Fruit Chemical Properties Research Articles

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF SOME SEMI-DRY ARABIAN DATE PALM CULTIVARS GROWN IN MOUNOFIA GOVERNORATE

This study was carried out through 2014 and 2015 to study the performance of four Arabian semi-dry date cultivars produced through tissue culture namely: Zahdi, Sakai, Medjool, and Khalas” grown in El-Khatatba region, Mounofia governorate, Egypt in comparison with the commercial semi-dry Sewy (as a local cultivar). The study involved the flowed assessed parameters, dates of the first and last spathe emergence and bursting, fruit set and fruit retention %, date of harvest, number of bunches/palm and average yield per palm, as well as physical and chemical properties of fruits. Emergence and bursting of spathe of Medjool and Khalasoccurred early, followed by “Sewy and “Zahdi while Sakaicv. came last. Harvesting of all tested cultivars was done on the first week of October. Regarding the yield, highest yield was obtained fromMadjool palms in comparison with other tested cvs. followed by “Sewy and “Zahdi while it was the lowest with Sakai and Khalas. Also, Sewy andMadjool palms produced the highest number of bunches /palm while the lowest number of bunches /palm was recorded by Sakai. With regard to fruit set and fruit retention % Medjool attained the highest percentage of fruit set and fruit retention% while “Khalas was the lowest cultivar in this respect. Concerning physical properties, data proved the superiority of Medjoolfruits in weight, dimensions and flesh/fruit weight% meanwhileSakai fruits were the opposite. As for chemical properties, moisture content in fruits was the highest in “Sakai fruits and lowest in Khalas. Data proved the superiority of Sakai and Madjool in T.S.S% and total sugars content. Results showed also that most of these sugars were reducing sugars. Regarding tannins content, the differences between tested cultivars did not reach the level of significance. General evaluation revealed that Madjoolcv. proved to be the superior in yield and fruit quality among all the studied cvs., followed by Sewy cultivar which ranked the second in both total score units of yield and fruit quality, while Khalas and Sakaicvs.had the lowest score in general evaluation due to receiving the lowest score units specified for yield. However, fruit quality of these cvs.was lower than of the standard cultivar (Sewy). In addition, seemed to be of great yield but fruit quality was less than that of “Sewycv. Thus, one can conclude thatMedjool and Sewy” cvs. proved to be the superior cvs. in yield and fruit quality. However Zahdi seemed to be of great yield but fruit quality was lower than the standard Sewy. On the other hand,Sakai cv. showed lower palm yield but fruit quality was reasonable for consumer, but, it was generally lower than of Sewy cultivar.

Manipulating Sensory and Phytochemical Profiles of Greenhouse Tomatoes Using Environmentally Relevant Doses of Ultraviolet Radiation.

Fruits harvested from off-season, greenhouse-grown tomato plants have a poor reputation compared to their in-season, garden-grown counterparts. Presently, there is a gap in knowledge with regard to the role of UV-B radiation (280-315 nm) in determining greenhouse tomato quality. Knowing that UV-B is a powerful elicitor of secondary metabolism and not transmitted through greenhouse glass and some greenhouse plastics, we tested the hypothesis that supplemental UV-B radiation in the greenhouse will impart quality attributes typically associated with garden-grown tomatoes. Environmentally relevant doses of supplemental UV-B radiation did not strongly affect antioxidant compounds of fruits, although the flavonol quercetin-3-O-rutinoside (rutin) significantly increased in response to UV-B. Physicochemical metrics of fruit quality attributes and consumer sensory panels were used to determine if any such differences altered consumer perception of tomato quality. Supplemental UV-A radiation (315-400 nm) pre-harvest treatments enhanced sensory perception of aroma, acidity, and overall approval, suggesting a compelling opportunity to environmentally enhance the flavor of greenhouse-grown tomatoes. The expression of the genes COP1 and HY5 were indicative of adaptation to UV radiation, which explains the lack of marked effects reported in these studies. To our knowledge, these studies represent the first reported use of environmentally relevant doses of UV radiation throughout the reproductive portion of the tomato plant life cycle to positively enhance the sensory and chemical properties of fruits.

Studies of variability on Physio-Chemical properties of Aonla (Emblica officinalis Gaertn) fruit

The present investigation was conducted on different genotypes of aonla to assess the variability in physico- chemical properties of fruits. These plants were planted in the campus of Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, U.P. The experiment was arranged in randomized block design with 12 treatments and 4 replications. The observations recorded during experiment showed that genotype 6 and 7 were found most superior, in terms of physico-chemical properties of fruits. The maximum pulp content (88.25%), pulp: stone ratio (8.24) and ascorbic acid content (679.25 mg/ 100g) was recorded in genotype 7. Whereas, highest TSS (12.18%), lowest acidity (1.80%) and maximum sugar (3.50%, 2.50% and 6.0% reducing, non-reducing and total sugar respectively) was found in genotype 6.

Delayed post-harvest ripening-associated changes in Manilkara zapota L. var. Kalipatti with composite edible coating.

There has been limited research on extending the shelf-life of sapota (Manilkara zapota L. var. Kalipatti) fruit. An edible coating made up of methyl cellulose (MC) and palm oil (PO) was applied to study the extension in shelf-life. Changes in physical and chemical properties of fruit were studied along with peroxidase (POD), polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and pectin methylesterase (PME) activities during post-harvest ripening of sapota. The fruits coated with 15 g L-1 MC and 11.25 g L-1 PO showed significant (P < 0.05) delay in physiological weight loss, decrease in fruit firmness losses as well as slower fruit darkening. The coating on the fruits resulted in better retention of ascorbic acid, delayed the loss of total phenolic content, and delayed the increase in total soluble solids and total reducing sugars as compared to control fruits. The coating either delayed or reduced the enzyme activities of POD, PPO and PME of the fruit. The results suggest that edible coating made up of MC-PO has potential to maintain the quality of sapota fruit. The edible coating extended the shelf-life of sapota fruit by 3 days preserving fruit quality up to 7 days at 24 ± 1 °C and 65 ± 5 %RH. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

EFFECT OF POTASSIUM HUMATE APPLICATIONS ON FRUIT YIELD AND THEIR QUALITY OF Carica papaya PLANT GROWN UNDER ORGANIC CULTURE CONDITIONS

In order to study the effect of potassium humate on yield and some fruit properties of seedling papaya plant, an experiment was conducted at an organic private orchard located in El Mamoura at Alexandria Governorate, Egypt during 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 seasons .The experiment included four complete treatments (Soil application of 5 or 10 ml potassium humate every two months to each plant from first of March to end of August), (Soil application of 2.5 or 5 ml potassium humate every month to each plant from first of March to end of August), and control (without application of potassium humate). The yield per plant per period from September to next May (kg) and some fruit characteristics, such as fruit weight (g), length (cm), width (cm), flesh thickness (cm), total soluble solids ( % ), total sugar ( % ), total acidity (%) and content of β carotenes (mg / 100 g of fresh) were recorded Results indicated that Soil application of (10 ml potassium humate every two months) and Soil application of (5 ml potassium humate every month) of both seasons gave the highest yield (kg) and the differences were being significant among them and the three other treatments. Also Soil application of (10 ml potassium humate every two months) gave the highest fruit weight, length and width and significantly increased compared with the other investigated treatments in most cases, in addition the differences between flesh thickness values were not big enough to be significant between treatments in most cases. According to chemical fruit properties, the highest TSS values were obtained under Soil application of (10 ml potassium humate every two months) and significantly increased compared with the other treatments, also Soil application of (10 ml potassium humate every two months) gave the highest total sugar and significantly increased compared with the other treatments except the difference between Soil application of (10 ml potassium humate every two months) and Soil application of (5 ml potassium humate every month), was slightly not significant. A according to total carotenes, (control) gave the lowest values and significantly decreased compared with the other treatments Conclusively, the obtained results give basis to conclude that, soil applying seedling papaya plant with potassium humate had a positive effect on yield and fruit quality. The most beneficial treatment in this concern is applying with 10 ml potassium humate every two months started from beginning of March to end of August which gave a reasonable yield and high fruit weight and dimensions with high content of TSS and total sugar and could be considered as a recommended treatment under the conditions of this experiment.

Impact of Pre- and Post–Harvest Applications of Natural Antimicrobial Products on Apple and Pear Soft Rot Disease

Three natural antibacterial compounds including bacteriocin like substance (BLS) produced from lactic acid bacteria (LAB), ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP), and nine plant extracts were evaluated against soft rot Bacillus strains. Testing in vivo these compounds were evaluated to control pear and apple soft rot disease. Among eight BLS tested, BLS of LAB2, LAB105 and LAB 107 exhibited the highest antibacterial activity as indicated by the formation of clear inhibition zone. Propolis extracts exhibited significant antibacterial activity against all tested soft rot Bacillus strains and it was noticed that the antibacterial activity was concentration dependent. Among nine plant extracts tested, extracts of Eucalyptus globulus and Psidium guajava exhibited the highest antibacterial activity. All tested antibacterial products significantly decreased apple and pear soft rot severity caused by Bacillus altitudinis compared to untreated control. The highest reduction percentage of soft rot severity was recorded for EEP followed by BLS from LAB and plant extracts tested, respectively. Combined pre-and post-harvest treatments of apple and pear with antimicrobial compounds proved to be more effective in reducing the soft rot severity and improved the physical and chemical properties of fruits during storage in both years of the study. The natural antimicrobial agents used in this study were promising compounds, since it seems to be more safe, economical and great potential for extending the shelf life and improve the quality of fruits. Therefore, the application of these compounds in the control of apple and pear soft rot could be advantageous for consumers, producers, and the environment.

Prospects Of Using Walnut In Technologies Of Drinks

Abstract The results of studies in the field of beverage functionality using walnut are presented. The main components such as celery, Jerusalem artichokes, carrots, pumpkin and rhubarb, as a dietary supplement - extracts from walnut of milk-maturity stage are offered for creating blends. The basic physical and chemical properties of fruit and vegetable raw materials and semi-finished products created on the base of them have been studied, and their nutritional and biological value has been proved. Rational technologies of fruit and vegetable blends with nut additives have been identified. Their biological value has been confirmed. Drinks are recommended for use in the daily diet of human beings to satisfy thirst and enrich the body by biologically valuable components.

Effect of some Natural Substances on Fruit Quality of Washington Navel Orange under Cold Storage

Aims: To study the response of Washington navel orange fruits to some natural post harvest treatments under cold storage. Study Design: A randomized complete block design with three replicates was used. Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out during two successive seasons 2013 and 2014 in the post harvest laboratory of Agricultural Development System project in Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Egypt. Methodology: Harvested fruits were directly transferred to the laboratory. Experimental fruits were divided into six similar groups. Each group was subjected to one of the following treatments: Control tap water plus tween (80), Black cumin oil at 2%, Black cumin oil at 3%, Ginger oil at 2%, Ginger oil at 3% and Wax. Fruits were stored at 5°C and 85-90% relative humidity for 63 days. Changes in some physical and chemical fruit properties were determined at seven days intervals. Results: The results showed that, fruit weight loss (%), decay (%), total soluble solids (TSS) percentage and respiration rate (ml/kg/h) of Washington navel orange fruits were increased in most Original Research Article El-Sharony and Amin; JAERI, 2(1): 58-68, 2015; Article no.JAERI.2015.007 59 cases with advancing the storage period. Meanwhile, total acidity (%) and ascorbic acid (V.C) as (mg/100 ml juice) were decreased with prolonging the storage period. Furthermore, the lowest values of weight loss (%), decay (%), ascorbic acid, respiration rate and fruit shelf life (days) were scored by wax treatment, as well as, the best results of total soluble solids with the same bare with control especially in the first season. Meanwhile the lowest total acidity content was gained by the control. Conclusion: Treatment of Washington navel orange fruits with wax proved to be the most efficient treatment in enhances fruit quality and storability under cold storage.

Description and assessment of chemical properties of fruits of the chocolate vine (five-leaf Akebia) Akebia quinata (Houtt.) Decne and dead man's fingers Decaisnea insignis (Griff.) Hokk.f. &amp; Thomson, grown in Szczecin and in the Arboretum in Glinna (northwestern Poland)

Description and assessment of chemical properties of fruits of the chocolate vine (five-leaf Akebia) Akebia quinata (Houtt.) Decne and dead man's fingers Decaisnea insignis (Griff.) Hokk.f. &amp; Thomson, grown in Szczecin and in the Arboretum in Glinna (northwestern Poland)

Evaluation and Selection of Some Date Palm Seedlings (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Growing under Sohag Region Conditions.

L.) to select the highest yield and fruit quality of the unknown semi-dry seedlings trees growing under the conditions of Sohag region, Egypt, in comparison with the commercial cv. Seewy during two successive seasons (2011 and 2012). Data of yield per palm (kg) as well as physical and chemical properties of fruit were recorded. The results revealed that; Highest yield was obtained from R

MORPHOLOGICAL AND MOLECULAR EVALUATION OF SOME MANDARIN CULTIVARS

This work was carried out to evaluate ten new mandarin cultivars (Citrus reticulata Blanco) with respect to the local cultivar (Baladi mandarin). The investigation was executed during the two successive seasons of 2011 to 2013 at the Horticultural Research Station South El Tahrier, Beheira Governorate. The evaluation involved both the growth and productivity which included yield traits and fruit physical and chemical characteristics. The ten cultivars showed significant variations when compared with the local mandarin cultivar for leaf characteristics, tree canopy volume, and fruit weight and fruit chemical properties. DNA fingerprint was performed using RAPD technique for characterization the studied cultivars. RAPD analyses exhibited a total of 14 bands among them, 13 bands were polymorphic of about 92.85%. Those bands were used to distinguish among cultivars. Both morphological and molecular analyses showed a high degree of variation among the new cultivars, indicating that they have an important source of genetic diversity which would be used in future citrus in breeding programs.

The Effect of Aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG) Treatments on Mechanical Properties of Plum (cv. President)

In this study, the effects of aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG) treatments on the mechanical behaviour of plum fruits (cv. President) were determined. The mechanical behaviour of plum fruits was determined in terms of rupture force, deformation at rupture point, absorbed energy and hardness. AVG treatments were as 0, 100, and 200 mg/L, and three different harvest times including August 28, September 4, and September 11 were used. The highest rupture forces required when loading along the y-axis were found as the AVG doses increased through the three harvesting times categories; whereas, the lower force was required to rupture plum fruits with high 200 mg/L AVG values being tested for x-loading orientation. The deformation at rupture point values observed for plum fruits compressed along the y-axis were higher than those of the other orientations except for AVG dose of 100 mg/L for second harvesting time. Whereas, the absorbed energy and hardness of plum fruits tested along the y-axis in 0 mg/L and along the z-axis in 200 mg/L AVG treatments were higher than those of the other orientations, respectively. Practical Applications Plum has an important place in total fruit production of Turkey. Plum has a fast decay of within 1–8 weeks. Aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG) is an inhibitor of ethylene and it is a human and eco-friendly organic product, it was used in apples, pears, peaches, plums and nectarines. AVG delays ripening and harvest of fruits, increases fruit firmness and prolongs shelf life. Plant growth regulators improve and protect of fruit quality. Growth regulatory substances have been evaluated among factors causing changes of the physical, mechanical and chemical properties of fruits. The mechanical properties of agricultural materials are to be known for design and improvement of relevant machines and facilities for harvesting, storing, handling and processing. Processing of plum fruits as juice and marmalade consist of a mechanical treatment of the plum (rupture force, deformation at rupture point, absorbed energy and hardness etc.), they are must eventually be analyzed with knowledge of the mechanical behavior of the plum.

EFFECT OF FOLIAR SPRAY WITH GIBBERELLIC ACID AND AMCOTONE ON FRUIT SET, DROPPING, COMPONENT YIELD AND FRUIT QUALITY OF WASHINGTON NAVEL ORANGE TREES

The present study was carried out during 2007 and 2008 on 15 years old Washington navel orange trees (C. sinensis Osbeck) grafted on sour orange (C. aurantium L.) rootstocks. Trees were grown under north delta conditions. The results could be summarized in the following points: 1) The trees which sprayed with 100 g amcotone /100 L+ 20 ppm (GA3) gave the highest initial and final fruit set % and the lowest (June drop% and preharvest drop%) followed by the trees which sprayed with 50 g amcotone /100 L+ 20 ppm (GA3) which obtained the second order in this regard in both studied seasons. Also, there are no significant effects on number sprayed doses in this respect. 2) The trees which sprayed with 100 g amcotone /100 L+ 20 ppm (GA3) gave the highest {fruits number and yield (kg) /tree} followed by the trees which sprayed with 50 g amcotone /100 L+ 20 ppm (GA3) which possessed the second order in this regard in both seasons. Also, the trees which sprayed with three doses (mid-March, late April and the beginning of August) obtained the highest {fruits number and yield (kg) /tree}. 3) Fruit shape (H/D ratio) was the highest in trees which sprayed with100 g amcotone /100 L+ 20 ppm (GA3) followed by trees which sprayed with 100 g amcotone /100 L+ 15 ppm (GA3) with insignificant effect of three treatments. Whereas, non- significant effects of the number of doses . 4) Physical properties of fruits under this study as { fruit weight (g), fruit size (cm3) and fruit juice weight (g) } the highest values obtained in trees which sprayed with100 g amcotone /100 L+ 20 ppm (GA3) followed by 50 g amcotone /100 L+ 20 ppm (GA3).Moreover, trees which sprayed with three doses (mid-March, late April and the beginning of August) gave the highest values in this respect. 5) Regarding to the chemical properties of fruits which studied as ( T.S.S. %, total acidity % and Vitamin C mg/100 ml juice) the treatments which sprayed with100 g amcotone/100 L+ 20 ppm (GA3) gave the highest values followed by the trees which sprayed with 50 g amcotone /100 L+ 20 ppm (GA3) . Also, the trees which sprayed with three doses (mid-March, late April and the beginning of August) gave the highest values in this respect . 6) Trees which sprayed with Amcotone/100L+20 ppm GA3 treatment gave the highest values of T.S.S. /acid ratio with insignificant effect when compared with other treatments under this study. Moreover, trees which sprayed with three doses (mid-March, late April and the beginning of August) gave the highest T.S.S. / acid ratio. The recommendations: It could be recommended that spraying “Washington” navel orange trees with100 g amcotone /100 L+ 20 ppm (GA3) three times at (mid-March, late April and the beginning of August) gave the highest values of initial and final fruit set %, decrease of June and preharvest drop %, increase of yield as fruit number and weight (kg) /tree, improvement fruit physical and chemical properties as {fruit weight (g) and size (cm3) and fruit juice weight (g),TSS% , total acidity % ,Vitamin C. and TSS/Acid ratio }.

Long-term effects of sewage sludge application on sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.)

This study describes the long-term effects of different sewage sludge application rates on vegetative parameters, morphological characteristics, yield, and chemical properties of fruit and leaves of sour cherry (Prunus cerasusL.) cv. “Kütahya.” A three-year field experiment was set up in a completely randomized block design with six sewage sludge application rates (0.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0 and 12.5 kg of dry matter per tree) and three replications. One-year-old Kütahya sour cherry trees grafted onPrunus mahalebrootstock were evaluated. In all application rates, sewage sludge altered vegetative growth parameters, morphological characteristics, and yield. The most effective application rate was 7.5 kg per tree, it increased cumulative yield more than twofold. The results obtained in this study demonstrate that application of sewage sludge to light-textured soil is an effective means for improvement of vegetative growth and yield, and that a single application of sewage sludge sustains its effects for at least 7 years.

Determination of fruit chemical properties of Morus nigra L., Morus alba L. and Morus rubra L. by HPLC

This study was carried out to determine the organic acid content, phenolic compound content, sugar content, vitamin C (ascorbic acid) content and total antioxidant capacity of white mulberry (Morus alba L.), black mulberry (Morus nigra L.) and red mulberry (Morus rubra L.) fruits grown in Van province of Turkey. It was determined that the chief organic acid in these mulberry species was malic acid ranging from 1.32 to 4.47g 100g−1fw, followed by citric acid ranging from 0.39 to 1.08g 100g−1fw. Looking at the contents of phenolic compound, chlorogenic acid and rutin had come to the fore ranging from 0.12 to 3.11mgg−1fw and from 0.85 to 1.42mgg−1fw, respectively. Fruit glucose contents of the studied species were higher than their fructose contents, varying between 6.07 and 7.75g 100g−1fw. Total antioxidant capacity and vitamin C contents of the mulberry species ranged from 4.49 to 13.99μmol TEg−1fw and from 11.30 to 24.42mg 100g−1fw, respectively.

COMPARING EFFECTS OF SOIL AND FOLIAR APPLICATION OF POTASSIUM ON BALADY MANDARIN TREES

The experiment was conducted during three successive seasons from2007 to 2009 on twenty five years old Balady mandarin trees budded on sourorange rootstock at 5x5 meter apart, planted in an orchard located at privateorchard at El-Kalubia Governorate. The trees was in (ON)year at the firstseason (2007), to investigate the effects of soil and foliar application ofpotassium on leaf (NPK), yield and some fruit physical properties (weight,volume, diameter, length, peel thickness, peel weight and some fruit chemicalproperties( T.S.S.%, total acidity%, T.S.S./ acid ratio, Reducing sugar, totalsugar% and Ascorbic acid. The experiment was divided into two parts, the firstpart was as soil addition and included four treatments (0 – 200 – 400- 800) gmpotassium sulphate 48%K

Postharvest shelf-life discrimination of nectarines produced under different irrigation strategies using NIR-spectroscopy

Quick assessment of storage time in fruits is important for both growers and consumers due to the fresh fruit market is becoming increasingly demanding with regard to product quality. This study sought to evaluate the ability of near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) to classify intact nectarines in post-harvest storage, as a function of pre-harvest irrigation strategies applied and post-harvest cold storage duration. A total of 220 nectarine fruits ( Prunus persica (L.) Batsch cv. ‘Sweet Lady’) were sampled after 7, 14, 21 and 28 days of refrigerated storage (0 °C, 95% RH) and at commercial harvest time. Two commercially-available spectrophotometers were evaluated for this purpose: a handheld MEMS spectrophotometer of 1600–2400 nm and a diode-array Vis/NIR spectrophotometer of 400–1700 nm. Models developed using partial least squares 2-discriminant analysis (PLS2-DA) correctly classified between 86 and 96% of samples by post-harvest storage time using the handheld instrument, and between 66 and 89% in the case of the diode-array spectrophotometer. Classification models based on pre-harvest irrigation treatment classified 57–84% of the samples correctly, due to the similarity in physical–chemical properties of fruits in both irrigation strategies. These results showed that NIRS could be used to monitor changes in nectarine quality parameters during pre- and post-harvest as an essential tool for decision-making both in-field and on-line.

Influence of some post-harvest treatments on guava fruits

Guava (Psidium juajava L.) is highly perishable, susceptible to mechanical damage and chilling injury and has a limited postharvest shelf life. This study explored the use of some postharvest treatments to extend the marketable shelf life of guava and to alleviate some pathogenic disorders. Mature yellowish-green guava fruits cv. were treated with hot water, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), calcium chloride grass oil fumigation and various combination between them and then stored at 81°C with 90% relative humidity (RH) for 15 days. Fruits were transferred to room conditions at (222°C and 55-60 %RH) till the end of the fruit marketable period. Fruits of all treatments showed lower fruit weight loss, decayed fruits and long marketable-life period in comparison to untreated (water only). Calcium chloride + lemon grass fumigation treatment gave fruits with high quality than other treated fruits. Ascorbic acid and total pectin values were the highest with calcium chloride + lemon grass fumigation treatment than in the control and other treated fruits, whereas acid % and SSC values were the lowest. All tested treatments greatly reduced rhizopus rot infection value after 10 days at 81°C, rot infection percent was 100% in control fruit, whereas very little infection value was observed in treated fruit. Fruits treated with Calcium chloride + lemon grass fumigation were completely rhizopus rot free through 15 days storage at 81°C. The sensory evaluation showed that this treatment could maintain appearance considered the most benefit fruit appearance ,physical, chemical fruit properties and free from rots at 81°C for two weeks. This treatment considered the most benefit tested one.

Determination of Physical, Acoustical, Mechanical, and Chemical Properties of Fresh Young Coconut Fruit for Maturity Separation

Abstract Young coconut is a popular tropical fruit featuring soft white aromatic flesh and sweet white or transparent juice. As most coconut pickers are relatively unskilled, the harvested crop tends to be distinguished by the collection of fruit of varying levels of maturity. This research has sought to improve the accuracy of grading-packaging systems by developing correlations between maturity levels and the physical, acoustical, mechanical, and chemical properties of the fruit. Results show that maturity significantly affects the specific gravity, shell rupture force, shell secant modulus, flesh penetrating force, flesh firmness, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, flesh thickness (FT), and natural frequency of young coconut at p&amp;lt;0.05. The FT expressed the highest linear correlation with maturity among the properties observed. Fruit orientation, sound impact point, and maturity significantly affected the natural frequency of young coconut at p&amp;lt;0.05. Impacting the ridge of a young coconut gave significantly different natural frequency with maturity regardless of the impact position. The optimum impact point was observed to be midway between the fruit equator and the stem on the ridge. Applying the defined physical and chemical properties to the discriminant model, the maturity of young coconut could be classified with an accuracy of 94.0 %. Analysis employing partial least squares regression predicted the relationship between the maturity index, represented by the FT and the physical, sound, mechanical, and chemical properties, with a correlation coefficient (R) value of 0.82 and a root mean squared error of prediction value of 1.03.

EVALUATION OF THIRTEEN SEEDLING DATE PALMS GROWN IN ASWAN GOVERNORATE, EGYPT

This study was carried out during 2006 and 2007 seasons in order to evaluate 13 selected palms grown in Aswan governorate, Egypt, in comparison with the commercial cv. “Sakoty”. The average of the two years of yield per palm, as well as physical and chemical properties of fruit were recorded. Yield per palm was highest with palm no. 12 and 13 in comparison with other tested palms. as well as “Sakoty” cv. while the lowest yield was obtained from palm no. 2. Regarding, physical properties of fruit, fruits of palm no. 12 were the heaviest weight and highest pulp weight%. Concerning chemical properties, data proved the superiority of palm no. 13 in T.S.S% and total sugars content. Fruits of palm no. 6 had lower tannins and acidity% while the highest tannins% was recorded for “Sakoty”. General evaluation revealed that palm no.12 and 13 seemed to be the superior types in yield and fruit quality among all the tested palms, as they attained the uppermost score units as compared with the standard cv.” Sakoty”. On the contrary, palm no. 2 and 10 showed less palm yield and inferior fruit quality. Thus one can conclude that all 13 selected palms except palm no. 2 and 10 are of good fruit quality for consumer but only palm 12 and 13 showed the highest yield.