Chemical Analysis and Taste Panel Evaluation of the Fruit Quality of Valencia Late Oranges on Two Rootstocks

Samples of fruit from Valencia orange trees, grafted on either Volkameriana or sour orange rootstocks were examined after standard commercial shipment and handling. Tests demonstrated differences in physical properties and chemical composition due to the rootstocks, and in acceptability as judged by a large taste panel. Fruit from trees grafted on Volkameriana was inferior in a number of respects, notably ease of peeling and flavour; juiciness and ascorbic acid content were also lower.