨汁加工适宜性评价指标。4项指标均划分为服从或近似服从正态分布的5级,即极低、低、中、高和极高。根据指标权重和指标分级标准,建立了4项指标的评分标准。建立的苹果品种鲜榨汁加工适宜性判别函数有极高的判别准确性,正确判别率达到94.74%（建模样本）和96.55%（检验样本）。筛选出的58个优良品种中,红富士、乔纳金、津轻等43个品种适于加工鲜榨汁,澳洲青苹、红玉、金冠等15个品种极适于加工鲜榨汁。     

低温萃取法提取杏仁油的研究

杏仁是油脂和蛋白质含量均高的原料，该研究旨在采用低温法萃取杏仁油，达到既萃取油又减少蛋白质变性程度的目的。首先经过一系列水酶法萃取试验后发现，不同萃取条件对于出油率的影响很大，从中筛选出水酶法萃取的最佳条件为：选取进口（日本Yakult公司）纤维素酶与木瓜蛋白酶的复合酶（1∶1），加酶量3%，作用时间3 h，料液比1∶2，反应温度40℃。初步油质检验表明, 水酶法比浸出法制得的毛油更清亮，酸价略低，磷脂少，油质稳定。然后进行CO₂为溶媒的超临界流体萃取试验，通过7因素2水平正交试验并对其结果进行单指标直观分析发现：浸泡时间短的仁用杏出油率较高；粒度越小，出油率越高；以1∶1搀和二氧化硅粉与仁用杏的出油率较1.5∶1的为高；20 MPa压力的出油率较8 MPa的略高等，在此基础上筛选出了最适工艺路线。对上述结果进行了6因素无交互作用方差分析，结果表明仅有浸泡时间对出油率的影响是显著的，浸泡的时间越短出油率越高，其余条件对出油率的影响并不显著，按其影响程度从大到小依次为粒度、二氧化硅与杏仁比例、压力、杏仁种类、流速，这与直观分析极差所示结果一致。最后液相色谱法测定显示萃取出的仁用杏油中90%以上的脂肪酸为不饱和脂肪酸。     

Fruit quality of Redhaven and Royal Glory peach cultivars on seven different rootstocks

Two peach cultivars, Redhaven and Royal Glory, grafted on seven different rootstocks (Adesoto, Barrier 1, GF 677, Ishtara, Monegro, Penta, and peach seedling) were analyzed for tree vigor and yield. Fruit of similar ripeness (fruit firmness) was analyzed in terms of pomological (fruit weight, soluble solids content) and biochemical parameters (individual sugars, organic acids, phenolic acids in the flesh and peel, as well as flavonols and anthocyanins in the peel). A uniform effect of rootstock on tree size was evident in the cases of both cultivars. The Ishtara rootstock induced weak tree growth; Adesoto, Penta and peach seedling semivigorous growth; and Barrier 1, GF 677, and Monegro vigorous tree growth. We recorded higher yields in the Redhaven cultivar, while no significant differences in yield in the fourth growing season were found among the rootstocks for each cultivar. Rootstock had no effect on soluble solids in the Redhaven cultivar, while in the Royal Glory it did. Penta yielded the highest soluble solids content levels, while Adesoto and Monegro were associated with low levels. In the fruit from both cultivars, the rootstock had a significant influence on individual sugars, organic acids, and phenolic acids in the pulp. We also found that phenolic acids in the pulp and skin were more affected by the rootstock than other secondary metabolites analyzed, regardless of the cultivar.     

Phenotypic diversity within native Iranian almond (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Prunus</Emphasis> spp.) species and their breeding potential

A total of 137 accessions from 18 wild almond species were collected from Iran and leaf and fruit traits were characterized. Also evaluated were flowering and ripening date, self-incompatibility and kernel bitterness. An extensive phenotypic diversity was found both among and within species. Differences in average leaf dimensions among and within species were associated with average rainfall but not altitude of collection site. Adjacent accessions located in drier areas had smaller leaf dimensions than those located in semi-humid or humid regions. No relation was found between average fruit dimensions and collection site conditions. Principal component analysis revealed that the nut weight and width, and the kernel weight had highest loading in the first component accounting for 45.8% of total variation. In contrast, leaf traits in the second component accounted for 22.3% of total variation. No significant correlations were detected between leaf dimensions and fruit traits in all species evaluated. Results document a rich source of new germplasm for almond improvement programs. Small fruit size, pollen-pistil self-incompatibility, and bitter kernel flavour are the most common obstacles to the utilization of this wild germplasm in breeding.     

Effects of Fe deficiency chlorosis on yield and fruit quality in peach (Prunus persica L. Batsch)

The effects of iron (Fe) deficiency on fruit yield and quality were measured in two peach cultivars, Carson (yellow-skin fruit) and Babygold (red-skin fruit). In both cultivars, Fe deficiency caused major decreases in fruit fresh weight per tree and number of fruits per tree. Fruits from Fe-deficient peach trees had a smaller size, resulting in a large decrease in the percentage of commercially acceptable fruits, whereas fruit firmness was unaffected. In cv. Babygold, Fe deficiency greatly decreased the red color of the fruit skin. Part of these results was likely associated with a delay in fruit ripening. When fruits with similar appearance were compared, taking into account fruit size, color, and firmness, Fe deficiency generally led to higher concentrations of organic anions (especially succinate and quinate), vitamin C, and phenolic compounds and to lower total sugar/total organic acid ratios. This could lead to decreased fruit eating quality and to a slight improvement in fruit nutritional value.     

新疆地方品种梨果实品质性状综合评价

为了优良品种的筛选、选育及推广应用提供科学理论依据,建立8个新疆地方品种梨的果实品质综合评价体系。以‘鄯善红梨’‘鄯善句句梨’‘鄯善黄麻梨’‘晚熟塔西梨’‘鄯善早熟句句梨’‘诺尕依梨’‘雅格丽克梨’和‘库车句句梨’为试材,测定其14项果实内外品质指标,对14项指标进行相关性分析和因子分析,建立基于因子分析的综合品质评价模型,并根据综合品质得分进行优良度排序。结果表明:8个新疆地方品种梨14项果实品质性状变异系数有所不同,其中色差值a~*(红绿差异)的变异系数较大,其变异系数为225.40%,单果质量、果实纵径、果心质量、色差值L~*、果实硬度、总酸含量和糖酸比的变异系数均中等,在20.0%～45.0%范围之内,其余果实品质指标的变异系数均相对较小(小于20.0%),且各果实品质指标间均存在不同程度的相关性。经因子分析提取出特征根值均大于1的4个公因子,其累计方差贡献率达88.90%,其中第1公因子的贡献率为31.15%,主要由果实纵径、单果质量、果心质量、果实横径和果形指数5个因子决定,主要反映了果实大小、果心大小和果实形状。第2公因子的贡献率为23.31%,由糖酸比、果实硬度、含糖量和总酸含量4个因子决定,主要反映了果实酸甜口感品质和耐运强度的高低。第3公因子的贡献率为18.29%,由色差值L~*、色差值a~*和色差值b~*3个因子决定,主要反映了果实表面颜色色差程度。第4公因子的贡献率为16.15%,由可食率和果柄长度2个因子决定,主要反映了果实可食部分大小和果实抗风能力强度的高低。经综合品质评价模型得出,新疆梨8个地方品种果实综合品质得分的优良度排序依次为‘诺尕依梨’‘雅格丽克梨’‘库车句句梨’‘鄯善黄麻梨’‘鄯善句句梨’‘鄯善红梨’‘鄯善早熟句句梨’‘晚熟塔西梨’,研究结果为新疆地方梨品种的合理应用及科学推广提供参考。     

“JONAGOLD” APPLE FRUIT QUALITY AS INFLUENCED BY FALL SPRAYS WITH CALCIUM CHLORIDE AT HIGH RATES

The aim of the experiment was to examine the effects of fall sprays with calcium (Ca) as calcium chloride at high rates on ‘Jonagold’ apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) fruit quality. Trees were sprayed with Ca both in summer (9, 7, 5, and 3 weeks before fruit harvest) at a rate of 3 kg Ca ha^?1and in fall (one week before fruit harvest) at rates of 8, 16, or 24 kg Ca ha^?1. Fall Ca sprays resulted in leaf injuries and defoliation; however they had no effect on cold hardiness of one-year-old shoots. Fruit yield, weight, maturity at harvest, surface condition, and color were not influenced by Ca sprays during three consecutive years. Fruit Ca concentration corresponded with amount of Ca applied. In two of three years, summer Ca sprays decreased sensitivity of apples to bitter pit. Fruit sprayed with Ca both in summer and in fall had higher firmness and titratable acidity after storage and were more resistant to bitter pit and internal breakdown than controls and fruit sprayed only with Ca in summer. Apples sprayed with Ca in summer and in fall at the highest rate were the least sensitive to bitter pit and internal breakdown and were more resistant to decay than control fruit.     

Nitrogen and Potassium Fertilization Affect Apple Fruit Quality in Southern Brazil

Abstract

Nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) are usually found in higher concentrations than other macronutrients in apple (Malus x domestica Borkh) fruits and are most frequently associated with changes in fruit quality. The aim of this article was to evaluate the effects of N and K fertilization on some fruit quality attributes of Fuji apple. The experiment was conducted at São Joaquim, State of Santa Catarina, Brazil, during 2004 and 2005. A factorial design was used with N and K annual fertilizer rates (0, 50, 100, and 200 kg ha^?1 of N and K₂O) replicated in three orchards. Fifteen days prior to harvest, three fruit samples were collected from each treatment and site. One sample was used for total soluble solid content (TSS), titratable acidity, pulp firmness, and fruit color parameter analyses, and the other samples were refrigerated in a conventional atmosphere for 3 and 6 months for subsequent determination of fruit quality. Nitrogen fertilization negatively affected fruit color, flesh firmness, and TSS content. These same variables were positively affected by K fertilization, except for flesh firmness.     

Postharvest polyamine application alleviates chilling injury and affects apricot storage ability

Fruit of two apricot cultivars 'Bagheri' and 'Asgarabadi' were treated with putrescine (Put) or spermidine (Spd) at 1 mM and then were stored at 1 °C for 21 days. Fruit were sampled weekly and stored 2 days at 20 °C for shelf-life study. The treatments reduced ethylene production and maintained the firmness and color of the fruit. Peroxidase (POX), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activities and total phenol (TP) concentrations were measured during storage. Both cultivars showed chilling injury (CI) incidence, and the severity in control fruit was higher than either Put or Spd treatments. CI incidence in Spd-treated fruit was lower than that of Put-treated fruit. Polyamine (PA) treatment generally increased antioxidant enzyme activity of fruit during storage. PA treatments may help maintain the quality of apricot fruit during storage by inhibiting ripening and decreasing CI incidence.