Fruit Physical Characteristics Research Articles

Physical characteristics of fruit of yellow passion fruit produced in soil with bio-fertilizer, mulching and saline water

espanolLas dimensiones y el rendimiento de los frutos son caracteristicas fundamentales para la calidad de frutos destinados al mercado y la industria. En este sentido se realizo un experimento para evaluar el formato, resistencia y rendimiento de maracuya amarillo producido en sustrato con biofertilizante bovino, mantillo e irrigado con agua salina. El diseno experimental fue de tres bloques al azar, con un arreglo factorial de 2 x 2 x 2, los factores evaluados fueron: agua de riego no salina (0,50 dS m-1), salina (4,50 dS m-1), con aplicacion y sin aplicacion de biofertilizante bovino, con y sin mantillo. Los frutos de maracuya fueron cosechados con 30% de corteza amarillenta y se evaluo el diametro de la cavidad longitudinal (largura), diametro de la cavidad ecuatorial (transversal), indice de formato de los frutos, resistencia de la cascara y rendimiento de jugo y pulpa. Los mayores valores de diametro de la cavidad longitudinal, diametro de la cavidad ecuatorial, indice de formato de los frutos y rendimiento de jugo y pulpa se obtuvieron con el uso de biofertilizante bovino y mantillo en los sustratos regados con agua de alto nivel de salinidad. El uso de agua de alto nivel de salinidad redujo el diametro de la cavidad longitudinal, el diametro de la cavidad ecuatorial, el indice de formato de los frutos, independientemente de la presencia de insumos organicos en el sustrato y aumento el rendimiento de jugo, pulpa y resistencia de la cascara en los tratamientos sin biofertilizante y sin mantillo. El mayor indice de formato del fruto presento el mayor rendimiento de jugo. EnglishThe size and yield of fruit are important in the physical quality of the fruits destined for markets and industry. An experiment was performed to evaluate the form, peel strength and yield of fruits of yellow passion fruit plant produced in substrata with bovine bio-fertilizer and mulching, irrigated with saline water. The treatments were designed in three random blocks using a 2 x 2 x 2 factorial arrangement; irrigation with non-saline (0.50 dS m-1) and saline (4.50 dS m-1) water, with and without application of bovine biofertilizer and with and without mulching. The passion fruit fruits were harvested when 30% of the peel was yellowish; we evaluated the diameter of the longitudinal cavity (length), diameter of the equatorial cavity (width), fruit form index, peel strength and juice and pulp yield. The substrate with bovine bio-fertilizer and mulching irrigated with high salinity water reduced the diameter of the longitudinal and equatorial cavity, the fruit form index and increased the firmness of the peel of the fruits of the yellow passion fruit plant. However, the use of the bovine biofertilizer and mulching irrigated with non-saline water increased the diameter of the equatorial and longitudinal cavity and the fruit form index.

INTERACTION BETWEEN PRODUCTION CHARACTERISTICS AND POSTHARVEST PERFORMANCE AND PRACTICES FOR FRESH FRUIT

Significant interactions have been demonstrated between production factors and postharvest quality of fresh fruit. Accordingly, there is an attendant need for adaptive postharvest actions to modulate preharvest effects. The most significant preharvest effects appear to be mediated through mineral nutrition influences on the physical characteristics of fruit. Examples of specific influencers include fertilisers, water availability, rootstock, and crop load effects on fruit quality attributes such as skin colour, susceptibility to diseases and physiological disorders, and fruit nutritional composition. Also, rainfall before and during harvest can markedly affect fruit susceptibility to skin blemishes, physical damage, and diseases. Knowledge of preharvest-postharvest interactions can help determine the basis for variability in postharvest performance and thereby allow refinement of postharvest practices to minimise quality loss after harvest. This knowledge can be utilised in predictive management systems. Such systems can benefit from characterisation of fruit nutritional status, particularly minerals, several months before and/or at harvest to allow informed decisions on postharvest handling and marketing options. Other examples of proactive management practices include adjusting harvesting and packing systems to account for rainfall effects before and/or during harvest. Improved understanding of preharvest-postharvest interactions is contributing to the delivery of consistently higher quality of fruit to consumers. This paper focuses on the state of knowledge for sub-tropical and tropical fruits, in particular avocado and mango.

Comparación de las características morfológicas y fisicoquímicas de diez cultivares de carambola.

La carambola (Averrhoa carambola L.) es una fruta comercial principalmente sembrada en el sur de la Florida para el mercado local. Se evaluaron diez cultivares comerciales de carambola; a cada uno de ellos se les evaluó el dulzor, acidez, tamaño y color de la fruta. Los árboles de carambola están sembrados en un suelo Krome gravely loam, en Miami-Dade, Florida, EE.UU. Se determinaron características físicas de las frutas midiendo la longitud del fruto, diámetro y peso. Las características fisicoquímicas se determinaron midiendo el dulzor (Brix, ° Bx), pH, firmeza (kg/cm), y el color de la fruta usando los valores L*, a *, b * del sistema CIE Lab. Tean Ma' tuvo un pH significativamente más bajo que los otros cultivares utilizados en el estudio. 'Hew 1' fue significativamente más larga, y 'Fwang Tung' demostró un diámetro significativamente mayor en comparación con el de otros cultivares. El valor L* para 'Arkin' fue significativamente menor que en otros cultivares, pero el valor b * de 'Wheeler' fue significativamente mayor. Hubo una cantidad significativamente mayor de semillas producida por 'Arkin' en comparación con las de los otros cultivares utilizados en el estudio. Los resultados demostraron que existen diversos cultivares que producen frutos grandes y dulces en el ambiente cálido y húmedo del sur de Florida

Determinação do ponto de colheita de diferentes cultivares de maracujá

Neste trabalho caracterizou-se a qualidade dos frutos em diferentes pontos de colheita para armazenamento das cultivares de maracujá: BRS Gigante Amarelo, BRS Ouro Vermelho e BRS Sol do Cerrado. Foram avaliados as características físicas dos frutos (aparência, perda de massa, coloração da casca) e os parâmetros químicos do suco (conteúdo de acidez, pH, ácido ascórbico, sólidos solúveis totais, açúcares solúveis totais e açúcares redutores). Utilizou-se uma Amostragem Simples ao Acaso (ASA), com 0,05 de significância e as médias foram comparadas pelo Teste "t" por Intervalo de Confiança. Os frutos colhidos nos estádios iniciais de amadurecimento apresentaram maior perda de massa e alteração da qualidade do suco. Conclui-se que os frutos das diferentes cultivares colhidos na safra de verão (novembro/dezembro) devem ter pelo menos 55% de casca com coloração amarela para proporcionar menor perda de massa, manter a qualidade do suco e aumentar a sua vida útil.

Assessment of coating tomato fruit with shrimp shell chitosan and N,O-carboxymethyl chitosan on postharvest preservation

The effect of coating tomato fruit (Lycopersicon esculentum) with shrimp shell chitosan, a deacetylated form of chitin, and a chitosan derivative, i.e. N,O-carboxymethyl chitosan (NOCC) on postharvest preservation was studied. The effects of various chitosan and NOCC concentrations on fruit ripening behavior, as well as fruit physical and chemical characteristics were evaluated during storage at room temperature (25–30 °C). Coating the fruit with 2 % (w/v) chitosan or NOCC solutions was found to be more effective in extended its storage life than coating with 0.5 % (w/v) solutions. Covered tomatoes were firmer, higher in titratable acidity, and exhibited less red pigmentation than the control uncoated fruits at the end of storage. These results suggest the suitability of chitosan and its derivative NOCC as an alternative means of preserving fresh fruits.

Physicochemical and sensory evaluation of some cooking banana (Musa spp.) for boiling and frying process.

Experiments were conducted to study physicochemical properties of four cooking banana varieties (Cardaba, Nijiru, Matoke and Kitawira) and to determine their suitability for chips processing and boiling quality. A randomized complete block design with three replications was employed. Pulp to peel ratio, pulp firmness (before and after), total soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, ease of peeling, pulp water absorption, duration of cooking (or boiling) and dry matter are the most important parameters to evaluate the quality of cooking banana including plantain. The different variety affected the fruit physical characteristics significantly (P ≤ 0.05). The Cardaba varieties fruit was found to be the heaviest and the longest. The Kitawira and Nijiru varieties had the smallest, shortest and thinnest fruit. The Cardaba contained 88% more edible portions per unit fresh weight than the peel. The Nijiru, Matoke and Kitawira contained more pulp weight than peel weight. Most fruit chemical quality parameters were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) affected by the varieties. Similarly, the boiling and chips qualities were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) affected by varieties. Among others, the Cardaba variety was found to have high fruit weight, fruit length, fruit girth, fruit volume, total soluble solids, ascorbic acid, dry matter and low total titratable acidity. Thus, Cardaba provided the best quality boiled pulp which can serve for diversified culinary purposes. Generally, the Nijiru, Kitawira and Matoke varieties were found to be superior to produce acceptable quality chips. These varieties are recommended for chips development by food processors in Ethiopia.

English

This study was conducted during 2010 and 2011 to investigate the effect of preharvest sprays on yield, harvest date, harvest period and fruit physico-chemical quality characteristics at commercial harvest date of Sokary date palm growing in Riyadh area, Saudi Arabia. These palms were sprayed at hababouk and khalal stages with naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), gibberellic acid (GA3), cytofex (CPPU), putrescine (Put), salicylic acid (SA) or ethyphon (Eth). The results showed that the yield components and fruit physical characteristics (except ground color) were improved by all sprayed bioregulators, especially NAA, GA3 and CPPU. The applications of bioregulators delayed harvest date in comparison with the control and Eth treatments. The latest harvest date was obtained with NAA followed by GA3 and CPPU treatments. On the other hand, Eth advanced fruit ripening date in comparison with the control. All the bioregulator treatments decreased the harvest period and the percentage of unmarketable fruits. It also delayed fruit carotenoids pigment formation, but increased fruit acidity and chlorophyll content as compared with control and Eth treatments. Fruit TSS and sugar content at rutab stage were higher compared to the control. However, at tamar stage, fruit acidity was decreased by all treatments. Key words: Date palm, bioregulators, preharvest, yield, ripening fruit quality.

Effect of foliar application of different potassium formssupported by zinc on leaf mineral contents, yield and fruit quality of "Balady" mandrine trees

This study was carried out during two successive seasons 2010 and 2011 on 13 years old Balady mandarin trees budded on sour orange rootstock and spaced at 4×4 meters apart. Trees were grown in sandy soil at Giza Governorate. Foliar spraying with different potassium forms and as well as potassium nitrate (KNO ), 3 mono potassium phosphate (MKP) and potassium thiosulfate (KTS) at different concentration supported with chelated zinc at 0.5% for all treatments were applied on the trees either pre or post bloom. The obtained results showed that all potassium forms supported with Zn induced a remarked promotion in leaf mineral status. Also potassium forms enhanced yield and fruit physical and chemical characteristics compared with control trees. The best results with regards to foliar application were obtained by MKP at 1.5% concentration with 0.5% chelated Zn which superior to improve leaves nutritional status. Whereas, enhanced yield and fruit physical and chemical characteristics were obtained by sprayed both KNO and KTS at 1.5% concentrations 3 with 0.5% chelated zinc.

Effect of pollen source on quantitative and qualitative characteristics of dried figs (Ficus carica L.) cvs ‘Payves’ and ‘Sabz’ in Kazerun – Iran

In dried fig production, caprification (pollination) is very important to obtain economical yield. The selection of pollen source with good quality and quantity of pollen is an essential practice in fig orchards. This study was conducted in Kazerun region, Iran, to investigate the effect of pollen source on quantitative and qualitative characteristics of dried figs (Ficus carica L.) cvs ‘Payves’ and ‘Sabz’. The efficiency of three pollen sources was evaluated to identify the most effective pollinizer for female cultivars ‘Payves’ and ‘Sabz’ (Smyrna type). Results indicated that fruit length, skin color, total soluble solids, total phenolics, total flavonoid and total anthocyanins were affected significantly by the pollen sources; while pollen source had no significant effect on fruit diameter, fruit weight, ostiol width, time of fruit ripening and antioxidant capacity. In addition, the phenolic compounds including catechin, total catechin, quercetin-3-glucoside, total quercetin and chlorogenic acid were influenced by the pollen sources. According to the findings here, ‘Avgeizi’ caprifig had the best results on fruit physical characteristics especially fruit length. However, ‘Kouhi’ caprifig showed the highest biochemical values including total phenolics, total flavonoids, antioxidant capacity and total soluble solids on female cultivars ‘Payves’ and ‘Sabz’ in Kazerun region.

Florescimento e frutificação do maracujazeiro silvestre Passiflora setacea D. C. cultivado em Jaboticabal, SP

Muitas espécies de Passiflora apresentam comportamento florífero diferente durante o ano e, consequentemente, com variações nas produções e períodos de colheitas, como observado para o maracujazeiro-amarelo (Passiflora edulis sims). Estudo com espécies silvestre constitui-se numa importante alternativa para usos de novos genótipos no melhoramento das espécies cultivadas comercialmente, em especial, a Passiflora setacea, devido ao grande potencial de mercado; contudo, essa espécie é pouco estudada, principalmente em relação à propagação, germinação, floração e condições de armazenamento. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o florescimento e a frutificação do maracujazeiro silvestre Passiflora setacea cultivado em Jaboticabal-SP. A floração e a frutificação foram avaliadas pelo percentual de frutificação através da polinização natural e artificial das flores, realizado no período de agosto a outubro. As características físicas dos frutos foram avaliadas através dos seguintes parâmetros: a) massa do fruto (g); b) diâmetro longitudinal do fruto (cm); c) diâmetro transversal do fruto (cm); d) espessura da casca (cm); e) rendimento de polpa (%). A característica química foi determinada por meio do teor de sólidos solúveis (SS). Verificou-se que a Passiflora setacea apresentou precocidade de floração em relação ao maracujazeiro-amarelo, com florescimento durante o ano todo, nas condições de Jaboticabal-SP. Observou-se que essa espécie possui bom nível de tolerância às doenças foliares, resistência à morte precoce e apresenta diferentes níveis de compatibilidade entre as plantas, possibilitando a essas características serem utilizadas em programas de melhoramento genético. Constatou-se ainda que as características físicas encontradas nos frutos atendem às exigências da indústria.

The effect of different leaf/bunch ratios on yield and fruit physical characteristics of Khlass date palm cultivar

The effect of leaf/bunch ratios (6, 8, 10 and 12 leaves/bunch) on yield and fruit quality of Khlass date palm cultivar was studied for 3 successive years in National Date Palm Research Centre of AlHassa, Saudi Arabia. Yield and total production of dates gradually increased significantly with increasing leaf/bunch ratio. However, leaf/bunch ratio had no effect on length, breadth and weight of Khlass fruits and the differences between treatments were not significant.

Diversidade genética em castanheira-do-gurgueia (Dipteryx lacunifera Ducke) com base em características físicas e químico-nutricionais do fruto

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a divergência genética entre 23 genótipos de castanheira-do-gurgueia, com base em características físicas e químico-nutricionais do fruto. Os frutos foram coletados em áreas de ocorrência natural da espécie no cerrado do sudoeste piauiense. As características físicas analisadas foram: (a) fruto - massa média (MMF); comprimento (CF); largura (LF); espessura (EF), e massa média do pericarpo (MMP); e (b) castanha - massa média (MMC); comprimento (CC); largura (LC), e espessura (EC). As características químico-nutricionais da castanha analisadas foram: gordura (G); proteína bruta (PB); fibra bruta (FB); cinzas (CZ); carboidratos totais (CT); energia (E), e minerais (P, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, Fe, Cu e Zn). A divergência genética foi estimada utilizando a distância generalizada de Mahalanobis (D²) como medida de dissimilaridade. Estimou-se, também, a importância relativa das características na divergência genética. Os métodos de agrupamento utilizados foram de Tocher e UPGMA. Os genótipos apresentaram variabilidade para a maioria das características analisadas. Os genótipos G-17 e G-18 são os mais divergentes, e os genótipos G-3 e G-16 são os mais similares. As características que tiveram as maiores contribuições para a divergência entre os genótipos foram MMP, MMF, E, FB, CT e PB. A castanha-do-gurgueia é uma boa fonte de P, K, Mg, PB, FB, CT e E.

EFFECT OF GA3, HAND POLLINATION AND BRANCH-BENDING ON PRODUCTIVITY AND QUALITY OF BANATI GUAVA TREES GROWN IN SANDY SOILS.

This study was carried out during two successive seasons (2010 and 2011) on fourteen years old Banati guava trees (Psidium guajava L.), grown in sandy soil in the South of Tahrir region at Aly Mubarak Research Station. GA3 at 300 or 400 and 500 ppm was sprayed once time at full bloom, hand pollination with pollens from Malizi and Gizi guava trees for Banati guava trees as well as branches bending were carried out. The obtained results revealed that most treatments especially those included GA3 sprays improved the yield and fruit quality. However data proved that GA3 sprays at 400 ppm were more effective in increasing number of fruit set/ meter and fruit set and subsequently improved the yield as well as the physical fruit characteristics. Hand pollination with pollens from Malizi guava tree for Banati guava trees significantly increased total acidity and Vitamin C. Branches bending had the highest percentage of total sugars. So, spraying 400 ppm GA3 one time at full bloom was the promising treatment for increasing productivity of low yield Banati guava trees grown under sandy soil condition.

Fruit physical characteristics responses of young apricot trees to different irrigation regimes and yield, quality, vegetative growth, and evapotranspiration relations

This study was carried out to investigate effects of different irrigation regimes on fruit pomological properties of drip-irrigated young apricot trees in 2005 and 2008. Six different irrigation treatments were used: five of which (S1, S2, S3, S4, and S5) were based on adjustment coefficients of Class A pan evaporation (0.50, 0.75, 1.00, 1.25, and 1.50). The other treatment (S6) was regulated deficit irrigation treatment that was irrigated by applying 100% of Class A pan evaporation until harvest, but not irrigated after harvest in all the years of study. The effect of different water application levels on fruit weight, fruit diameter, fruit height, seed weight, and flesh / seed ratio was found statistically insignificant. Regression analysis showed that there were significant relations among fruit yield, some quality characteristics, vegetative growth, and evapotranspiration in both 2005 and 2008. Also, the yield per tree and evapotranspiration were related with high R2 values of 0.97 and 0.76 in 2005 and 2008, respectively. The fruit yield values showed an increasing trend depending on an increase in the tree crown volume, and trunk cross-section area in the experimental years. Fruit quality relationships weredifferent according to the years and quality properties. In 2008, fruit weight reduced while fruit yield increased with fruit diameter and fruit height of more than about 47 and 38 mm, respectively. Thus, it was understood that yield increased, depending on the number of fruit rather than the weight of fruit. Key words: Apricot, class a pan, drip-irrigation, evapotranspiration, fruit yield and quality, regulated deficit irrigation, vegetative growth.

Variability of Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) fruits’ physical characteristics and nutrient content in the West African Sahel

The present study was carried out to evaluate variability in fruit characteristics and nutritional quality of Baobab fruits with the aim of providing the background to select trees bearing fruit with desirable characteristics for further utilisation. Vitamin C, total sugar and ash contents were assessed in 178 Baobab fruit samples from 11 sites in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. Furthermore the following tree and fruit physical characteristics were recorded: tree height, bark colour, fruit size, pulp weight, seed weight, seed size and pulp colour. The content (mean ± SD) of vitamin C was 4.78 ± 1.02 g kg−1, sugar 514 ± 72 g kg−1 and fruit weight 293 ± 96 g. There was a significant correlation between annual precipitation of the tree population site and vitamin C content but not with sugar content. For sugar, there were significant positive correlations with latitude and longitude. Negative correlations were found between fruit size and both longitude and latitude with smaller fruits generally being found to the north/east. No relation was found between pulp or bark colour and the sugar or vitamin C content. The contents of protein, lipid, carbohydrates, ash and moisture in the seeds ranged from 156 to 159, 143 to 150, 641 to 652, 44 to 49 and 50 to 55.7 g kg−1 respectively. The variation for vitamin C and sugar found within populations is a first indication that valuable gains could be made by selection of superior trees.

Evaluation of physicochemical characteristics of pomegranate (Punica granatumL.) fruit during ripening

Introduction . Pomegranate fruit is a good source of bioactive compounds. Although data about the importance of pomegranates in human nutrition has increased extensively in the last years, the fruit physical and chemical characteristics of some Iranian pomegranate cultivars during fruit ripening have not been investigated in detail yet. Therefore, the evaluation of physicochemical characteristics of pomegranate fruit cv. ‘Rabbab-e-Fars’ at three different stages, from fruit set to ripening, was the aim of the present study. Materials and methods . Fruit fresh weight and volume, and peel, aril, juice and seed percentage were measured as physical features and total soluble solids, pH, titrable acidity, ascorbic acid, total sugars, anthocyanins, phenolics and tannins, condensed tannins, and antioxidant activity in the juice were evaluated as the chemical properties. Results . The highest percentage of aril (57.86%) and juice (48.01%) and lowest percentage of peel (42.13%) and seed (10.49%) were observed in 140-day-old fruits. A significant increase in concentrations of total soluble solids and total sugars were recorded during fruit ripening. The ascorbic acid content decreased significantly, while the amount of total anthocyanins increased significantly with fruit maturity. Ripe fruit, which had a low titratable acidity (1.35 g·100 g-1 of fruit juice), showed a correspondingly high pH (3.23). The levels of total phenolics, total tannins, condensed tannins and antioxidant activity declined significantly during fruit ripening. Conclusion . Our results provide important information on the changes in physical and chemical properties of pomegranate fruit during ripening, which is very useful for determination of the fruit quality.

Improving fruit quality, nutritional value and yield of Zaghloul dates by the application of organic and/or mineral fertilizers

A field study was carried out during the years 2007 and 2008 on 30-year old Zaghloul cultivar growing in clay soil. Mineral fertilization sources: N, ammonium nitrate or NPK, ammonium nitrate + calcium superphosphate + potassium sulphate, and organic sources: chicken manure (CM), cow dung (CD) and composted domestic refuse (CDR) were applied either alone or in combinations in order to study their influence on the yield and fruit physical and chemical quality characteristics. The results revealed that applying organic manure alone or in combination with mineral NPK increased palm yield as compared to mineral fertilization alone (NPK or N). In general, fruit weight, flesh weight, length, diameter and dry weight were increased, while fruit moisture content decreased by the application of organic manures either alone or in combination with mineral NPK as compared to the mineral N. Higher fruit TSS and total sugars content were obtained by the application of organic manures alone or in combination with mineral NPK as compared with mineral fertilization alone (NPK or N). Overall values of fruit minerals content did not differ among the different treatments. Organic manures fertilization (especially CM and CD) resulted in decreasing fruit lead, cadmium, nitrate and nitrite contents more than mineral fertilization. In general, the application of organic manures either alone or in combinations with mineral NPK did not differ from each other in their effect on yield and fruit quality.

Are citrus species favorable hosts for the Mediterranean fruit fly? A demographic perspective

AbstractWe studied, under laboratory conditions, demographic parameters of adult Mediterranean fruit flies,Ceratitis capitata(Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) (medfly), obtained from three sweet orange varieties, lemon, and bitter oranges. These data were combined with immature developmental rates and survival on the same hosts to estimate host‐specific population parameters. Pairs of newly emerged adults from each citrus variety were held individually in transparent plastic cages, and females were allowed to oviposit in either red domes (artificial, pre‐punctured plastic oviposition devices), or intact, whole citrus fruits. We found strong effects of larval host (citrus fruits) on adult longevity and fecundity. In all five citrus varieties, females did not manage to deposit eggs into fruit pulp. The proportion of eggs laid in either the flavedo or albedo area of the fruit peel differed depending on the citrus variety. In all cases except bitter oranges, females oviposited fewer eggs in citrus fruits than in the artificial oviposition substrates, suggesting that most citrus fruits cause a significant reduction in the reproductive potential of medflies. Negative correlations were found between fecundity and (a) the density of oil glands, and (b) the amount of essential oils in the flavedo area of citrus fruits. There was no correlation between fecundity and other fruit physical characteristics, such as resistance of fruit peel to pressure and thickness of the flavedo. Apparently, resistance of citrus fruits to medfly infestation is directly related to citrus essential oils. The intrinsic rate of increase (r) was higher in bitter oranges than in the three sweet orange varieties tested. A negative r was estimated for flies that developed and oviposited in lemons, indicating a tendency for population decrease in this host. The suitability of citrus fruits for medfly development and the practical implications of our findings for management of medflies in citrus orchards are discussed.

Cultivo de bananas em diferentes áreas na ilha de Tenerife

Objetivando caracterizar a produção e a qualidade de bananas produzidas em diferentes condições de cultivo na ilha de Tenerife, foram estudadas três regiões da ilha (Cueva del Polvo, Hoya Melleque e Canaria Forestal), onde se produzem bananas ao ar livre das cultivares Gruesa, Gran Enana e Laja. Nas áreas de Cueva del Polvo e Hoya Melleque, emprega-se o cultivo convencional e, na propriedade Canaria Forestal, pratica-se o orgânico. Os espaçamentos adotados foram de 1,67 x 5,0 m, com duas plantas por cova; 1,3 x 3,0 m, com uma planta por cova, e 2,0 x 5,0 m, com duas plantas por cova, respectivamente, para as propriedades em Cueva del Polvo, Hoya Melleque e Canaria Forestal. Diante dos dados observados, é possível verificar que as plantas da cv. Gran Enana apresentam maior altura e as da cv. Gruesa, maior espessura de pseudocaule. Também se pode inferir que, dentre as áreas e cultivares estudadas, não houve grande variabilidade nas características físicas dos frutos. A produtividade média encontrada foi de 99,8 t.ha-1, valor considerado adequado.

Caracterização físico-química dos frutos de genótipos de bananeira produzidos em Botucatu-SP

O conhecimento dos atributos pós-colheita dos frutos de novos genótipos é uma importante informação que auxilia o melhorista em sua tomada de decisão. Neste trabalho, objetivou-se avaliar as características físico-químicas de frutos de genótipos de 3 grupos genômicos de bananeira: 'Nanicão-IAC-2001', 'Grande Naine', 'Caipira' e 'Nam' (AAA); 'Maçã', 'Thap Maeo', 'Prata Anã' e 'Prata Zulu' (AAB); 'Fhia 01', 'Fhia 18', 'Prata Graúda' e 'Tropical' (AAAB), no município de Botucatu-SP. As características avaliadas foram: textura, pH, acidez titulável, sólidos solúveis, açúcares solúveis totais, teores de amido e potássio. Foi adotado o delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, com 12 tratamentos (genótipos), cinco repetições, sendo que em cada repetição utilizaram-se cinco frutos. Utilizou-se o teste de tukey (Pd" 0,05) para a comparação entre médias de genótipos, dentro de cada grupo genômico. Os resultados mostraram que no grupo AAA, Nam se destacou apresentando frutos mais firmes, com maior teor de sólidos solúveis e amido. Do grupo AAB, 'Prata Zulu' apresentou frutos mais firmes, com maior teor de açúcares solúveis totais e amido e menor acidez. No grupo dos híbridos AAAB, 'Tropical' apresentou maior teor de potássio e amido, no entanto, menor teor de sólidos solúveis e açúcares solúveis totais.