Fresh Fruit Market Research Articles

The effect of cross direction and ploidy level on phenotypic variation of reciprocal diploid and triploid mandarin hybrids

New citrus fruit varieties with the right pomological and organoleptic characteristics are expected by consumers and the fresh citrus fruit market. Apart from a good balance between sugar content and acidity, seedlessness is particularly demanded. Triploidy is one of the best ways to obtain seedless cultivars, and, taking advantage of diploid gametes, research programs have succeeded in creating them. Triploid hybrids are sterile and, when associated with parthenocarpy, produce seedless fruits. However, no studies have compared the potential agronomic interest of diploid and triploid cultivars to date. The aims of this study were to investigate the effects of (i) cross direction between diploid and triploid reciprocal populations of mandarin hybrids and (ii) the increase in ploidy level from diploidy to triploidy phenotypic variation in quantitative agronomic traits. Reciprocal crosses between ‘Fortune’ mandarin and ‘Ellendale’ tangor generated two diploid and two triploid populations; we then phenotyped by measuring fruit and juice weights, sugar content and titratable acidity over three harvesting campaigns. Significant differences in sugar and acidity levels were observed between triploid populations. Both triploid progenies varied according to their respective female genitor, unlike diploid populations in which no relationship was found between their phenotypic variation and that of their parents. Considering each cross direction separately, the comparison of diploid and triploid populations revealed that triploid hybrids were juicier and sweeter. A genomic dosage effect appears to be the most plausible explanation for these variations. These innovative results will help optimize triploid citrus breeding programmes by choosing the appropriate diploid gamete producing parent.

Pre and postharvest assessment of mango anthracnose incidence and severity in the north of Côte d’Ivoire

Mango is one of the most economically important fruit crop in the north of Côte d’Ivoire. However, its production and productivity are limited by various biotic and abiotic factors. Amongst fungal disease, mango anthracnose is recorded to be the most important disease in the northern districts. This study assessed the incidence and severity of pre- and post-harvest anthracnose to compare the level of orchard infestation in the seven mango producing districts in the north of Côte d’Ivoire. Anthracnose disease incidence and severity varied from locality to locality both in dry and rainy season. Disease intensity was higher in rainy season than dry season. In dry and rainy seasons, the highest disease incidence (19.08% and 32.25%) was recorded in Bèrèdougou and the least in Zèguèrè. Pre and post-harvest anthracnose correlated significantly indicating that infection initiated in field and remained latent until fruits repining. The disease was also more severe on fruits than leaves. On fruits disease incidence and severity were higher in Dianra village (90% and 100%) and Bèrèdougou (36% and 40%). The lowest disease incidence (7.5%) and severity (1.5%) on fruits were observed in Zèguèrè. This study showed that anthracnose disease is one the most important threat to production and marketing of fresh mango fruits in the north of Côte d’Ivoire.Keywords: Anthracnose, incidence, severity, mango, symptoms.

Brokers' views on the effectiveness of the wholesale market registration system: A case study of fresh fruit and vegetable wholesale market in İzmir province

Türkiye’de 11.03.2010 tarih ve 5957 sayılı kanun ile sebze ve meyve sektöründeki kayıt dışılığı önlemek amacıyla Hal Kayıt Sistemi kurulmuştur. Hal Kayıt Sistemi, Ticaret Bakanlığı’nın kontrolünde çalışan internet tabanlı bir kayıt merkezidir. Bu çalışmada Hal Kayıt Sisteminin kayıt dışılığı önlemek adına işlevsel olarak etkin çalışıp çalışmadığı sorusuna yanıt aranmıştır. Bu kapsamda, İzmir Büyükşehir Belediyesi Kaynaklar Yaş Sebze ve Meyve Toptancı Halindeki 30 komisyoncu ile anket yapılmıştır. Komisyoncuların Hal Kayıt Sisteminin kayıt dışılığı önlemedeki etkisi ve Hal Kayıt Sistemi hakkında gördükleri en önemli sorunlar çalışma kapsamında incelenen başlıca konulardır. Komisyoncuların %36.7’si Hal Kayıt Sisteminin kayıt dışılığı önlemede etkisinin olmadığını düşünürken, %30’u da bu konuda kararsız kaldıklarını belirtmişlerdir. Komisyoncuların görüşlerine göre Hal Kayıt Sisteminde görülen en önemli sorun, üretilen ürünlerin önemli bir kısmının sisteme kayıt olmadan pazara arz edilmesidir. Bunun da en önemli nedeni olarak Hal Kayıt Sistemi hakkında üreticilerin bilgi eksikliği gösterilmektedir. Tarımsal üreticiler, Hal Kayıt Sistemine bildirim yapanlar içinde önemli paya sahiptir. Bu nedenle sistemdeki kayıt dışılığı önlemek amacıyla özellikle de üreticilere yönelik bilgilendirme ve sistemin nasıl kullanılacağına ilişkin eğitim çalışmaları önem taşımaktadır. Hal Kayıt Sisteminin etkin çalışması için sistemde yer alan tüm aktörlerin denetlenmesini sağlayacak şekilde sistemin yeniden yapılandırılması gerekmektedir. Ayrıca, bazı teşvik mekanizmaları ile sisteme kayıt olmak cazip hale getirilmelidir.

Advances in Omics Approaches for Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Tomato.

Tomato, one of the most important crops worldwide, has a high demand in the fresh fruit market and processed food industries. Despite having considerably high productivity, continuous supply as per the market demand is hard to achieve, mostly because of periodic losses occurring due to biotic as well as abiotic stresses. Although tomato is a temperate crop, it is grown in almost all the climatic zones because of widespread demand, which makes it challenge to adapt in diverse conditions. Development of tomato cultivars with enhanced abiotic stress tolerance is one of the most sustainable approaches for its successful production. In this regard, efforts are being made to understand the stress tolerance mechanism, gene discovery, and interaction of genetic and environmental factors. Several omics approaches, tools, and resources have already been developed for tomato growing. Modern sequencing technologies have greatly accelerated genomics and transcriptomics studies in tomato. These advancements facilitate Quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping, genome-wide association studies (GWAS), and genomic selection (GS). However, limited efforts have been made in other omics branches like proteomics, metabolomics, and ionomics. Extensive cataloging of omics resources made here has highlighted the need for integration of omics approaches for efficient utilization of resources and a better understanding of the molecular mechanism. The information provided here will be helpful to understand the plant responses and the genetic regulatory networks involved in abiotic stress tolerance and efficient utilization of omics resources for tomato crop improvement.

2019–2020 Florida Citrus Production Guide: Postbloom Fruit Drop

Postbloom fruit drop (PFD) must be controlled on processing and fresh-market fruit. PFD, caused by the fungus Colletotrichum acutatum, affects all species and cultivars of citrus, but severity on a given cultivar varies according to the time of bloom in relation to rainfall. Navel and Valencia oranges have experienced the most severe damage in Florida since they tend to have extended or multiple blooms. This 3-page fact sheet is part of the 2019–2020 Florida Citrus Production Guide. Written by Natalia A. Peres and Megan M. Dewdney, and published by the Plant Pathology Department, March 2019. PP-45/CG007: 2022–2023 Florida Citrus Production Guide: Postbloom Fruit Drop (ufl.edu)

2019–2020 Florida Citrus Production Guide: Alternaria Brown Spot

Alternaria brown spot, caused by the fungus Alternaria alternata, affects Minneola tangelos, Dancy tangerines, Murcotts, and less frequently Orlando tangelos, Novas, Lees, and Sunburst. In rare cases, it may also infect grapefruit. Where severe, the disease results in extensive fruit drop and must be controlled on processing and fresh-market fruit. This 3-page fact sheet is part of the 2019–2020 Florida Citrus Production Guide. Written by Megan M. Dewdney and published by the Plant Pathology Department, March 2019. PP-147/CG021: 2022–2023 Florida Citrus Production Guide: Alternaria Brown Spot (ufl.edu)

2019–2020 Florida Citrus Production Guide: Brown Rot of Fruit

Management of brown rot, caused by Phytophthora nicotianae or P. palmivora, is needed on both processing and fresh-market fruit. While the disease affects all citrus types, it is usually most severe on Hamlin, Navel, and other early-maturing sweet orange cultivars. This 3-page fact sheet is part of the 2019–2020 Florida Citrus Production Guide. Written by M. M. Dewdney, E. G. Johnson, and J. H. Graham, and published by the Plant Pathology Department, March 2019. PP-148/CG022: 2022–2023 Florida Citrus Production Guide: Brown Rot of Fruit (ufl.edu)

Aproveitamento agroindustrial da graviola (Annona muricata L.) para produção de licores: avaliação sensorial

A alta perecibilidade da graviola restringe a comercialização da fruta in natura a mercados mais distantes dos centros produtores, sendo necessário processá-la para estender sua vida útil. Nesse sentido, objetivou-se elaborar licores de graviola mediante utilização de planejamento experimental fatorial 22, com três repetições no ponto central, resultando em 7 tratamentos, variando-se as concentrações de polpa (300, 400 e 500 g) e xarope de sacarose com diferentes teores de sólidos solúveis (50, 60 e 70 °Brix). Após processamento, os licores foram acondicionados em embalagens de polietileno e submetidos aos testes sensoriais de aceitação, com uso de uma escala de nove pontos, com avaliação dos atributos sensoriais de cor, aroma, consistência, aparência, sabor frutal, sabor alcoólico, doçura e impressão global. Paralelamente efetuou-se investigação da intenção de compra, com uso de uma escala de cinco pontos. Na análise da influência das variáveis independentes sobre as variáveis respostas foi realizada análise de regressão para a obtenção de superfícies de resposta, a partir dos dados da avaliação sensorial. Verificou-se elevada aceitabilidade para todos os tratamentos de licores de graviola, com índices de aceitabilidade médios superiores a 70%. Evidenciou-se maior preferência pelas amostras com maiores quantidades de polpa de graviola e menores teores alcoólicos. Os licores processados com as maiores quantidades de polpa apresentaram intenções de compra superiores a 65%, indicando potencial mercadológico.

Citrus Diseases Exotic to Florida: Sweet Orange Scab (SOS)

Sweet Orange Scab is a disease that differs in host ranges from the common citrus scab present in Florida. Citrus scab is serious on many tangerines and tangerine hybrids such as Temple, as well as grapefruit and lemons, but rarely causes lesions on sweet orange. In contrast, SOS can cause significant damage on all sweet oranges as well as tangerines and their hybrids. It can be a significant problem on fruit produced for fresh market. Establishment of SOS in Florida could also have quarantine implications for marketing of fresh fruit, especially in Europe. SOS is common in humid citrus growing areas of South America (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, Paraguay, and Uruguay), but its presence has not been confirmed elsewhere. This document is Fact Sheet PP-224, one of a series of the Plant Pathology Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Publication date: November 2005.

Improved Water and Economic Sustainability with Low-Input Compact Bed Plasticulture and Precision Irrigation

AbstractRaised-bed plasticulture is used globally to produce fresh market vegetables, fruits, and other crops. A novel compact bed geometry, designed to improve the system efficiency of plasticultu...

Fruit quality of a traditional pineapple cultivar (Turiaçu) compared to the most popular cultivar (Pérola) in Brazil

Turiaçu is a traditional pineapple cultivar in the state of Maranhão, Brazil, and its fruits have high potential for the fresh fruit market due to consumer acceptance. This cultivar is in the process of domestication, but information on the quality of its fruits and their standards for marketing is scarce. The objective of this study was to evaluate the biometric and chemical characteristics of the Turiaçu pineapple cultivar and the Pérola cultivar, which are grown in the main pineapple producing areas—Turiaçu, and São Domingos do Maranhão—in the state of Maranhão. The fruits were harvested at the green stage to evaluate the following biometric characteristics: fruit weight, infructescence weight, pulp yield, crown, peel and total residues, and base to apex diameter ratio; and the following chemical characteristics—total soluble solids (TSS), total titratable acidity (TTA), and TSS to TTA chemical ratio. The Turiaçu cultivar presented higher fruit and infructescence weights, more cylindrical fruits, and pulp with higher TSS concentration and less acidity, compared to the Pérola cultivar. Fruits of the Turiaçu cultivar had more desirable biometric and chemical qualities for the consumer market— they were large, cylindrical, sweet, and with low acidity—, compared to those of the Pérola cultivar.

Citrus triploid recovery based on 2x × 4x crosses via an optimized embryo rescue approach

Seedlessness is a primary breeding objective for citrus fresh fruit market, and triploids have been proven to have great value to produce seedless fruits. In this study, aiming to produce triploid plants for developing some seedless cultivars, four 2x × 4x interploid crosses were conducted using three elite but seedy cultivars as seed parents and one newly flowered doubled diploid and two allotetraploid somatic hybrids as pollen parents. As a result, a total of 1454 developed and 3409 undeveloped seeds from 341 fruits were obtained. Using an optimized embryo rescue approach, 669 developed and 1301 undeveloped seeds germinated in vitro, with an average germination rate as 52.5% for the crosses using ‘Nadorcott’ tangor and ‘Bendizao’ tangerine (polyembryonic) as seed parents and 31.0% for the crosses using ‘Orah’ mandarin (monoembryonic) as seed parent. Then by shoot and root induction, totally 1354 plantlets were regenerated, among which 401 and 54 plants were proved to be triploids and tetraploids by flow cytometry (FCM) analysis and chromosome counting. Hybrid nature of the selected triploid progenies, as well as two different origins (doubled diploid and hybrid origins) for the selected tetraploid progenies was further confirmed by single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers.

Advances in citrus propagation in Brazil

Abstract Citriculture is an important agricultural activity worldwide, occupying a relevant position in Brazil among fruit tree production for both the fresh fruit market and the processing industry for concentrated orange juice export. Recent advances in the country’s citrus nursery tree production system have been essential to guarantee the efficiency and competitiveness of Brazilian citriculture. The implementation of strict laws and regulations to produce trees in protected environments and improvements in production techniques for basic citrus propagation materials and nursery trees in São Paulo state has excluded the insect vectors of destructive diseases such as citrus variegated chlorosis and huanglongbing, making this an innovative reference system for citrus propagation around the globe. The main aspects of these advances are presented and discussed in this review, including advances in propagation techniques, scion and rootstock selection, genetic characterization and certification, tree size standards, cultural practices such as irrigation and fertilization for the production of citrus propagation materials and nursery trees, and nursery management tools.

Bruise damage susceptibility of pomegranates (Punica granatum, L.) and impact on fruit physiological response during short term storage

Bruise damage resulting from excessive impact and compression forces between the point of harvest and consumption is a major quality problem in fresh fruit marketing. This study investigated the susceptibility of three pomegranate (Punica granatum, L.) fruit cultivars (‘Acco’, ‘Herskawitz’ and ‘Wonderful’) to drop impact bruising. Impact threshold required to bruise fruit was investigated by determining the probability of bruise occurrence (PBO) from the population of the fruit of three pomegranate cultivars impacted at minimal drop heights (0.1, 0.15, 0.2 m). The effect of temperature on bruise susceptibility and fruit physiological response was studied by impacting fruit equilibrated at 5 and 20 °C from three higher impact (drop heights) levels above threshold (0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 m) followed by storage for 10 d to monitor fruit weight loss and respiration rate. Minimum drop impact level at which bruising was first observed and the associated PBO were 0.1 m (PBO; 0.44), 0.15 m (PBO; 0.5) and 0.15 m (PBO; 0.75) for ‘Wonderful’, ‘Herskawitz’ and ‘Acco’, respectively. ‘Wonderful’ pomegranate fruit had the lowest impact threshold, with the highest value of PBO (0.44) and lowest impact energy (371.87 mJ). Bruise susceptibility at higher impact levels above threshold (measured in bruise volume and bruise area) was cultivar dependent; in the order of ‘Wonderful’>‘Herskawitz’>‘Acco’. The measure of pomegranate fruit sensitivity to bruising measured as bruise susceptibility (mm3mJ−1) and specific bruise susceptibility (mm3 mJ−1 g−1) that took into account the impact energy and fruit mass suggested that ‘Acco’ was the most sensitive cultivar to impact bruising followed by ‘Herskawitz’. Fruit stored in cold (5 °C) condition had larger bruise size (bruise volume and bruise area) than those stored at ambient (20 °C) temperature. Weight loss and respiratory activity were significantly reduced both in non-bruised control and bruised fruit stored in cold (5 °C) temperature. Conversely, at ambient storage, the highest respiration rate and percentage weight loss were recorded in bruised ‘Herskawitz’ and ‘Acco’ fruit, which increased with the level of impact bruising and storage temperature. These findings provide an evidence-based understanding of the bruise damage susceptibility of pomegranates and could be used to develop a postharvest handling tool for the investigated pomegranate cultivars.

An exploratory analysis of US consumer preferences for North American pawpaw

The North American pawpaw (Asimina triloba (L.) Dunal) is a high-value native specialty fruit crop that offers multiple opportunities for commercial value-added products. A survey was conducted to obtain a better understanding of consumer preferences for pawpaws as fresh and value-added food products. The survey was distributed to 524 individuals who were members of the North American Pawpaw Growers Association, attendees of the 2016 International Pawpaw Conference at Frankfurt, Kentucky, and participants at the 2017 Ohio Pawpaw Festival, Albany, Ohio. Respondents were asked to self-identify their positions (consumers or producers) in the pawpaw market. Those who self-identified as consumers were asked to take the survey. A total of 192 responses were collected. Survey results indicated that the majority of the respondents consume fresh or value-added pawpaw products at least once a year. They reported strong preferences for the flavor and texture of fresh pawpaws. Price, origin, and type of production process had statistically significant impacts on consumers’ purchase preferences. The characteristic that most influenced demand was local production—consumers were willing to pay a premium of $5.20/kg for locally produced pawpaws compared to pawpaws of unknown region of origin. Consumers also preferred certified organic and pesticide-free pawpaws to fruit produced using chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides. The average price premiums consumers were willing to pay for certified organic and pesticide-free fruits were $4.19 and $3.28/kg, respectively. Providing information about the region of origin, organic and pesticide-free production processes can potentially increase consumer demand for pawpaws and their share of the fresh and value-added fruit market.

Effects of 2,4-DP- P (2,4-Dichlorophenoxypropionic Acid-P) Plant Growth Regulator on Fruit Size and Yield of Star Ruby Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi Osb.)

Star Ruby is the main grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) variety grown in Turkey; however, small fruit size is a common problem in ‘Star Ruby‘ grapefruit. Fruit size is a decisive external quality parameter in citrus at the marketing of fresh citrus fruits. Fruit size can be enhanced by several techniques such as girdling and thinning. Various plant growth regulators are known to affect the growth and size of citrus fruit. The objective of the present study was to observe the effects of 2,4 dichlorophenoxypropionic acid-p (2,4-DP-P) on the fruit size, yield and quality of Star Ruby from 20-year-old trees budded on sour orange rootstock in Adana, Turkey in 2007. Four concentrations (50, 100, 150 and 300 ppm) of 2,4-DP-P were applied 8 weeks after anthesis during physiological fruit drop when the mean fruit diameter was 13-15 mm. The results indicated that the application of 2,4-DP-P increased the fruit size of Star Ruby grapefruit without reducing yield. The application had a significant effect on fruit yield except for trees treated with 50 ppm 2,4-DP-P. Compared with the control trees, applications of 2,4-DP-P increased the number of large, commercially valuable Star Ruby (>93 mm, 89-93 mm and 84-89 mm). No effects were determined on fruit internal quality parameters. Thus, the results of the present study revealed that 2,4-DP-P can be used to improve the fruit size of Star Ruby fruitlets during the June drop.

Initial performance of alternative citrus scion and rootstock combinations on the northern coast of the state of Bahia, Brazil

Abstract The diversification of scion and rootstock varieties is tremendously necessary for the citrus industry in Northeastern Brazil. The initial performance of 13 sweet orange varieties grafted onto ‘San Diego’ citrandarin, and of ‘Cara-Cara’ navel orange and ‘CNPMF-02 Persian’ lime grafted onto several rootstocks was evaluated in the municipality of Inhambupe, northern coast of the state of Bahia. Three trials were carried out separately, and tree size, fruit production and quality were assessed in the first three crops, with planting in 2008 at 6.0 m x 3.0 m spacing with supplemental irrigation. ‘Aquiri’, ‘Biondo’, ‘Agridoce’, ‘Kona’, ‘Pineapple’, ‘Russas CNPMF-03’ and ‘Salustiana’ sweet oranges showed the largest cumulative production in the first three crops. ‘Pera CNPMF D-6’, ‘Westin CNPMF’ and ‘Salustiana’ sweet oranges had fewer seeds per fruit, being more appropriate for fresh fruit market, in addition to greater production efficiency for the first one. Although ‘Westin CNPMF’ has shown good fruit quality, its initial production was low. ‘Florida’ rough lemon and ‘Volkamer’ lemon induced higher cumulative production compared to ‘Cara Cara’ navel orange, but tree size and fruit quality were not influenced by any evaluated rootstock. ‘Cleopatra’ mandarin and ‘Riverside’ citrandarin led to higher tree size and cumulative production and heavier fruits of ‘CNPMF-02 Persian’ lime. All scion and rootstock combinations have potential for cultivation on the northern coast of the state of Bahia and appear as an alternative to the prevalent ‘Pera’ sweet orange on ‘Rangpur’ lime combination.

2018–2019 Florida Citrus Production Guide: Greasy Spot

Greasy spot is caused by the fungus Mycosphaerella citri, which has been recently renamed Zasmidium citri-griseum. Management must be considered in groves intended for processing and fresh market fruit. Greasy spot is usually more severe on leaves of grapefruit, pineapples, Hamlins, and tangelos than on Valencias, Temples, Murcotts, or most tangerines and their hybrids. Greasy spot rind blotch (GSRB) is particularly problematic for grapefruit destined for the fresh fruit market. This 3-page fact sheet is part of the 2018–2019 Florida Citrus Production Guide. Written by Megan M. Dewdney and published by the Plant Pathology Department, May 2018. PP-144/CG018: 2022–2023 Florida Citrus Production Guide: Greasy Spot (ufl.edu)

2018–2019 Florida Citrus Production Guide: Alternaria Brown Spot

Alternaria brown spot, caused by the fungus Alternaria alternata, affects Minneola tangelos, Dancy tangerines, Murcotts, and less frequently Orlando tangelos, Novas, Lees, and Sunburst. In rare cases, it may also infect grapefruit. Where severe, the disease results in extensive fruit drop and must be controlled on processing and fresh market fruit. This 3-page fact sheet is part of the 2018–2019 Florida Citrus Production Guide. Written by Megan M. Dewdney and published by the Plant Pathology Department, May 2018. PP-147/CG021: 2022–2023 Florida Citrus Production Guide: Alternaria Brown Spot (ufl.edu)

2018–2019 Florida Citrus Production Guide: Postbloom Fruit Drop

Postbloom fruit drop (PFD) must be controlled on processing and fresh market fruit. PFD, caused by the fungus Colletotrichum acutatum, affects all species and cultivars of citrus, but severity on a given cultivar varies according to the time of bloom in relation to rainfall. Navel and Valencia oranges have experienced the most severe damage in Florida since they tend to have extended or multiple blooms. This 3-page fact sheet is part of the 2018–2019 Florida Citrus Production Guide. Written by Natalia A. Peres and Megan M. Dewdney, and published by the Plant Pathology Department, May 2018. PP-45/CG007: 2022–2023 Florida Citrus Production Guide: Postbloom Fruit Drop (ufl.edu)