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Peel pitting of Encore mandarin fruits: etiology, control and implications in fruit quality

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 April 2002

Rute Filipe Vitor
Affiliation:
Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 2825 Monte de Caparica, Portugal (fjl@mail.fct.unl.pt)
Fernando Cebola Lidon
Affiliation:
Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 2825 Monte de Caparica, Portugal (fjl@mail.fct.unl.pt)
Maria da Graça Barreiro
Affiliation:
Plant Physiology Department, Estaçao Agronómica Nacional, 2780 Oeiras, Portugal (ean@mail.telepac.pt)
Maria Isabel Maia
Affiliation:
Plant Physiology Department, Estaçao Agronómica Nacional, 2780 Oeiras, Portugal (ean@mail.telepac.pt)
Maria Clara Medeira
Affiliation:
Plant Physiology Department, Estaçao Agronómica Nacional, 2780 Oeiras, Portugal (ean@mail.telepac.pt)
António Guerreiro
Affiliation:
Direcçao Regional de Agricultura do Algarve, Patacao, Faro, Portugal
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Abstract

Introduction. The fruit of `Encore' mandarin (Citrus deliciosa × Citrus nobilis) usually shows chlorotic spots in the epicarp from the first stages of development. This peel disorder triggers off, thereafter, the occurrence of a large quantity of dark stains (pre-harvest `peel pitting'). Materials and methods. A biochemical and ultra-structural study of the flavedo, using epicarp with and without stains, was carried out. Quality assays were assessed on the edible portion of the fruit or on juice. Results. The cell structure of pitted and unpitted epicarp analysed by electron microscopy revealed that dark spots were associated with the degradation of cellular membranes. The peroxidase system that shields the epicarp against photooxidative stress showed an inhibition of catalase activity and an increase of superoxide dismutase functioning. Moreover, the activities of ascorbate peroxidase and glutathione reductase remained unaffected in stained tissues. In sunshade trees, it was also found that the number of dark stains per fruit decreased but the internal quality of the endocarp was not significantly affected. The weight and the caliber of the fruit also slightly decreased. Discussion. High light intensities induce an oxidative stress in the epicarp, which is characterized by an increased peroxidation and degradation of biological membranes. On the other hand, protection against solar radiation alleviates the stress, but, although not affecting the internal quality of the fruit, slightly decreases the fruit weight and size.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
© CIRAD, EDP Sciences

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