Pulp Thickness Research Articles

Fertilizante organomineral no cultivo do meloeiro no Submédio Vale do São Francisco

O cultivo do melão é uma das principais fontes na geração de emprego e renda no semiárido brasileiro. Porém, o uso demasiado de fertilizantes nesta cultura tem proporcionado o manejo da adubação através do fertilizante organomineral, que busca reduzir os impactos ambientais, melhorando a produtividade e qualidade do fruto, facilitando a lenta liberação de nutrientes além de proporcionar melhorias nos atributos físico-químico e biológicos do solo. Neste sentido, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os componentes de produção e qualidade pós-colheita dos frutos de meloeiro fertirrigado com doses de fertillizante organomineral. Os experimentos foram conduzidos de abril a junho (primeira safra) e de outubro a dezembro (segunda safra). O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados, com cinco repetições, com os tratamentos dispostos em parcelas subsubdivididas, onde nas parcelas foram atribuídos dois manejos de fertirrigação, a convencional e o uso recomendado de ureia; e na subparcela, quatro doses do fertilizante organomineral, 0; 1000; 2000; e 3000 mL ha-1 e como subsubparcela duas safras agrícolas. Utilizou-se o híbrido de melão ‘Gladial’, cujas variáveis avaliadas foram: diâmetro e comprimento de fruto, espessura de polpa, firmeza de polpa, número e peso médio dos frutos por planta, produtividade total, e produtividade comercial. A segunda safra (outubro a dezembro) obteve o melhor desempenho agronômico para o cultivo do melão. Recomenda-se a utilização do fertilizante organomineral na dose de 2228 mL ha-1, associado à fertirrigação convencional no segundo semestre para o aumento da produtividade e qualidade dos frutos.

Genetic diversity in muskmelon (Cucumis melo)

The present investigation was carried out during 2014-15 and 2015–16 at Horticultural Research Station, Ananthrajupet, DRYSRHU, Andhra Pradesh to assess the genetic diversity in muskmelon, Cucumis melo. Genetic divergence evaluated using Mahalanobis D2 analysis revealed less to moderate diversity among fourty two genotypes. The cluster analysis of muskmelon exhibited a moderate clustering pattern and grouped genotypes into five distinct clusters with maximum of 37 genotypes in cluster I, two in cluster IV and one in each of cluster II, III and V. The highest inter-cluster distance (80.61) between Cluster III and IV indicating the genotypes of these clusters may give heterotic response and leads to better segregants. Among the morphological traits studied, fruit length (23.69%), pulp thickness (17.07%) and fruit girth (16.84%) contributed major share in the divergence of the genotypes which can be utilized for selection of individual genotypes for future crop improvement programme. Most of the genotypes accommodated into single cluster, probably they may share genetic similarity. The genotypes Papayee S-1, IC 321371, Kundan, Muskan and Arka Jeet, being divergent from others may serve as potential parents for breeding programmes.

Evaluation of different papaya varieties for yield and quality parameters under Rayalaseema zone of Andhra Pradesh, India

Papaya (Carica papaya L.) is one of the most important fruits of tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It is believed to be native of Tropical America; probably Southern Mexico from where it spread to most of the Caribbean and Asian countries during the16th century. India stands first in the production of papaya in the world followed by Nigeria, Indonesia, Mexico, Ethiopia and others. The fruit has high nutritive and medicinal value especially vitamin A (2020 IU/l00g). It also possesses vitamin B, folate and pantothenic acid besides minerals like potassium and magnesium. Five papaya varieties were evaluated for yield and quality parameters under rayalseema dry zone of Andhra Pradesh. The highest yield per plant (45.57 kg) was recorded in TFCP-2 while highest estimated yield per hectare (121.62t/ha) was recorded in the variety Red Lady. Maximum fruit length (21.80 cm), maximum level of total soluble solids (14.88 0brix) was found in the variety TFCP-4. However, Highest pulp thickness (3.96 cm) was recorded in the variety Red Lady. Among five papaya varieties Red lady was found to be superior in terms of yield and quality parameters.

CONTROL OF WEEDS IN THE JAPANESE PUMPKIN HYBRIDS

The Japanese pumpkin known as "Tetsukabuto" is the result of crossing selected lines of squash. Squashes are highly susceptible to weed interference due to slow initial growth, requiring more considerable attention as to their control. Studies focusing on the losses caused by weeds to Japanese pumpkin hybrids are scarce. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the influence of weed control on the fruit yield of Japanese pumpkin hybrid cultivars. A randomized block design with four replications in a 3x4 factorial scheme was used. Three cultivars (Corina F1, Triunfo F1, and Takayama F1) and four weed control periods, without weed control, weed control from 0 to 30 and from 0 to 60 days after transplanting (DAT), and weed control throughout the crop cycle (continuous control) were evaluated. The harvest was carried out at 105 DAT, and it was evaluated population density of the weed community, yield, fruit diameter, fruit fresh mass, number of fruits per plant, pulp thickness, and internal fruit cavity thickness. The weed control from 0 to 60 DAT and continuous weed control resulted in the lowest weed population density and weed dry matter. The weed control from 0 to 60 DAT provided a higher number of fruits per plant, fruit diameter, fruit fresh mass, and thicker pulp. The highest development and fruit yield of Japanese pumpkin hybrids was observed when the plants were free from weed interference until 60 days after transplanting.

Bell pepper yield as a function of an alternative source of organic matter

For a good development and a consequently high production, the bell pepper requires, among other conditions, satisfactory levels of soil fertility. In this perspective, this work aimed to evaluate the parameters of production and productivity of the bell pepper cultivar ‘Casca Dura Ikeda’ cultivated in field conditions, with different doses of buriti stem, in Bom Jesus, Piauí. The experiment was conducted at the Horticulture Department of the Campus Professora Cinobelina Elvas of the Federal University of Piauí (CPCE/UFPI). The experimental design was in randomized blocks with treatments distributed in plots referring to organic fertilization. There were five (5) doses of buriti stem (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 t ha-1) plus an additional treatment (bovine manure and NPK mineral fertilizer), with four replications and an experimental unit consisting of twenty plants. The following variables were analyzed: number of fruits per plant, mean fruit length, basal diameter, mean thickness of the fruit pulp, mean fruit weight, production, and yield. We concluded that the yield attributes of the bell pepper cv. ‘Casca Dura Ikeda’ are influenced by organic fertilization, and production is increased by the buriti stem doses of 20 t ha-1 and 30 t ha-1 and by the use of the combination of manure and mineral fertilizer.

The semi-occlusive dressing - development of the confidence of the patients in the treatment and the odour emission during the treatment period

This study aims to analyse how the confidence of patients with a fingertip injury treated with a semi-occlusive dressing develops during treatment. In addition, the development of odour emission was recorded. 17 patients with a fingertip injury were treated by use of a semi-occlusive dressing. On each appointment, before the dressing was changed, patients were interviewed about their confidence in the type of treatment and the amount of odour emission. Confidence in type of treatment and amount of odour emission were graded on a numeric analogue scale with 0 = no confidence and 10 = absolute confidence, and 0 = no odour emission and 10 = extreme odour emission, respectively. After the fingertip injury healed, pulp thickness was measured by ultrasound and compared with the uninjured finger of the opposite hand. Already at the beginning of treatment, patient confidence in the type of treatment was high (8.5 ± SD 1.1). Odour emission reached a maximum of 5.6 ± SD 2.5 at the third dressing change. As odour emission decreased, confidence in type of treatment peaked between the third and fourth dressing change. After healing of the fingertip injury, the pulp of the injured finger was measured to be 3.0 ± 0.6 mm on ultrasound; pulp thickness of the uninjured finger of the other hand was 3.4 ± 0.8 mm. The confidence that a fingertip injury will heal by use of a semi-occlusive dressing is very high from the beginning of treatment. As odour emission decreases, confidence in treatment increases further.

Assortment of zucchini, squash, pumpkin, watermelon, melon in the Russian Federation

Relevance. Pumpkin plants are valuable vegetable and melon crops (pumpkin, watermelon, melon, squash, cucumber, luffa, momordica, lagenaria, anguria, etc.), covering a wide variety of plant life forms. The fruits and seeds of these crops are of great nutritional value. Material and results. The existing assortment of a pumpkin, vegetable marrow, bush pumpkin, watermelon, melon in the Russian Federation, according to the State register of the selection achievements admitted to use is considered. On each culture the grades which were grown for more then 45–75 years are allocated. The carried out analysis of domestic and foreign grades and hybrids has allowed to divide them into groups on precocity, use, cultivation regions, quantity of deducing by selection-seed-growing establishments. Perspective directions of selection of pumpkin crops are shown: selection for bush and short-walled forms for long-term storage of fruits (with a period of 6–9 months with a thick, dense peel), for gymnospermy (reduces labor costs for their cleaning, contain up to 45–50% oil), for high carotene (up to 30 mg%) and sugars (up to 15%), for processing (pulp thickness from 3 cm, bright orange, dense, juicy, aromatic), with portioned fruits (fruits of small mass — 2–3 kg), saturation of female flowers and weak branching, etc.

Qualitative and quantities evaluation of Phyllanthus emblica L. fruits under valley condition of Garhwal Himalaya

Indian gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica L.) locally called as ‘P. emblica’ is one of the important fruit yielding plants utilized in Indian Ayurvedic system of medicine. Nutritional and medicinal properties of P. emblica make it a well-known fruit. It is a richest source of vitamin-C, phytochemicals and minerals. The present study was conducted to evaluate the performance of five different cultivars of P. emblica for qualitative and quantities characteristics under valley at department of horticulture, HNB Garhwal University, Srinagar, Garhwal hills Uttarakhand condition. The results revealed that, significant variability was detected among the cultivars for different fruit, seed and biochemical traits. Banarasi cultivar was found superior in term of fruit and pulp weight (22.25 gm), (21.07 gm), pulp thickness (1.32 cm), and pulp: stone ratio (17.07) while NA-7 was maximum in term of diameter (3.29 cm), volume (21.91 ml) and specific gravity (1.21 cc) as compared to other cultivars. The cultivar Chakaiya was found superior compared to other varieties for biochemical characters such as ascorbic acid (643.50 mg/100g) and total sugar (8.37%) content.

Preliminary evaluation and nutritional properties of Spondias mombin L. fruits from different native plants

The cajá fruit stands out for its peculiar flavor, but little is known about its physical, physical-chemical and nutritional characteristics. The knowledge of fruit and seed biometrics, physicochemical and nutritional composition provides information for the conservation and exploitation of resources of economic value, and can be exploited by genetic improvement programs to obtain cultivars that provide fruits with important characteristics for commercialization. Thus, it aimed to evaluate the characteristics we sought to evaluate these characteristics considering samples from different trees / regions of the municipality of Montes Claros of Goiás. The cajá fruit biometry (density, volume, mass, fruit and seed size and pulp yield) was measured. Titratable acidity, soluble solids content, pH, vitamin C content and mineral content were also measured. Total phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity were evaluated by the Folin-Ciocalteau, ORAC and ABTS methods, respectively. With the results obtained, it was possible to infer that the fruits harvested in different trees of different places differed statistically. The fruits of Region 2 had the highest fruit and seed length and diameter, as well as the highest pulp thickness, macro and micronutrient content and total phenolic compounds content, compared to fruit from other areas probably influenced by type of soil. The knowledge of the characteristics of the fruits from different trees / regions is necessary because the industrialization needs parameters for standardization in the formulation of different foods.

Physical and biometric characterization of jabuticaba variety 'Pingo De Mel' oriunda of cerrado goiano

The biometric and physical characterization can provide information on format, yield, concentration of soluble solids. The objective was to characterize physically and biometrically the jabuticaba variety 'Pingo de mel' from the cerrado of Goiás. 200 jaboticaba were used. The content of total soluble solids, longitudinal and transverse diameters, total mass, volume, shape index, density, yield of peeled pulp and the thickness of the peeled pulp were determined. The total soluble solids 15,16 ° Brix, soluble solids content is one of the most important tools to estimate fruit quality. The longitudinal and transverse diameter was 22.25 and 21.56 mm, respectively. The total mass had an average variation because the coefficient of variation was above 20%. Variations can occur due to cultivation techniques and climate can be related to this also variations presented for the volume of this fruit. As for the format index, the fruit was classified as round. The density was 8.35 g mL -1, yield and pulp thickness were already high. Samples of total soluble solids and yield are parameters used as control and selection by the food industry, it means that the fruits in evaluation presented good potential of industrial processing.

Effect of banana bunch covering technology for quality banana production in Bangladesh

This study was carried out at Horticulture farm of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh in order to find out the effects of bunch covering materials on physio-morphological characters and shelf life of banana cv. Mehersagar. The experiment was undertaken during the period from July to November 2016 with four types of bunch covering materials namely white polythene bag, black polythene bag, blue polythene bag and old cloth along with control (no bunch covering). The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with five replications. The results of the investigation revealed that blue polythene bag required significantly minimum days to harvest (76.80 days) and maximum days to harvest (97.80 days) were recorded for control. Maximum bunch weight (19.90 kg), finger length (19.59 cm) and finger diameter (3.56 cm) were recorded for blue polythene bag whereas control showed minimum bunch weight (15.20 kg), finger length (14.57 cm) and finger diameter (3.07 cm). It was observed that blue polythene bag covered fruits showed minimum disease infection (2.33%), insect infestation (2.33%) and physiological disorder (1%) compared to control which experienced maximum disease infection (12.67%), insect infestation (50%) and physiological disorder (13.40%). Weight loss (11.18%), pulp moisture (66.16%), peel moisture (70.41%), disease infection (40%), disease severity (70.25%), skin colour change (4.95) were also lower in blue polythene bag than non covering control fruits. The bunches covered with blue polythene bag exhibited superior results in respect of pulp thickness (3.45cm), pulp to peel ratio (2.49), pulp dry matter (33.84%), peel dry matter (29.59%), TSS (24.28 % Brix), shelf life (11.40 days) than the rest of bunch covering materials used in this study. It can be concluded that bunch covering showed significant effect on physio-morphological traits and quality of banana.
 Progressive Agriculture 30 (3): 238-252, 2019

Characterization of mango (Mangifera indica) varieties for pickle making

An experiment was conducted on characterization of mango (Mangifera indica L.) varieties using morphological characters for selection of best pickle varieties for pickle making, at Horticultural Research Station, Ananthrajupet, Andhra Pradesh during 2015-16. Eleven mango varieties were characterized morphologically for fruit and stone characters. The bigger fruit-sized was seen in Gaddemar, while smaller-sized fruits were in Alipasand and Amrigola. Other collections exhibited medium-sized fruits. Gaddemar showed maximum fruit weight (936.2g), fruit width (111.19 mm) and pulp thickness (1.68 mm), whereas Amrigola exhibited lowest fruit weight (76.5g), fruit width (52.26 mm) and pulp thickness (10.20 mm). The mango variety, Chilaka Mukku showed highest TSS (14.6° Brix) and minimum TSS in Alipasand (6.5° brix). Peddarasam showed maximum stone weight (102.5g) and lowest stone weight in Amrigola (8.0g). Gaddemar showed highest fiber length (16.72 mm) while least fiber length (2.8 mm) was noted in Peddarasam. Gaddemar and Alipasand were identified for pickle making due to higher acidity, presence of fibre and lower TSS values.

Agronomic potential of BC1F2 dwarf round tomato populations

ABSTRACT The use of dwarf lines to obtain mini-tomato hybrids has provided agronomic and economic benefits. In Brazil, round tomatoes predominate over other varieties. The benefits of using a dwarf parent in round tomato hybrids has yet to be explored, making it important to develop dwarf round tomato lines. Backcrossing is the most suitable method to develop these lines. Evaluation and selection of the dwarf populations can improve the development of such lines. Thus, the aim of this study was to select BC1F2 populations of dwarf round tomatoes with agronomic potential and high-quality fruit. The study was conducted at the Vegetable Experimental Station of the Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU). A randomized block design was used, with 15 treatments and three replicates. The genetic material analyzed consisted of 12 BC1F2 dwarf tomato populations, plus both parents (recurrent and donor) and a commercial hybrid. The characteristics assessed were: average fruit weight (g), total soluble solids (ºBrix), number of locules (locules per fruit-1), fruit shape, pulp thickness (cm), longitudinal (cm) and transverse fruit diameter (cm), internode length (cm) and plant height (cm). The data were submitted to mean testing, multivariate analyses and a selection index. In general, average fruit weight in the dwarf populations increased significantly after the first backcross, with some fruits exhibiting a similar shape to round tomatoes. Selection of the populations UFU-DTOM7, UFU-DTOM10, UFU-DTOM5, UFU-DTOM9, and UFU-DTOM3 resulted in an estimated 6% increase in the number of locules, transverse diameter, TD/LD ratio and average fruit weight. The BC1F2 dwarf populations UFU-DTOM7 and UFU-DTOM10 were the most promising for develop inbred lines with round fruits. Despite the considerable progress achieved in this study, we suggest a second backcross, in order to obtain lines and, posteriorly, hybrids with round fruits and compact plants.

Potential of parents and hybrids experimental of the yellow melon

ABSTRACT: Melon or muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) is of considerable economic importance in Brazil. Nearly all the cultivars currently grown are hybrids. Heterosis has been used to advantage in the melon plant, and the use of uniform hybrids is one of the reasons for successful cultivation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the agronomic potential of yellow melon lines and hybrids. An experiment was conducted in randomized blocks with three replications to evaluate 24 hybrids generated by crosses among three elite lines used as female parents (AF-01, AF-02, and AF-03) and eight lines used as male parents (LAM-01, LAM-02, LAM-03, LAM-04, LAM-05, LAM-06, LAM-07, and LAM-08). Yield and fruit quality traits were evaluated. Partial diallel analysis was carried out to estimate general combining ability and specific combining ability. Additive and non-additive effects were observed for the yield, mean fruit weight, and pulp thickness traits. The lines AF-02, LAM-02, and LAM-03 are the most promising as parents as they more frequently have favorable alleles. The most prominent hybrids in diallel analysis were AF-02 x LAM-02, AF-02 x LAM-03, AF-02 x LAM-04, and AF-03 x LAM-06.

Planting method, nitrogen fertilization and inoculation for diazotrophic bacteria for Cantaloupe melon plants

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects on plant development, productivity and fruit quality from combinations of planting methods, nitrogen fertilizer applications and inoculation with Azospirillum brasilense in Cantaloupe melons cultivated in a protected environment. A randomized blocks design was adopted with a 2×2×2 factorial scheme with five replications. The treatments consisted of combinations of planting methods (pre-established seedlings or direct field sowing), inoculation with A. brasilense (with or without) and nitrogen fertilization (with and without). During the vegetative phase, the height, stem diameter, number and length of plant internodes and relative chlorophyll content were evaluated. Fifty-five days after planting, the leaf nitrogen content, leaf area and dry mass were measured. At harvest, the number of days between planting and harvesting was calculated, and the fresh weight, circumference, length, bark and pulp thickness and fruit productivity were evaluated. It was verified that A. brasilense did not affect any of the evaluated characteristics. On the other hand, direct field seed sowing decreased the production time and provided good plant development. However, the size and productivity of the fruits were higher when pre-established seedlings were used, with or without inoculation with A. brasilense, fertilized with nitrogen. It was concluded that the combinations of the different sowing methods, nitrogen fertilization and inoculation with A. brasilense affected the development and characteristics of the Cantaloupe melon plants and fruits.

Morphological responses, fruit yield, nutritive value and in vitro gas production of forage watermelon genotypes on semi-arid condition

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate morphological, bromatological, in vitro gas production and yield of forage watermelon (Citrullus lanatus var. citroides) genotypes in semi-arid condition. Seven genotypes were evaluated were BGCIA 228, BGCIA 239, Jojoba, BGCIA 228 x BGCIA239, BGCIA 228 x BGCIA Jojoba, BGCIA 239 x Jojoba and BGCIA 991. The experimental design was a complete randomized block with three replicates. The genotypes presented differences between the characteristics: fruit length (P = 0.01), vertical diameter (P = 0.02), peel thickness (P = 0.01), fruit pulp thickness (P = 0.02), transversal diameter (P = 0.02), in vitro dry matter digestibility (P = 0.003) and the latency time (P < 0.0001). Cumulative in vitro gas production and gas production rate was not affected by genotypes. None of the studied genotypes had production and productivity affected. Among them, Jojoba and BGCIA 991 stood out for having heavier and longer fruits, and a higher peel thickness and pulp length.

Produção e qualidade do meloeiro em sistema orgânico de produção no semiárido baiano

O meloeiro apresenta elevados gastos com adubos minerais, evidenciando a possibilidade da utilização de produtos alternativos como os biofertilizantes. Nesse contexto, objetivou-se avaliar a resposta produtiva do melão amarelo, analisando seu desempenho diante da utilização de diferentes concentrações de biofertilizante líquido no semiárido baiano. O delineamento experimental adotado foi o em blocos aleatorizados, com seis tratamentos e quatro repetições, sendo testemunha e 5 concentrações de biofertilizante: 2, 4, 6, 8 e 10%, aplicado via foliar na cultura. Realizaram-se oito pulverizações aos 30º dias após o plantio. Analisou-se o comprimento longitudinal e transversal do fruto, comprimento da cavidade longitudinal, espessura da polpa, peso médio do fruto, produtividade, sólidos solúveis, acidez titulável e relação SS/AT. O biofertilizante promoveu aumento do comprimento longitudinal dos frutos de forma linear crescente, enquanto as demais variáveis foram influenciadas de forma quadrática, com exceção dos SS e SS/AT que apresentaram resposta cúbica. O uso de biofertilizante líquido no sistema orgânico de produção promove melhorias na produtividade e qualidade do meloeiro.

Correlations between fruit yield and sensory and nutritional quality of pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duch.)

Traits related to fruit yield and physical and chemical fruit quality are being evaluated by Embrapa pumpkin breeding program. Path and Pearson's correlation analysis are necessary to allow the knowledge of the relation between the variables of interest for this program. The objective of the present study was to determine the genetic correlations between yield- and sensorial and nutritional quality attributes-associated variables in pumpkin progenies to support the selection process. Twelve genotypes were evaluated for 10 yield-related traits, and 8 sensory and nutritional quality traits of fruit, including the commercial cultivar Jacarezinho. A path analysis considered the fruit weight (FrW) was as basic variable and the others as explanatory. The FrW had 98% of its total variation available in a function of the explanatory variables. The highest variations were observed in the fruit-shape related traits. In addition, the variables internal median cavity diameter (IDmed), equatorial pulp thickness (EPT), apical pulp thickness (APT), and smallest fruit diameter (Dsm) are indicated for a direct selection of progenies targeting a higher FrW. The correlation analysis highlighted that color-related variables have the possibility of indirect selection aiming to increase total carotenoid content (TCC) and β-carotene content (β-car). The evaluated progenies showed notable soluble solids content (SSC), TCC and β-car contents compared to the commercial cultivar. Furthermore, the contribution of β-car to TCC is at least 50% higher in these progenies than in 'Jacarezinho' pumpkin.

Efeito de diferentes métodos de maturação sobre a qualidade da banana prata

O fruto comercializável da bananeira éclimatérico e por isso possui um período de maturação curto, o que significa menor tempo de conservação e pequeno shelf life. O armazenamento realizado de maneira adequada torna-se de grande valor para que tais transformações não prejudiquem a comercialização do fruto. Entretanto, são necessárias pesquisas visando fornecer alternativas mais accessíveis de maturação para o pequeno produtor e o consumo doméstico. Desta forma, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a qualidade física e físico-química da banana prata submetidas a diferentes tipos de maturação. Utilizou-se o delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, com quatro tratamentos, sendo: CONT= temperatura ambiente, CARB= carbureto, SP= saco de papel, e FOR= forno, com cinco repetições cada. Os frutos foram coletados no mesmo dia e com a mesma coloração verde. As variáveis analisadas foram: peso total, peso da polpa, espessura da casca, espessura da polpa, aparência interna e externa; comprimentos longitudinal e transversal; sólidos solúveis totais (SST), acidez total titulável (AT) e relação SST/AT. Asaparências externa e interna foram determinadas através de uma escala de nota; os SST da polpa foram aferidos em um refratômetro digital; o peso total e da polpacom o auxílio de balança semi-analítica e a acidez por titulação. Os métodos de maturação carbureto e sacola foram os que apresentaram bananas com melhores qualidades e tempo de vida útil. Recomenda-se colocar as bananas verdes em sacolas para obtenção de bananas maduras com qualidade superior aos demais métodos.

Impact of climate variables on growth and development of Kinnow fruit (Citrus nobilis Lour x Citrus deliciosa Tenora) grown at different ecological zones under climate change scenario

Kinnow orchards of uniform age, planting density and vigor were selected in three different ecological zones situated in the districts of Sargodha, Toba Tek Singh (TTS) and Vehari of Pakistan. Climate change has adversely affected plants; particularly perennial fruits cultivated in tropical (banana, mango), subtropical (citrus, olive, grapes) and temperate (apple, apricot, plum) zones owing to their slow adaptability. In this context, the fluctuating effect of agrometeorological indices and energy-use efficiency on Kinnow mandarin's fruit growth and development was evaluated. Each experiment was performed in three biological replicates. Ten fruits were randomly collected at the end of each month (April-December) from a single plant to study fruit growth and development. Similarly, physical fruit parameters were recorded from August to February. More days were passed between fruit-setting till arrival of maturity at Vehari, whereas less number of days was counted in Sargodha. More growing degree days and photothermal index were calculated at Vehari during different phenophases of Kinnow fruit as compared to Sargodha. Hydrothermal units were more recorded in Sargodha than Vehari. More yields were obtained from TTS which had increased energy use efficiency than other two districts. Fruit cell division and cell enlargement stages were commenced afore and had finished earlier in Vehari district, followed by TTS. Fruit diameter, peel and pulp thickness as well as fresh weight were recorded in higher values at TTS and Vehari. Non-significant differences were seen in moisture percentage. More fruit size and shape indices were also recorded in TTS and Vehari. Fruit volume was measured larger at TTS, whereas fruit specific gravity was recorded higher at Sargodha from August to February. More intercellular space was seen in fruit samples collected from Vehari and TTS, which at maturity had reduced fruit firmness. Fruit color was recorded as green in samples from all three districts until the beginning of color-break in October. At the arrival of ripening phase in February, more values of color parameters a, b, C and L were enumerated at Vehari. Hue angle of fruit color was found to be at 1200, depicting green color that was rotated at 600 by portraying deep yellow or orange tinge on Kinnow mandarin. Climate variables have had a substantial effect on fruit growth and development phases as well as physical characteristics. Better physical quality and timely color development of Kinnow fruit was noted at Sargodha due to milder environmental conditions compared to TTS and Vehari.