Higher Soluble Solids Content Research Articles

Optimization of the roasting conditions of arabica coffee cultivated in the cerrado area of Brazil

Abstract The aim of this work was to optimize, by way of a rotational central composite design (RCCD), the roasting temperature and time conditions of beans from three Coffea arabica L. genotypes cultivated in the Cerrado, Brazil under controlled water stress conditions, to maintain a high soluble solids content and a roasting colour acceptable by consumers. In this way it will be possible to know the potential use of these genotypes in the instant coffee industry. The RCCD design was carried out with 2 factors (time and temperature) and 11 experiments for each of the three genotypes. The soluble solids contents were determined using a digital refractometer and the roasted bean colour evaluated using the Agtron system. The software R was used in both the variance analysis and in the multiple linear regression to define the prediction mathematical models and the statistical parameters. The Excel SOLVER tool version 2010 was used to select the best colour-soluble solids binomial to provide a colour from 65# to 45# (medium light to moderately dark) on the Agtron system and the highest soluble solids value. The roasting temperature and time conditions that maintained high soluble solids contents and produced roasted beans with an appropriate colour for consumption were 204.8 °C and 10.9 minutes for the cultivar MG 1177; 214.2 °C and 8.8 minutes for MG 0188; and 240 °C and 7 minutes for Icatu 2944, showing the potential for traditional consumption and the production of instant coffee.

Development of a fortified drink from the mixture of small colombian native fruits

La fresa (Fragaria ananassa), la mora (Rubus glaucus), la uchuva (Physalis peruviana L.) y la gulupa (Passiflora edulis Sims) son cultivos frutales importantes en Colombia por sus propiedades organolépticas y nutritivas. Este estudio se realizó para caracterizar las propiedades fisicoquímicas de estos cuatro frutos y presentar una alternativa para su uso. Para lograr este objetivo, se caracterizaron las cuatro frutas determinando humedad, pH, sólidos solubles, acidez, color, contenido de hierro y la concentración de vitamina C. Posteriormente se desarrolló una bebida fortificada de frutas. De acuerdo a los resultados de acidez, todos los frutos se pueden clasificar como productos de alta acidez. La gulupa y la uchuva, presentaron el mayor contenido de sólidos solubles, mientras que la mora, la gulupa y la uchuva, no presentaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en su contenido de hierro. La fresa presentó la mayor contribución de la vitamina C.

Phenological characteristics, yield and fruit quality of medium-late ripening plum cultivars in the region of Belgrade

Phenological characteristics, yield and fruit quality of 14 medium-late ripening plum cultivars, were studied in the region of Belgrade during the five-year period (2013-2017). The control cultivar for comparison was ?Cacanska rodna?. Flowering of tested cultivars occurred in the first half of April, and fruit maturation was in the first half of August. The average yield per tree was the lowest in the ?Nevena? cultivar (1.6 kg), and the highest in the ?Mildora? cultivar (22.5 kg). Compared to the control cultivar, significantly lower yield was achieved in seven cultivars. The lowest vigor was determined in the standard cultivar (?Cacanska rodna?), and the highest in the ?Milka? cultivar. The average fruit weight ranged from 19.5 g in the ?Nevena? cultivar to 50.5 g in the ?Valor? cultivar. Compared to the control, fruit weight was statistically significantly higher in five cultivars. In all studied cultivars, the high soluble solids content (over 17%) was found, while in cultivars ?Mildora? and ?Valor? it was significantly higher than in the control. On the basis of the obtained results, as regards cultivation in the region of Belgrade, it is possible to recommend the following cultivars: ?Valor? and ?Cacanska najbolja? as predominantly table cultivars (for fresh consumption), ?Jojo? and ?Vengerka krupna slatka? as cultivars of combined characteristics and ?Mildora? as a cultivar for processing.

Selection of umbu-cajazeira clones using the REML/BLUP

Genetic parameters and genotypic values of fruits from umbu-cajazeira clones were determined using the restricted maximum likelihood/best linear unbiased prediction (REML/BLUP) method, from the morphological, physicochemical and chemical characterization of fruits. The experiment was composed of six experimental clones, in three randomized complete block designs and three replicates per plot in an unbalanced arrangement in Ipanguacu/RN, due to non-fructification of some clones of the experiment. Morphological, physicochemical and chemical characterization of 20 fruits of each clone was performed. The variance components for REML and medium components (BLUP), were estimated using the mixed model’s method REML/BLUP. The three best clones selected were from Serra do Mel, Acu, and Carnaubais. The method used allowed selection of clones with high soluble solids content and pulp yield based on the genotypic value of clones. Fruit clones from Serra do Mel can be used for pulp processing or fresh consumption. The Acu clone showed a high pulp yield and is recommended pulp processing. Carnaubais, Alto do Rodrigues, and Ipanguacu generated fruits for fresh consumption.

Effects of harvest times with polyethylene (PE) film liner, 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) and aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG) treatments on fruit quality in‘Sangjudungsi’persimmon during cold storage

This study was aimed to test harvest time effect with polyethylene (PE) film liner, 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) and aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG) treatments on fruit quality attributes in ‘Sangjudungsi’ persimmon fruit during cold storage. The fruits were harvested 10 days earlier in 2016 than the mature harvest time in 2015. The ethylene production was significantly lower in early harvested fruits than in mature harvested ones. Flesh firmness was maintained higher in 1-MCP treated fruit than in other treatments during cold storage. The rate of fruit weight loss was significantly inhibited by PE film liner treatment during storage, regardless of harvest time. 1-MCP treatment showed less change in fruit peel color variables (L* and b*) from the calyx-end and equatorial regions during cold storage, compared with those from the control and PE film treatments. The incidence rate of fruit decay and softening was higher in PE film treated fruits than in the other treatments. However, there was no decay detected in AVG treated fruit. The early harvested fruits were maintained higher flesh firmness, compared with mature harvested fruits. Nevertheless, the mature harvested fruits showed much higher soluble solids content, the redness (Hunter a value) of the fruit peel and respiration rate, compared with early harvested fruits. Furthermore, the rate of weight loss in the fruit was remarkably inhibited in the PE film treatment.

Effect of Immature Green Tomato Fruit Color on Yellow Shoulder Incidence and Soluble Solids Content of Ripe Fruit

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) breeders have observed that plants with uniform green-shouldered fruit are less prone to yellow shoulder (YS) than are plants with (dark) green-shouldered tomatoes and thus have selected for tomato cultivars with uniform green-shouldered fruit. However, a recent publication reported that a cultivar with green-shouldered fruit had significantly higher soluble solids content (SSC) than an isogenic cultivar with uniform green-shouldered fruit and postulated that selection of uniform green shoulder has negatively affected tomato flavor and processing quality. Lines with dark green (u+), uniform green (u), uniform gray-green (ug), apple green (uAg), medium green, and pale green (uPg) immature fruit colors were crossed in all combinations to produce F1 plants that were self-pollinated to produce F2 seed. Parents, F1, and F2s were planted in the field in completely randomized block designs over two seasons. Plants were visually phenotyped for immature fruit color, and fruit from each plant were selected to measure shoulder and base color with a colorimeter. Ripening fruit were harvested to measure the incidence of YS, and SSC was measured on ripe fruit from each plant with a refractometer. In the spring season, fruit from F2 plants with green-shouldered fruit had significantly higher YS incidence than all phenotypes with uniform fruit colors. In the fall, phenotypes with medium-green shoulders were also tested, and these had greater YS than all other phenotypes except green shoulder. YS incidence for green shoulder was not significantly greater than that in the other phenotypes. Fla. 7956, the apple green parent, had 0% YS and appeared to be resistant. Higher SSC was observed in the spring season than in the fall season. However, in both seasons, when comparisons were made between phenotypes that segregated in the F2s, the SSC of green-shouldered phenotypes was not significantly higher than that of other phenotypes. Plants with apple green fruit tended to be higher in SSC in the fall, but this may relate to the dark green foliage of apple green plants and not just the fruit color. A hypothesis that stress may relate to reported SSC increases because of u+ is discussed.

Sunki mandarin and Swingle citrumelo as rootstocks for rain-fed cultivation of late-season sweet orange selections in northern São Paulo state, Brazil

ABSTRACT In Brazilian regions affected by the citrus sudden death disease, sweet orange cultivation depends on the use of resistant rootstocks. Rangpur lime was mainly replaced by Swingle citrumelo and Sunki mandarin rootstocks, more drought-sensitive ones. The diversification of scion selections is also desirable aiming at the increasing demand for not from concentrate orange juice (NFC) that requires high-quality fruits. In this work, we evaluated the performance of 6 selections of Valencia (IAC, Dom Joao, Late Burjasot IVIA 35-2, Rhode Red SRA 360, Temprana IVIA 25 and Campbell) and Natal IAC sweet oranges grafted onto Swingle citrumelo and Sunki mandarin. The planting occurred in 2001 under rain-fed cultivation in Bebedouro, northern Sao Paulo state, Brazil. The outline was made through randomized blocks in a 7 × 2 factorial design (selections × rootstock), with 4 replications and 2 trees in unit. Both rootstocks performed well in the region. Sunki mandarin rootstock induced greater tree size and production per plant to the scion selections, 38 and 21%, respectively, plus higher precocity of production compared to Swingle citrumelo. The later determined a greater productive efficiency, as well as a greater percentage of juice in general, albeit with lower concentrations of soluble solids and acidity. Natal IAC, Valencia IAC and Rhode Red Valencia selections presented a higher accumulated production, on average, 218.6 kg∙plant−1 (2004 – 2008), and a higher productive efficiency (kg fruit∙m−3 of canopy) due to their smaller tree size. All assessed selections produced fruits with high soluble solids content that were suitable for juice processing.

Summer production of high soluble solid content tomato by the simple and low-cost nutriculture system in Hokkaido

Tomatoes with Brix >8% are classified as high soluble solid content (SSC) fruits and are regarded as one of the more expensive vegetables in the Japanese market. These fruits are commonly produced by imposing some kind of stress, such as water stress (water deficit) or, salinity stress (high-level electrical conductivity) on plants. Summer is the off-season for high SSC tomatoes in the main production areas of Japan. These areas have a mild climate and they can experience high temperatures, therefore, inhibiting the ability to attain the precise stress controls needed for production of these valuable fruits. Hokkaido is the northernmost island of Japan and has a cool climate in summer. In this study, in order to explore the potential of establishing summer production of high SSC tomatoes in Hokkaido, we produced tomatoes using a simple and low cost nutriculture system with a nutrient solution containing sodium chloride (NaCl) in plastic greenhouses during 2013 and 2014. By applying 0-600 mL of nutrient solution adjusted to an electric conductivity (EC) of 3.0-4.0 dS m-1 to each plant cultivated in 21 cm diameter plastic pots every day, we were able to constantly harvest tomato fruits with Brix values higher than 8% from the 1st to the 5th truss throughout the experimental period in both years. Those with marketable yields (793 g plant-1 in 2013 and 611 g plant-1 in 2014) were sufficient for commercial production. These results suggest that it is possible to produce high SSC tomatoes in summer by using a simple and low-cost nutriculture system in a plastic greenhouse in Hokkaido.

Evaluation of German Plum Selections in Latvia

Abstract The aim of the study was to determine the suitability of growing plum cultivars and hybrids of German origin in Latvian conditions. In the trial the plum cultivars and hybrids were planted at the Latvia State Institute of Fruit Growing (now, Institute of Horticulture) in spring 2008. Six W. Hartmann genotypes (cultivars ‘Tipala’, ‘Tegera’ and ‘Haganta’, and hybrids H-5102, H-3753, and H-3690) from Hohenheim University were included in the study. Prunus cerasifera was used as rootstock. The parameters evaluated were: beginning of flowering, ripening time, average yield (kg per tree), cumulative yield (kg), and average fruit weight from 2012 to 2016, and content of soluble solids from 2014 to 2016. In addition, self-fertility was evaluated in 2015 and 2016 for three cultivars and one hybrid. The winter of 2010/2011 was unfavourable, as plum orchards and most plum cultivars in Latvia suffered winter damage, but cultivars and hybrids in the trial were without damages. Significant damages were not observed in further years. Average flowering time in the four-year period for all cultivars and hybrids was the 1st or 2nd decade of May, harvest time was from the 1st decade of August to the 3rd decade of September. The earliest was hybrid H-3690, and the latest was cv.’Haganta’. The most productive was hybrid H-3690, which gave 42 kg in the 3rd year of yield and had the most rapid rise in yields. ‘Haganta’ had the biggest fruits (50 to 60 g) and highest content of soluble solids (17-18 Brix%). Self-fertility level was 40% for ‘Tegera’, 17.4% for ‘Haganta’, 14.5% for H-3690 and 0% for ‘Tipala’. Evaluation of all analysed parameters showed that ‘Tegera’ could be recommended for Latvian growers thanks to good winter hardiness in the research period. ‘Haganta’ is recommended only for warmer regions in Latvia. Hybrid H-3690 will potentially be useful for Latvian growers.

Breeding potential of raspberry primocane selections based on their combining abilities

Information on the genetic potential of raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) genotypes for their use in breeding programs is currently limited. We used a diallel mating design to study the breeding values of raspberry primocane fruiting cultivars in terms of their combining ability. The objectives of this study were to identify raspberry genotypes with high general combining ability (GCA) for use in cultivar development, detect the best crosses in terms of their specific combining ability (SCA), and determine the gene action type and heritability of yield and eight of its components. The obtained results showed that the parent cultivar MRSL exhibited the highest GCA effects for the total yield per plant, fruit weight, number of fruit per plant, fruit length, fruit diameter, and number of drupelets per fruit. Genotype C47 had good GCA for the number of canes per plant and plant height and TD-865 had high GCA for high soluble solids content. The narrow-sense heritability estimates were low to moderate (0.00–0.62) fo...

Effects of organic vs. conventional farming systems on quality and antioxidant metabolism of passion fruit during maturation

The objective of this study was to evaluate the changes in quality and antioxidant metabolism during ripening of passion fruits from organic and conventional production systems. Postharvest quality, variables of antioxidant metabolism (enzyme and non-enzymes), total antioxidant activity (TAA), lipid peroxidation degree as indicator of oxidative stress and the activity of phenolic-associated enzyme, phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) were evaluated in fruits harvested at developmental stages: breaker/turning yellow (physiologically mature) and completely yellow color (ripe). Results show that organic fruits were smaller, although with higher soluble solids content and a lower acidity. At breaker stage, PAL activity was 24% than higher in organic fruits than in conventional fruits, although, total phenolic content was higher in conventional fruits harvested at both breaker (36.14mg GAE 100g−1) and ripe (36.47mg GAE 100g−1) stages. Organic fruit showed a significantly greater lipid peroxidation degree of biological membranes, despite their also higher APX activity and vitamin C contents. Results suggest that organic cropping system induced an oxidative stress in passion fruit, negatively influencing fruit size, although inducing the antioxidant defense mechanism, through increments of vitamin C and antioxidant enzymes activity.

Effects of light availability and training systems on apple fruit quality

The correlation of light availability and fruit quality traits for apple fruits (Malus × domestica Borkh.) within the canopy in two training systems, Slender Spindle and Bi-axis, were tested on nine-year-old trees of 'Gala' grafted on M9 rootstock. Three trees were chosen for each training system and twelve fruits from each tree were selected in different canopy positions and labeled after fruit set. The light availability for each fruit was measured using a digital camera equipped with a fisheye lens. At harvest, fruit size, over color and quality traits were assessed for each monitored fruit. The results indicated a large variability of fruit light availability within the canopy depending on fruit position. The upper and outer fruit positions for both training systems resulted in significantly higher light compared to the lower and inner positions. The percentage of fruit skin color and the soluble solids content (SSC) were influenced by the canopy layers. Fruits in the upper tree positions had a higher percentage of over color and higher SSC, while no differences were found in the inner and outer positions. Fruit position didn't affect fruit size, ripening stage, and flesh firmness. The two training systems resulted in no differences for light availability or fruit quality traits.

The impact of varieties, ripeness, and heat treatment on the retention of vitamin C and content of soluble solids in sweet pepper

In the three-year field trial we have grown six varieties of sweet peppers and we observed a change in the content of soluble solids and vitamin C during aging and after heat treatment with the sterilization. The highest content of soluble solids was found in peppers collected in botanical maturity, where the average was 5.82% in 2012, 6.52 in 2013 and 6.13 in 2014. Lower average, we measured in the intermediate maturity, 4.25 in 2012, 5.2% in 2013 and 4.73% in 2014. The lowest soluble solids content was recorded for fruit harvested in technical ripeness, only 3.57% in 2012, 4.25% in 2013 and 4.10% in 2014. In the technical maturity we determined the average value of vitamin C by the years between 90.98 mg.100 g-1 and 103.86 mg.100 g-1. The average in vitamin C content in fresh pepper fruits of intermediate maturity was ranging from 108.81 to 124.65 mg.100 g-1. The highest average values of vitamin C were at the botanical maturity from 171.42 to 188.30 mg.100 g-1. In the average of years and times of harvest it was found that the variety ´PCR´ and ´Slovakia´ had the first and second place in content of vitamin C (146.10 mg.100 g-1 - ´PCR´ and 143.72 mg.100-1 - ´Slovakia´). The least vitamin C was observed in a variety ´Katrena´ (120.80 mg.100 g-1). For six varieties we have found that in technical maturity retained after sterilization on average 34.0% of vitamin C, in an intermediate maturity 47.16% and 42.10% of botanical maturity. Vitamin C was the highest in sterilized pepper variety of ´Slovakia´ and ´PCR´ in all three stage of maturity. The results show that the pepper is an excellent reservoir of vitamin C, not only in c fresh state, but also after heat treatment.

Performance of the new seedless grape ‘BRS Isis' grown in subtropical area

‘BRS Isis' is a new colored seedless table grape tolerant to downy mildew, the main vine disease in subtropical humid areas. This new seedless cultivar is an interspecific hybrid from the crossing of CNPUV 681–29 [Arkansas 1976 X CNPUV 147–3 (‘Niagara Branca' x ‘Venus')] x ‘BRS Linda', and was recently released by Embrapa Grape and Wine, Brazil. The performance of ‘BRS Isis' seedless grape was evaluated in an experimental vineyard in 2016 located in a subtropical area at Marialva city, state of Parana, Brazil. The vines were grafted onto ‘IAC 766 Campinas' rootstock and trained in an overhead trellising system spaced at 2× 5 m. Vines were cane-pruning in late winter of July 2016, and for assessments, 20 representative vines were selected in the area. As ‘BRS Isis' is a very fruitful grape, presenting 4 bunches per shoot, a load adjustment was performed after fruitset removing 50% of bunches per shoot, leaving 2 bunches per shoot, equivalent to a density of 10 bunches.m−2 . The duration in days of the main phenological stages from pruning to harvest, and the physicochemical and yield characteristics of ‘BRS Isis' seedless grape were subjected to evaluation. It was determined that the cycle is 144 days. The means of berry and bunch weight was 6.7 ± 1.0 g and 500.0 ± 0.04 g, respectively, and the color index of berries (CIRG) was 4.3 ± 1.3. The means of total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA) and maturity index (TSS/TA) observed were 14.2 ± 0.3° Brix, 0.6 ± 0.04% of tartaric acid and 24.1 ± 1.5, respectively, while the yield was 49.0 ± 5.7 tons.ha−1 . The yield observed is considered high to keep a sustainable crop over time, thus, in order to obtain grapes of ‘BRS Isis' with regular yield, and possibly, with a higher content of soluble solids, it is desirable to keep only 1 bunch per shoot (5 bunches.m−2 ) after fruitset.

OSMOTIC DEHYDRATION OF FIG AND PLUM

The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of osmotic partially dehydration and edible coating using of carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC) on physical, chemical and organoleptic characteristics on Fig and Plum. Chemical, physical properties and sensory evaluation were carried out for fresh and osmotic dehydrated Fig and Plum. The obtained results reveal that fresh Fig had a high content of total soluble solids (T.S.S) %, crude protein, total ash and total acidity compared to those reported by fresh Plum. Meanwhile, fresh Plum moisture content was higher than that of fresh Fig the same results for crude fiber, ether extract, total sugars, both reducing, non-reducing sugars, pH value and L-Ascorbic acid were observed. It was noticed that there were significant differences in total sugars between treatments No.T3, T6 (Air dried Fig and Plum immerged in (CMC) solution + calcium chloride solution + sucrose solution) and treatments No. T2, T5 (Air dried Fig and Plum immerged in sucrose solution) compared to control T1, T4 (Air dried Fig and Plum without any treatments). It was observed that there were significant differences between all treatments in total sugars and reducing sugars contents compared to control samples. The obtained results also, recorded that the phytochemical content for all treatments was lower than that observed for fresh samples, meanwhile, treatments No. (T3, T6) had the highest content of phytochemical component compared to other treatments. Using of edible coating protects phytochemical component for dried Fig and Plum. Sensory quality parameters of the coating and osmotic dehydrated Fig and Plum (T3 and T6) showed an excellent organoleptic characteristics of color, taste, odor, texture, and overall palatability as compared to other once. On The other hand, it was noticed that edible coating causes the increasing of shear strength due to decrease of solute up take to texture of samples. Meanwhile, the rate of weight loss, water loss and solid gain was higher in air dried samples immerged in osmotic agent compared to these values which reported by air dried samples immerged in edible coating and osmotic agent in both dehydrated Plum and Fig. It could be concluded that the dehydrated Fig and Plum prepared by using an edible coating agent (CMC) and sucrose syrup at T.S.S. (50%) shows good organoleptic properties and overall acceptability. The chemical and nutritional quality are also not affected due to use edible coating and osmotic drying treatment, and it was best for preparation of dehydrated Fig and Plums with good quality.

Qualidade pós-colheita de oito variedades de pêssego

The fruit physical and chemical characteristics can vary during the maturation period and this variation depends, among other factors, on the weather conditions during fruit development. This study aimed to evaluate the changes in physical and chemical characteristics of eight peach cultivars during two seasons. The cultivars Campinas 1, Coral, Maciel, Marli, Premier, Regis, Rei da Conserva and Tropic Beauty were planted on Okinawa rootstock at the experimental orchard of the Federal University of Viçosa (UFV), Viçosa-MG, Brazil, in 2008 and the following characteristics were evaluated: fruit weight, skin color, firmness, soluble solids, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid and total carotenoids. The experiment was conducted during 2011 and 2012 growing seasons in a completely randomized design with eight treatments (cultivars), three repetitions and 10 fruits per plot. There were differences between the variables for the two seasons, with the largest variations observed for firmness, ascorbic acid and total carotenoids. Cultivars Maciel and Marli produced fruit with higher mass, Tropic Beauty with greater firmness and Rei da Conserva, Coral and Marli with higher soluble solids contents. The cultivar Rei da Conserva presented higher values for most of the evaluated variables in both seasons. The yellow color, evaluated by the hue angle, is associated with total carotenoids content in peaches.

Qualitative performance of lettuce cultivars in four seasons in Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte State, Brazil

ABSTRACT The major challenge in producing good quality lettuce in the semiarid region is the climatic factors such as high temperature, high luminosity and low air relative humidity, which affect the quality characteristics of leafy vegetables. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of lettuce cultivars of Crisphead (Angelina, Amelia and Taina), Mimosa (Mila, Mimosa and Lavinia), Green-leaf (Scarlet, Vera, Isabella and Vanda) and Loose-leaf (Elisa and Regiane) in four seasons: summer (12/21/2012), autumn (3/21/2013), winter (06/21/2013) and spring (09/23/2013) in the conditions of Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte state. The experimental design was a complete randomized block with four replications. The following characteristics were quantified: pH, titratable acidity, soluble solids (SS) and total soluble sugars. The quality of the lettuce was influenced by the cultivar and environmental conditions. Lower titratable acidity was recorded for Green-leaf and Loose-leaf groups in the summer and for Crisphead groups in the autumn. The highest content of soluble solids were achieved in autumn for cultivars Vera, Vanda, Isabela, Elisa and Regiane; to Lavinia, Angelina, Amelia and Tainá, and summer and autumn stood out from the other growing seasons for this trait. Cultivars Scarlet, Angelina and Amelia had higher levels of total soluble sugars in the summer; Mila and Lavinia in spring; Elisa and Regiane in winter and Tainá in spring.

The effects of reflective cloth and adjusted fruit distribution on apricot fruit quality

Apricot fruit harvested from lower, inner regions of the canopy are smaller and have lower soluble solids concentrations (SSC) than those from upper and outer canopy regions. A randomised, complete block trial was established using 'Cluthagold' apricot trees to investigate whether reflective cloth and/or adjustments to the distribution of fruit within these canopy regions could improve overall fruit quality. Extenday® reflective ground covers were placed along row aisles from pit hardening until harvest, with “uncovered” rows as controls. Fruit thinning was used to produce a standard fruit distribution within trees, typical of commercial orchards, spacing fruit approximately 8 cm apart along branches. An “adjusted fruit distribution” treatment was applied, with all fruit removed from the lower inner canopy zones and the equivalent number of additional fruit retained in the upper canopy. In all treatment combinations, fruit from the lower canopy regions were smaller and had lower SSC than fruit from the upper canopy. Reflective cloth increased light reflected up into the lower canopy and increased fruit weight (FW) and SSC of fruit in this part of the canopy; however, these fruit were still smaller and had lower SSC than fruit from the upper canopy of trees from any of the treatments. Adjusted fruit distribution did not affect FW or SSC of fruit grown in the upper canopy even though more fruit were located there. This corresponded to approximately 15% more fruit that were larger and had higher SSC than from standard trees. These results have identified potential short-term management techniques to increase fruit quality in older, more shaded apricot canopies.

Variation with the cultivar on the processing of apples as clear juice

The researches done at UASVM Cluj-Napoca in the frame of Horticultural product technology Department between 2014-2015 years followed the behavior of five apple cultivars at processing as clear juice. The apple juice characteristics (soluble solids content, organic acids content and clarification grade) were analyzed at processing of apples as clear juice and three months later, in order to determine how the initial characteristics of raw material were found again in the finished product. In order to provide the microbiological stability of juice, preservation was done with two chemical methods (sulfur dioxide – SO2 and sodium benzoate) and one physical method (pasteurization). The obtained results revealed ‘Florina’ cultivar, which had a processing efficiency as juice about 60%, high soluble solids content, 1% acidity, good clarification grade of juice, and pasteurization as microbiological stabilization method.

The Effectiveness of Basal Shoot Mechanical Leaf Removal at the Onset of Bloom to Control Crop on cv. Sangiovese (V. vinifera L.): Report on a Three-year Trial

Vine basal shoot leaves are known to be the primary nutritional source for fruit set at the onset of bloom. The effectiveness of mechanical removal of this foliage at that date was tested from 2012 to 2014 to control the cropping of high-yielding cv. Sangiovese in a “Toscana rosso” TGI (Typical Geographic Indication) district in Tuscany, where the yield threshold is 16 t/ha. A tractor-mounted leaf remover featuring sideby- side rotary suction and feed rollers was employed along a 50 cm basal area of cropping shoots at the beginning of bloom; control was the usual manual thinning of clusters carried out at veraison in the same vineyard. Mechanical leaf removal eliminated about 30% of leaf area and some shoots and inflorescences, thus reducing cropping potential and even resulting in a physiological effect, as the resulting clusters were composed of lower numbers of berries and were less compact and less susceptible to mould than the control. By harvest, the defoliated vines showed higher leaf area, most likely because leaf removal at the onset of bloom may have triggered compensatory new growth, and their grapes had a higher content of soluble solids than the thinned control. While both treatments kept the yield below the 16 t/ha threshold – leaf removal at an estimated 15.1 t/ha and manual cluster thinning at 15.6 t/ha – mechanical defoliation notably reduced yearly labour input: an estimated 4 h/ha against the 38 h/ha from thinning.