Average Fruit Research Articles

Influence of harvest date on fruit yield and return bloom in ‘Marsh’ grapefruit trees (Citrus paradisi Macf.) grown under a tropical climate

SummaryGrapefruit grown in tropical climates reach a suitable fruit size and juice content for fresh consumption during August – October in the northern hemisphere. However, some tropical plantations delay harvesting until November or December, with the fruit then being used for processing. In our experiments, delaying the harvest from October to December reduced the average mature fruit weight by 10% and increased abscission from 29 to 70 fruit per tree. Juice contents decreased slightly, from 44.5% (w/w) to 43.2% (w/w), while total soluble solids (TSS) contents barely changed, from 10.4 ºBrix to 10.2 ºBrix. Delaying the harvest date also reduced return flowering by 20% in the following Spring, and the number of fruit set by 20%. Mature fruit abscission and reduced flowering were not dependent on weather conditions. The former was spontaneous and due to senescence, while the latter was due to fruit remaining on the tree. Over a 4-year period, our results showed an average reduction of 30% in fruit yield per tree when harvest dates were delayed from October (153 kg tree–1) to December (105 kg tree–1). As juice content and TSS content values were suitable for processing in October, there was no reason to delay the harvest date.

Prenatal exposure to cooking gas and respiratory health in infants is modified by tobacco smoke exposure and diet in the INMA birth cohort study

BackgroundStudies that have evaluated the association between exposure to gas appliances emissions at home with respiratory health in children obtained heterogeneous and limited results. The aim of this study is to analyze the association between the use of gas cooking at home during pregnancy and respiratory problems in children during their first year of life.MethodsIn the years 2003 through 2008 pregnant women were enrolled in 4 Spanish areas and visited in different age-points following a common protocol. Outcomes studied (from a questionnaire) were any episode of lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI), wheezing, persistent cough, chestiness and otitis. The association between exposure to gas cooking at home and respiratory outcomes was assessed using logistic regression and adjusting by confounding variables. Some potential effect modifiers (i.e. smoking, fruit and vegetables consumption) were examined.ResultsAmong the 2003 children included in the study, a total of 731 (36.6%) had a LRTI episode, 693 (34.6%) experienced wheezing, 302 (15.5%) a persistent cough, 939 (47.4%) chestiness and 620 (31.2%) had an episode of otitis during their first year of life. Gas cookers were present in 45.5% of homes. Exposure to gas cooking in homes was not associated with respiratory outcomes Odds Ratios (OR) were close to 1 and not statistically significant. However, a positive association was found for otitis among infants whose mothers reported low intakes of fruit and vegetables during pregnancy [OR (95% CI) = 1.38 (1.01-1.9)] and also wheezing and chestiness were associated with gas cookers among those children whose mothers smoked during pregnancy.ConclusionsIn susceptible subjects (those whose mothers smoke and consumed below average fruit and vegetables) we found an association between exposure to gas cooking during pregnancy and risk of wheezing, chestiness and otitis during the first year of life. But more research is needed regarding not only gas cooking and respiratory health but also the possible effect modifier role of diet and tobacco.

OP12 The Health Behaviours of Mothers in England: A Latent Class Analysis

BackgroundPromoting healthier lifestyles is at the heart of England’s public health strategy. The dominant focus has been on single health behaviours; however, most adults engage in multiple risk behaviours. Very...

Produção e qualidade físico-química de frutos de laranjeiras 'Valência' em diferentes intensidades e frequências de poda

A poda de frutificação em citricultura pode ser aplicada com o objetivo de controlar o crescimento vegetativo e promover a formação de novos ramos frutíferos. Neste sentido, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar diferentes regimes de poda manual em pomares jovens de Laranjeiras 'Valência', cultivadas em manejo convencional. Utilizou-se um pomar com espaçamento de 5,0 x 2,5 m, implantado em 2001 no município de Montenegro-RS, Brasil. Os tratamentos, com início em 2004, foram: A - Testemunha (sem poda); B - Poda anual de 15%; C - Poda bienal de 15%; D - Poda bienal de 30%; e E - Poda trienal de 30% do volume da copa. O delineamento experimental foi de blocos ao acaso, sendo quatro repetições e quatro plantas por parcela. Foram avaliados o número de frutos, massa total e massa média de frutos nas safras de 2006, 2007 e 2008. Foram avaliados aspectos relativos à qualidade dos frutos, como teor de sólidos solúveis totais (SST), acidez total titulável (ATT) e relação SST/AT. As podas de frutificação não alteraram significativamente a produção total de três safras, nem a qualidade físico-química dos frutos, em pomares de laranjeiras 'Valência' com menos de sete anos de idade, em sistema de manejo convencional.

Abstract P395: Color of Fruits, Vegetables and Blood Pressure: The INTERMAP Study

Background: The color of the edible portion of fruits and vegetables, reflecting the presence of pigmented phytochemicals, may be used as an indicator of their nutrient profile. Previous cohort and intervention studies have documented beneficial associations of fruits and vegetables with blood pressure (BP). However, whether the color of fruits and vegetables is associated with BP is unknown. Methods: We used cross-sectional data from the International Study of Macro-/Micronutrients and Blood Pressure (INTERMAP) on 4,680 men and women ages 40-59 years from Japan, China, United Kingdom, and United States. During four visits, eight BP measurements and four 24-hr dietary recalls were completed. Fruits and vegetables were categorized in 4 color groups: green, orange/yellow, red/purple, and white. BP regression coefficients per 2SD higher intake were estimated using multivariable linear regression models. To estimate overall associations, country-specific regression coefficients were pooled, weighted by inverse of their variance. Adjustments were for age, gender, sample, intake of total energy and alcohol, 24-hr urinary sodium excretion, smoking, education, dietary supplement use, adherence to any special diet, history of cardiovascular diseases or diabetes, family history of hypertension, use of medication (antihypertensive, cardiovascular or for diabetes), body mass index, and intake of low-fat dairy, fibre-rich grain products, red and processed meats, fish and shellfish, and mutually for other fruit and vegetable color groups. Results: Average daily fruit plus vegetable intakes (g/1000 kcal) was 183 in the total population, varying from 129 in the United Kingdom to 222 in China. White fruits and vegetables contributed 32% of total fruit and vegetable intake, orange/yellow 27%, green 26%, and red/purple 15%. Fruit and vegetable color groups were weakly related to each other, partial r values ranged from 0.08 for green with red/purple to 0.15 for white with orange/yellow. Fruit and vegetable color groups were highly correlated with dietary and urinary potassium; highest correlation coefficients were for white fruits and vegetables (r=0.46 for dietary and r=0.26 for urinary potassium). Green fruits and vegetables were also highly related to beta-carotene (r=0.40) and dietary fiber (r=0.40), orange fruits and vegetables to vitamin C (r=0.59), and white fruits and vegetables to dietary fibre (r=0.49). Green fruit and vegetable intake higher by 90 g/1000 kcal was associated with a systolic BP difference of -1.19 mm Hg (P<0.05). Green fruits and vegetables comprised mainly green vegetables including: cabbages (52%), lettuces (21%), dark leafy (10%), and a heterogeneous group (17%). Other fruit and vegetable color groups and total fruits plus vegetables were not associated with BP. Conclusion: Higher intake of green fruits and vegetables may contribute to lower systolic BP.

Reestablishment Potential of Beach Vitex (Vitex rotundifolia) after Removal and Control Efforts

AbstractBeach vitex is an invasive plant of coastal areas of the southeastern United States from Maryland to Georgia. Many resources have been dedicated to the control of established beach vitex stands. Successful eradication will require knowledge of this plant's ability to reestablish from seed after control efforts. To understand seed-based regenerative potential, studies were conducted to characterize the fruits and seeds, document the existence and size of seed banks, determine stratification requirements for germination, and ascertain seed dormancy mechanisms. Studies of fruit lots from three consecutive years (2003 to 2005) found that the average fruit contained 1.39 seeds, and more than 76% of fruits contained at least one viable seed. A positive correlation existed between seed number and both fruit mass and fruit diameter. A substantial soil seed bank was discovered that contained viable seeds 4 yr after vegetation removal. Stratification was required for seed germination. All stratification treatments induced germination, with highest rates realized when stratification was performed at 10 C for 8 or 12 wk. Germination rates were modestly increased (from 0 to 17%) through mild scarification in the absence of stratification. Results indicate that beach vitex has physical (fruit coat) and physiological (seed) dormancy mechanisms that are capable of delaying germination for multiple seasons, allowing development of a soil seed bank. Beach vitex can reestablish from seed after vegetation removal.

The effect of day and night temperatures on apple skin colour formation

The colour of fruits is considered to be an important quality indicator. Saleability greatly depends on how well covered the colour is of the specific type of fruits. It is a well-known phenomenon by growers that apples get nicer colours in one year while in other years the basically red and green colour cultivars can be differentiated only by morphological characteristic features. Cover colour is one of the phenometric variables and it is a well-known fact that significant differences can be experienced year by year. The experienced oscillation can be the cause of inappropriate water- and nutriment supply, however it can be the result of some kind of plant disease, extremely high or low temperature, setting rate above the average and outstanding fruit density. In the present examination it is postulated that the degree of cover colour is mostly influenced by day and night temperature. Therefore, our study aims to find out whether it is true or not. Cover colour belongs to those phenometric characteristic features, only the final value of which is taken into consideration; due to their nature of establishment or forming time it seems useless to follow closely the change in the time of vegetation. However, determining the start of colouring and knowing the dynamics of full colouring could carry very important information for growers. If it is possible to determine the curve describing the time change of colouring, we have a possibility to estimate it by means of enviroment variables. So it is also possible to model pigmentation in the future. Knowing this, colouring irrigation could be made more efficient in the future. For this, as a first step, it is inevitable to find out what the relationship is between the main meteorogical variables, namely day and night temperature and the difference between day and night temperature, and colour cover. In this study we summarize and show these interrelations.

Intake of Fruits, Vegetables, and Soy Foods in Relation to Breast Cancer Risk in Korean Women: A Case-Control Study

We conducted a case-control study to examine the relationship between fruit, vegetable, and soy food intake and breast cancer risk in Korean women. Incident cases (n = 359) were identified through cancer biopsies between March 1999 and August 2003 at two university hospitals in Seoul, Korea. Hospital-based controls (n = 708) were selected from patients in the same hospitals during the same period. Subjects were asked by personal interview to indicate their average fruit, vegetable, and soy food intake for a 12-mo period 3 yr prior to the baseline phase. A food intake–frequency questionnaire (98 items) was given by a trained dietitian. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by unconditional logistic regression after adjustment for confounding factors and total energy intake. There was no association between the intake of total fruits, vegetables, or soy food and breast cancer risk. Increasing consumption of grapes was linked to a significant protective effect against risk of breast cancer (OR = 0.66; 95% CI = 0.41–0.86; P < 0.01). Among the vegetables, reduced risk was observed with high tomato intake (OR = 0.62; 95% CI = 0.38–0.81; P < 0.01). Among soy foods, high consumption of cooked soybeans, including yellow and black soybeans, had an association with reduced breast cancer (OR = 0.67; 95% CI = 0.45–0.91; P < 0.02). Our data suggest that increased intake of some fruits, vegetables, and soy foods may be associated with breast cancer risk reduction in Korean women.

A Diet High in Fruits and Low in Meats Reduces the Risk of Colorectal Adenomas

Purpose: Recent evidence suggests dietary patterns, rather than specific food items, may be a better predictor of colorectal adenomas or cancers than specific dietary components, such as fiber. The purpose of this study was to assess whether dietary patterns are associated with an increased risk of colorectal adenomas and whether adjusting for total energy consumption prior to creating clusters affects this relationship. Methods: Data from a case-control study of 725 individuals undergoing a colonoscopy were utilized. Cases (N = 203) were those with at least one adenoma on colonoscopy and controls (N = 502) were those who did not have any adenomas. Dietary data were collected by telephone interview utilizing the National Cancer Institute's Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and nutrient estimates were calculated for 18 different food groups. To standardize comparisons, all food groups were transformed into z-scores. Participants were first clustered without energy adjustment, then clustered again based on their consumption of these same food groups per 1000 kcal consumed. Results: There was no significant relationship between dietary clusters and colorectal adenomas without energy adjustment. In fact, clusters formed as a byproduct of total energy consumption. After adjusting for total energy consumption, three distinct clusters emerged: 1) Fruit Cluster (high whole grain and fruit consumption and low vegetable and meat consumption), 2) Vegetable Cluster (high vegetable and average fruit and meat consumption), and 3) Meat Cluster (low fruit and vegetable and high meat consumption). After adjusting for age, gender, body mass index, smoking, alcohol consumption, and use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, the Vegetable Cluster (OR 2.17: 95% CI 1.20–3.90) and Meat Cluster (OR 1.70: 95% CI: 1.04–2.80) were at significantly increased odds of having had an adenoma compared to the Fruit Cluster. Using the energy-adjusted models, the adjusted percentages of having an adenoma were 19% for the Fruit Cluster, 33% for the Vegetable Cluster, and 28% for the Meat Cluster. Conclusions: A dietary pattern of high fruit and low meat consumption appears to be protective against having a colorectal adenoma compared to a dietary pattern of increased vegetable or meat consumption.

Influence of the DASH diet and other low-fat, high-carbohydrate diets on blood pressure

The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) and DASH-sodium trials were controlled feeding dietary trials that lowered blood pressure in the absence of weight loss. The beneficial aspect of DASH appears to be the low saturated fat content (< 7%). Sodium restriction added additional blood pressure lowering to the low saturated fat DASH diet. Sodium restriction was more effective with increasing age and more effective than increasing fruit and vegetable content. When achievement of sodium restriction, exercise, and weight loss goals were reached in the outpatient setting with subjects making their own food choices (as in the PREMIER study), adding the DASH diet with an average fruit and vegetable intake of 7.8 servings daily had no additional benefit in those younger than 50 years of age or in ethnic/gender subgroups, but did have a benefit for the total group older than age 50 years. Because many hypertensive subjects are overweight, hypocaloric versions of DASH geared toward weight loss are appropriate. Mechanisms for dietary beneficial effects are related to inflammation and insulin sensitivity.

Quantification of acetogenins in Annona muricata linked to atypical parkinsonism in guadeloupe

Atypical parkinsonism in Guadeloupe has been associated with the consumption of fruit and infusions or decoctions prepared from leaves of Annona muricata L. (Annonaceae), which contains annonaceous acetogenins, lipophilic inhibitors of complex I of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. We have determined the concentrations of annonacin, the major acetogenin in A. muricata, in extracts of fruit and leaves by matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionization mass spectrometry. An average fruit is estimated to contain about 15 mg of annonacin, a can of commercial nectar 36 mg, and a cup of infusion or decoction 140 microg. As an indication of its potential toxicity, an adult who consumes one fruit or can of nectar a day is estimated to ingest over 1 year the amount of annonacin that induced brain lesions in rats receiving purified annonacin by intravenous infusion.

Intraspecific hybridization in “Egusi” melon, &lt;I&gt;Colocynthis citrullus&lt;/I&gt; L.

Intraspecific hybridization in Melon, Colocynthis citrullus L. was carried out in the botanical garden of university of Calabar using three varieties namely “sewere” (S) “barablackedge” (BB) and “barawhite edge” (BW). They were crossed in all possible combinations including their reciprocals. Average percentage fruit set of 18.1 was recorded. Colour of young fruits and colour of mature fruits were each found to be controlled by a single gene pair (monogenic inheritance). Chi-square analysis of the data on inheritance showed a good fit between observed and expected ratios in all the populations. Analysis of variance for some growth characters studied showed that most of the hybrids obtained did not differ significantly from their parents (P >0.05) in leaf length, number of leaves per branch, stem width, vine length at maturity and height at branching. However, hybrid BW X BB was found to have produced significantly (P KEY WORDS: Colocynthis citrullus , Intraspecific Hybridization, Heterosis, Fruit colour inheritance Global Jnl Pure and Applied Sciences Vol.10(4) 2004: 519-523

Lessons Learned from the “Spend Less. Eat Well. Feel Better.” Program Efficacy Trial

"Spend Less. Eat Well. Feel Better." (SLEWFB) is a 3-hour intervention designed to improve food resource management ability, health, and food security status. This program efficacy trial targeted clients seeking financial aid to prevent homelessness. A randomized controlled design using a 1-hour food safety intervention as a control group was used. Four variables were targeted over a 30-day time period: (1) food security status, (2) basic financial management, (3) average fruit and vegetable intake, and (4) goal accomplishment. Repeated-measures analysis of variance and chi-square analysis were used. Compared with control group participants (n = 47), SLEWFB graduates (n = 48) were less likely to have to choose between food and rent expenses (chi2 = 16.5, P =.00005) and improved their fruit and vegetable intake (F of time = 8.03, P <.006) regardless of financial assistance received. The findings imply that further investigation of coupling financial aid with effective life skills education is warranted.

FRUIT GROWING IN ROMANIA IN THE 20TH CENTURY

In Romania, fruit growing has an old and rich tradition. During the 20th century, the Romanian fruit growing witnessed dramatic changes. The acreage grown with fruit trees was 340,100 ha in 1927, 184,200 ha in 1950, 428,400 ha in 1970 and 239,900 ha in 1999. Total fruit yield varied during this period of time between 401,100 tons in 1950 and 2,183,000 tons in 1993. In spite of the fact that in 1993 was produced the highest total fruit yield, the average fruit consumption/capita was only of 35.7 kg which is significantly lower than that considered optimal for adult people in temperate zones (62 kg/capita). The main reason of this situation is the poor varietal structure of fruits in which plum trees represented more than 40% of all the fruit trees grown. Another reason would be the low yields/ha registered in all species and cultivars of fruit trees grown in Romania in the last 30-40 years. With a very serious shrink of acreages grown with fruit trees in 1999, the average consumption/capita is expected to become totally unfavorable. There are not many solutions to this problems and one of them certainly means the significant increase of average yields in all fruit species grown in Romania, at least to the level of those achieved in industrial orchards of Western Europe.

A Survey of Fruit Firmness in Highbush Blueberry and Species-introgressed Blueberry Cultivars

Eighty-seven highbush blueberry and species-introgressed blueberry cultivars were evaluated for fruit firmness in the 1998-2000 growing seasons with a FirmTech 1 automated firmness tester. Significant differences were observed among cultivars. An average firmness of 136.1 g·mm-1 of deflection (g·mm-1 dfl) was observed across all studied cultivars, and a range of 80.4 g·mm-1 dfl (`Herbert') to 189.0 g·mm-1 dfl (`Pearl River'). Species ancestry was not consistently related to firmness; however, cultivars with higher firmness values often possessed a higher percentage of Vaccinium darrowi Camp and V. ashei Reade ancestry. Conversely, cultivars with softer than average fruit often possessed a higher percentage of lowbush (V. angustifolium Ait.) ancestry. This information may help to identify sources of breeding material for increased firmness in highbush blueberry hybrids.

Rendimiento y calidad de fruta en cultivares de papaya en dos localidades en Puerto Rico.

Cinco híbridos y un cultivar de polinización abierta de papaya se evaluaron en dos localidades en un suelo Oxisol (Isabela) y Ultisol (Corozal) bajo manejo intensivo. En Isabela, el híbrido Tainung 3 produjo el mayor número de frutas comerciales, mientras que en Corozal los tres híbridos Tainung no mostraron diferencias significativas para esta variable. En ambas localidades los híbridos Red Lady, Known You 1, Tainung 1 y Tainung 2 no mostraron diferencias significativas en el peso de frutas comerciales. El peso medio de frutas comerciales en estos híbridos fue 134,585 kg/ha en Isabela y 75,256 kg/ha en Corozal. El cultivar PR 6-65 produjo frutas significativamente más grandes en ambas localidades, mientras que el híbrido Tainung 3 produjo las frutas de menor tamaño. En ambas localidades los valores debrix fueron significativamente más altos en frutas del híbrido Tainung 3 y más bajos en las frutas de PR 6-65.

Monitoring Behavioral Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease in Russia

0008 The purpose of the project was to provide assistance to Russia in establishing a national surveillance system for monitoring CVD risk factors. The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, which was developed in the US and is used by all State Health Departments, served as a template for the Russian system. Personal interviews, mail-based and telephone-based surveys were reviewed and considered. Questions were taken from previous Russian, European, and US surveys to collect information on smoking, alcohol use, fruit and vegetable consumption, physical activity, blood pressure, self-reported CVD symptoms and previously diagnosed diseases. This was the first Russian phone-based health survey and was piloted in Moscow where a random sample of 6065 was selected from the 2,560,633 private phone listings. Initial analysis found that in general, prevalence of CVD risk factors was higher than in similar American surveys. The current smoking rate reached 52%, 30% had a BMI below 24 kg/m 2 , 60% reported average daily fruit consumption of less then 1/4 of a pound (200 g) per person in the summer, elevated, untreated blood pressure (more then 140/90 mm Hg) was reported by 25 % while another 10 % received medication for hypertension, 18% of men and 4% of women reported heavy drinking. Though duration of walking was rather high compared with the US (about 90 min per day), only 5 % engaged in other moderate physical activity on a regular basis; 20% of respondents said that they experienced CVD symptoms or were diagnosed with CVD. In general, CVD risk factors were more prevalent among men. Next year 11 additional sites will conduct the survey. These data help fill the gap in public health knowledge related to prevalence of CVD risk factors in Russia and demonstrate the value of establishing a monitoring system. They also indicate that immediate preventive measures are needed to improve the health status of the population.

Fruit and Vegetable Servings among Fourth- and Fifth-Graders. † 524

Consumption of five or more daily servings of fruits and vegetables is one of the nation's Year 2000 health objectives and the focus of a national program, 5 A Day for Better Health. The purpose of this study was to determine consumption patterns of fruit and vegetable servings among fourth- and fifth-graders; of particular interest was day of the week. Daily fruit and vegetable servings were obtained from food records completed for two one-week periods by 301 students recruited from all fourth- and fifth-grade classes(eight of each) from two elementary schools drawing from families of predominantly lower to middle socioeconomic status in Augusta, GA. The sample was farily evenly split by gender, grade, and ethnicity (white, black). Outcome variables were number of daily fruit and vegetable servings and percent of time five or more fruit and vegetable servings were consumed by day of week; each was analyzed using a mixed model analysis of variance. There was a significant (p<0.0001) difference among days for both variables; average fruit and vegetable servings were higher on Mondays (3.1), Tuesdays (3.1) and Wednesdays (3.4), somewhat lower on Thursdays (2.6), and considerably lower on Fridays (2.0), Saturdays (1.6), and Sundays (1.8). Five or more fruit and vegetable servings were consumed on Mondays through Wednesdays less than 22% of the time, on Thursdays less than 14% of the time, and on Fridays through Sundays less than 8% of the time. Based on these results, pediatricians will want to encourage their patients to consume more fruits and vegetables every day of the week and especially on the weekends to obtain the nutrients provided by fruits and vegetables. Research funded by the International Apple Institute.

Impact of irrigation management of greenhouse tomato: Yield, nutrition, and salinity of peat substrate

Irrigation dynamics and the response of greenhouse tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. 'Caruso') to different irrigation management treatments (nutrient solution EC and irrigation matric potential setpoints) were examined in plants grown in peat-based substrate during either the spring or fall of 1989. Two nutrient solutions with differing electrical conductivity (EC of 1.5 and 3.0 dS m−1) were automatically applied to plants until saturation at one of two substrate matric potential (SMP) setpoints (−6.5 or −4.5 kPa). Yield measurements indicated no significant effects due to different SMP setpoints but spring total yield and average marketable fruit weight were higher for low-EC solution treatments. Blossom-end rot was slightly higher in the fall under the highest EC treatment. Foliar mineral concentration analysis of spring-grown plants indicated increases in nitrogen, potassium, zinc, and manganese, and a decrease in calcium in plants receiving high-EC solution. The EC of peat substrates was also found to be higher than applied solutions indicating an overall accumulation of salts within the peat under different irrigation regimes, even with periodic overwatering. This study indicates that increasing nutrient solution EC from 1.5 to 3.0 dS m−1 can negatively affect the production and nutritional status of tomato plants more than changing irrigation setpoints from −4.5 to −6.5 kPa. Key words: Electrical conductivity, fruit quality, peat, tensiometers, matric potential

Effect of pre-harvest application of calcium on flesh firmness and cell-wall composition of apples—influence of fruit size

SummaryApples, cv. Golden Delicious were subjected to ten preharvest sprays of 1.2% CaCl2 at weekly intervals. At the beginning of the climacteric stage, the fruits were harvested and sorted to small (4–5 cm dia.) and average (6–7.5 cm dia.) sizes, and stored at ambient conditions (25°C). The firmness of small fruits was higher than average ones. Application of CaCl2 resulted in higher flesh firmness at the time of harvest in average fruits but showed no significant changes in small ones. However, after three weeks of storage, both average and small fruits were showing better retention of firmness by CaCl2 treatment. Thus, preharvest treatment of CaCl2 may not necessarily always lead to firmer fruits at the time of harvest but may result in better retention of firmness during storage. The results are discussed in relation to cell-wall yield, β-D-galactosidase activity, total, free, ionically associated and covalently bound pectins, and hemicellulose contents. The differences in behaviour of average and sm...