Introduction. Un inventaire des espèces de Tephritidae dans des vergers de l’ouest du Burkina Faso a été effectué entre décembre 2007 et décembre 2009. Matériel et méthodes. Un piégeage de détection a été mené dans sept vergers de manguiers en utilisant comme appât de la levure de Torula placée dans des pièges Mac Phail. Résultats et discussion. L’identification et le dénombrement des Tephritidae capturées a permis de recenser 18 espèces : neuf du genre Ceratitis, sept du genre Dacus et deux du genre Bactrocera. Ceratitis cosyra et Bactrocera invadens (respectivement 53,02 % et 36,19 % de l’ensemble des captures) se sont révélées être les espèces dominantes. Nous avons mis en évidence une forte similarité des communautés de Tephritidae au niveau des différents sites étudiés (coefficients de similitude entre 42,86 % et 100 %); cette similarité pourrait être expliquée d’une part par l’homogénéité des conditions climatiques, d’autre part par celle de la végétation de la zone d’étude. La proximité des parcelles de cultures maraîchères et la diversité des fruitiers locaux hôtes des Tephritidae autour des vergers de manguiers pourraient être à l’origine de la richesse spécifique élevée que nous avons constatée. Conclusion. Notre étude a révélé une diversité de Tephritidae dans la zone d’investigation qui présente des communautés d’espèces homogènes. Ces résultats seront complétés par l’identification des espèces associées aux dégâts sur manguier et à l’évaluation de leur importance. Ils suggèrent dès à présent la possibilité de développer, contre ces ravageurs, une stratégie de lutte commune à toutes les localités de la zone d’étude de l’ouest du Burkina Faso.

Introduction. Depuis quelques années, le séchage des fruits et légumes à petite échelle connait un regain d’intérêt au Cameroun, que ce soit pour la vente locale ou pour celle d’exportation. Or, les transformateurs qui pratiquent cette activité ne sont pas satisfaits des séchoirs qu’ils utilisent. Matériel et méthodes. Dans ce contexte, nous avons réalisé une enquête de type semi ouvert auprès d’une cinquantaine d’unités de séchage installées dans les zones de Douala et de Yaoundé (Cameroun) afin de mieux identifier les difficultés qu’elles rencontrent. Les informations obtenues au cours de cette enquête ont été codifiées pour faciliter leur exploitation informatique. Nous n’avons conservé dans l’échantillon constitué que les entreprises travaillant à petite échelle (70 % de l’échantillon initial), c’est-à-dire traitant moins de 500 kg de produits frais par cycle de séchage. Résultats. L’analyse des résultats a montré que près de 45 % des unités étudiées ne possédaient pas de séchoir et que 70 % des séchoirs recensés dans les unités qui en étaient équipées étaient des séchoirs à gaz. Dans l’ensemble, près de 92 % de ces séchoirs sont des séchoirs à convection naturelle. Le modèle de séchoir connu est le modèle Atesta importé du Burkina Faso dont des variantes sont fabriquées localement. Il s’avère que ce modèle ne répond que partiellement aux besoins des utilisateurs et que les transformateurs locaux abandonnent de plus en plus ces séchoirs. Conclusion. L’état de lieux des activités de séchage à petite échelle des fruits et légumes dans le sud du Cameroun a fait apparaître que, malgré les différentes offres disponibles localement, le besoin en dispositifs de séchage répondant mieux aux attentes des utilisateurs reste très important. Ce besoin se traduit par une volonté d’acquérir des séchoirs présentant la capacité de traiter plus de 80 kg de produits frais durant un cycle de séchage de 10 h, et équipés d’un système de ventilation et de régulation des paramètres de séchage.

Introduction. Le drageonnage et le marcottage aérien de trois fruitiers à usages multiples, Balanites aegyptiaca, Diospyros mespiliformis et Sclerocarya birrea, ont été étudiés dans le secteur climatique sahélo-soudanien à Kéring en vue de contribuer à la régénération à faible coût de ces espèces surexploitées. Matériel et méthodes. Dans trois stations représentatives de cette localité (jardins de case, brousse, berges de cours d’eau), un inventaire de 90 arbres par espèce a été réalisé au préalable pour détecter la présence d’éventuels drageons ou marcottes terrestres naturels. Ensuite, les possibilités d’induction de drageons au début de la saison des pluies par blessure ou sectionnement de racines et l’aptitude au marcottage aérien en fin de la saison des pluies ont été testées sur les pieds ciblés. Résultats et discussion L’espèce Sbirrea a présenté une aptitude très élevée pour le drageonnage naturel par rapport aux deux autres espèces. D. mespiliformis a drageonné moyennement alors que B. aegyptiaca, espèce  fourragère très broutée, a montré ici une faible aptitude au drageonnage. L’effet de la station a été significatif; il y a eu une plus forte fréquence de drageons au niveau des berges des cours d’eau. Le marcottage terrestre naturel n’a pas été remarqué sur les 270 arbres observés. L’induction du drageonnage réalisé au début de la saison des pluies par sectionnement complet de racines superficielles a été plus efficace après 9 mois (taux de 57,7 %, toutes espèces confondues) que la méthode d’induction par blessure légère des racines traçantes (37,7 %). L’exposition à la lumière des racines stressées a amplifié le drageonnage. Les drageons induits apparaissent généralement sur la racine stressée, du côté proximal de l’arbre-mère, mais ils peuvent se former aussi du côté distal. Réalisés en fin de saison pluvieuse, les essais de marcottage aérien de B. aegyptiaca ont montré 95 % de marcottes enracinées alors que, à cette saison, les deux autres espèces se sont révélées réfractaires après 5 mois d’observation. Conclusion En dehors des facteurs génétiques, physiologiques et environnementaux qui peuvent influencer la réussite du marcottage aérien ou du drageonnage, S. birrea et D. mespiliformis semblent nettement mieux prédisposées dans l’écosystème du secteur de Kéring à l’induction du drageonnage que B. aegyptiaca, plus apte au marcottage aérien. Ces résultats ouvrent de nouvelles voies à la multiplication de ces trois espèces surexploitées par les populations.

Introduction. Tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) is a multipurpose, tropical fruit tree originating in Africa. Although the main commercial production of tamarind fruits takes place in Asia and America, tamarind plays an essential subsistence role in rural West Africa. This study highlights the importance of tamarind in traditional diets of rural communities in Benin, Mali and Senegal. Methods. Ethnobotanical field data was gathered through structured individual interviews, semi-structured group discussions, agricultural calendars and participatory mapping with 220 informants of eleven ethnic groups across four agroecological zones. Data was processed by quantitative and qualitative analytical methods. Results. Tamarind adds vitamins and minerals, as well as the traditionally appreciated sour taste, to drinks and meals. It is consumed daily and year-round by many rural West Africans. Ethnic similarities and differences in food use patterns of tamarind highlight the importance of tamarind in West African subsistence. The results include detailed descriptions of tamarind processing and traditional meal preparations of tamarind fruits, seeds, flowers and leaves. Conclusions. Documentation of local knowledge on tamarind processing and uses is needed to assist local and regional promotion and domestication efforts of tamarind to prevent a further decline in tamarind tree populations. High local use and demand for tamarind fruits and leaves in subsistence should stimulate the development of sustainable production as well as conservation efforts, in order to secure a continued harvest and satisfy local demand for this important traditional food in the future

Introduction. The aim of this study was to determine the ability of an electronic nose (e-nose) to predict the quality of nectarines and peaches, and, in particular, the aroma. Materials and methods. Four nectarine cultivars (‘María Dolce’, ‘Maillarlate’, ‘Nectaross’ and ‘Venus’) and one peach cultivar (‘Royal Glory’) were evaluated. The fruit was harvested ripe and the quality evaluations were carried out just one day after harvest. The intensity of the main descriptors of fruit quality was described, and fruits were subjected to an e-nose assessment. The sensory analysis and the e-nose results were presented through a Principal Component Analysis (PCA). A multiple linear regression (MLR) was also used to create a predictive model for the attribute ‘aroma’ compared with the other sensory parameters and the most informative e-nose sensor data. Results and discussion. ‘Royal Glory’ and ‘María Dolce’ were placed in a separate cluster far from ‘Venus’, ‘Nectaross’ and ‘Maillarlate’. The result of the MLR included the attributes ‘acidity’, ‘sweetness’ and ‘acceptability’ in the model, and the data registered by sensor 6 of the e-nose (SnO2-sensor, RGTO Mo, 45 Å thick layer), which were those factors that best related to the aroma, reached a R2 of 0.48 and a mean square error (MSE) of 3.85. It was concluded that the e-nose is an instrument able to discriminate peach varieties through their aromatic features, which are among the descriptors that mainly determine acceptability by the peach consumer.

Introduction. Les aires protégées représentent un immense réservoir de ressources biologiques dont dépendent fortement les populations riveraines. La non-prise en compte des savoirs locaux constitue souvent un frein aux politiques de conservation et d’utilisation durable de la biodiversité dans ces aires. La réserve de Pama, située en zone soudanienne au sud-est du Burkina Faso, est un bon exemple de la divergence existant entre les besoins d’autosubsistance des populations riveraines et la nécessité de conserver la biodiversité. L’évaluation de l’importance socio-économique de cette réserve pour les populations riveraines pourrait permettre de mieux adapter la stratégie de gestion des ressources naturelles. Matériel et méthodes. Des enquêtes ethnobotaniques ont été menées en se basant sur des interviews individuelles. Les informations obtenues à partir de l’interrogation de 30 personnes ressources ont permis (1) de recenser les différentes utilisations faites de la réserve par les populations locales ainsi que l’impact de ces utilisations sur la flore et (2) d’évaluer la perception des villageois sur la façon de gérer les ressources de leur forêt. Résultats. Un total de 58 espèces végétales de la réserve, soit plus de 15 % de la flore locale, fournissent diverses ressources aux populations riveraines, dont du matériel de construction (90 % de réponses), des plantes médicinales (73,33 %), des plantes alimentaires (73,33 %), etc. Les espèces végétales les plus sollicitées se sont révélées être entre autres Vitellaria paradoxa (80 %), Parkia biglobosa (66,67 %), Diospyros mespiliformis (33,33 %), Gardenia erubescens (33,33 %), Lannea microcarpa (33,33 %), Tamarindus indica (33,33 %), Andropogon gayanus (26,67 %) et A. chinensis (26,67 %) Certaines de ces espèces se sont révélées de plus en plus rares du fait de la dégradation des conditions climatiques, de l’exploitation abusive de bois vert et de l’appauvrissement des sols. Conclusion. L’étude que nous avons menée sur la réserve de Pama nous conduit à préconiser un renforcement des mesures de protection de l’environnement par l’implication des populations riveraines. Par ailleurs, la plantation en champ d’espèces utiles en voie de raréfaction serait une action apte à limiter la pression d’exploitation sur la réserve

Introduction. The baobab tree’s potential overexploitation has recently been reinforced by the acceptance of baobab fruit pulp in the EU and US food markets. Despite the number of recent studies on this species, Adansonia digitata, little is known from Malawi, the main exporter of baobab fruit pulp in Africa. Materials and methods. Information on distribution and density of baobab trees present in Malawi was gathered from field surveys. The Maxent software based on the maximum-entropy approach for species habitat modelling was used together with spatial environmental data and geo-referenced records of the baobab tree to analyse its ecological preferences and potential cultivation sites. Farmers were interviewed about who was using and buying baobab fruits in different areas. Fruit and leaf morphological diversity was assessed in eight study sites selected along a latitudinal gradient. Results and discussion. The baobab tree was found to be widely distributed in southern Malawi, with variable densities. Modelling results show that this species could be cultivated in most of the southern region. A large morphological diversity in both fruit and leaf characteristics was observed, which gives the opportunity to select more desirable characters for cultivation. Conclusion. Our study showed that, while some areas of high baobab tree density could be further exploited, its cultivation, however, should be recommended in areas with low density of baobab trees in southern Malawi because there is little natural regeneration. Moreover, this study suggested that there is room for selecting baobab planting material with desirable characteristics for cultivation purposes in Malawi.

Introduction. Physalis minima is a widespread, quick-growing and high fruit-yielding annual herb belonging to the family Solanaceae. However, like many other underutilized fruit-bearing plants, P. minima is poorly studied and its nutritional potential is unknown. Since the edible sunberry is said to be a rich source of vitamin C, we studied the physiochemical changes during its fruit growth and ripening. Materials and methods. The changes in the physiochemical properties, such as pH, total soluble solids, titrable acidity, chlorophylls, carotenoids, carbohydrates (reducing sugars, non-reducing sugars, total sugars and starch), free amino acids, total proteins, total phenols, ascorbic acid, ethylene, and respiration and the activities of hydrolytic enzymes (amylase and invertase), antioxidant enzymes (catalase and peroxidase), and cell wall-degrading enzymes (cellulase, polygalacturonase and pectinmethylesterase), were analyzed in the fruit of sunberry at five sequential stages, viz., the young, premature, mature, preripe and ripe stages. Results and discussion. A gradual increase in the pH and total soluble solids occurred throughout the growth and ripening of sunberry fruit, while its titrable acidity increased up to the preripe stage and thereafter declined. A decreasing trend in the chlorophylls occurred simultaneously with an increase in the quantity of carotenoids. As the sunberry fruit proceeded towards ripening, the amount of its total starch decreased, with a concomitant sharp increase in the quantity of its reducing sugars, non-reducing sugars and total sugars. An increase in the quantity of free amino acids, proteins and phenols also occurred during the growth and ripening of the fruit, and the quantity of ascorbic acid increased at the mature stage. Moreover, sunberry fruit also exhibits a climacteric behavior with increased ethylene production and rate of respiration. The specific activity of amylase increased throughout the growth period of sunberry, but that of invertase decreased after maturity until ripening. The catalase and peroxidase enzymes showed higher activity, indicating better radical scavenger properties, while cellulase, polygalacturonase and pectinmethylesterase tended to remain at lower levels. Conclusion. The fruit of P. minima are nutritive and a rich source of sugars, starch, free amino acids, proteins, total phenols and ascorbic acid. They are metabolically active, showing a high specific activity of hydrolyzing and antioxidant enzymes, while the activity of cell wall-degrading enzymes is relatively low, indicating a better postharvest storage life.

Introduction. Films act as semi-permeable gaseous barriers capable of maintaining fruit postharvest quality; thus coatings consisting of non-traditional sources may represent an alternative tool for producers. The objective of our work was to investigate the effect of a galactomannan coating on postharvest quality and physiology of ‘Tommy Atkins’ mangoes. Materials and methods. Physiologically mature mangoes were divided into four lots and stored for 16 d. Control uncoated fruits (lot 1) were stored at ambient temperature (25 °C), the second lot was uncoated and refrigerated (14 °C), the third lot was coated and stored at ambient temperature, and the fourth lot was coated and refrigerated. Fruit were analyzed for physicochemical quality parameters, antioxidant enzymatic activity and lipid peroxidation. Results and discussion. Control fruit (lot 1) lost almost twice the weight of uncoated refrigerated (lot 2) and coated mangoes at both temperatures (lots 3 and 4); the fruit of lot 1 softened faster. Regarding the antioxidant enzymes, the activity of superoxide dismutase decreased throughout storage without statistical differences between treatments and catalasic activity was significantly inhibited under refrigeration. At ambient temperature, coating delayed the catalasic activity peak to day 12, which was coincident with the lowest lipid peroxidation degree, evidencing the association of free radical production and scavenging mechanisms. The galactomannan coating was efficient in reducing weight loss and delaying softening; thus, it maintained quality of ‘Tommy Atkins’ mangoes for a longer period of time than the control treatment during storage at ambient temperature. Refrigeration (14 °C) enhanced the performance of the galactomannan coating; it was effective in slowing down the metabolism and delaying softening to day 12.

Introduction. There is a growing demand in the international market for excellent-quality dates of cultivars such as ‘Barhee’ that are consumed at the bisir stage. Materials and methods. The effects of GA3, BA and NAA postharvest dipping treatments at different concentrations on the quality characteristics of bisir ‘Barhee’ dates during cold storage were investigated. Results and discussion. The total soluble solids (TSS) concentration was lower in the BA- and NAA-treated fruit than in control fruit. Similarly, the GA3-treated fruit at 150 mg·L-1 contained a lower TSS concentration than control fruit. The GA3 at 150 mg·L-1, BA at 60 mg·L-1 and NAA at (100 and 150) mg·L-1 increased vitamin C concentration compared with other treatments. Acidity and total phenol concentrations were not affected by any of the treatments. The date soluble tannin concentration was higher than control fruit only in the dates treated with 20 mg BA·L-1. The weight loss % was lower in the BA-treated fruit at (20 and 60) mg·L-1 compared with all other treatments, while GA3 treatment at 50 mg·L-1 increased fruit weight loss % compared with control fruit. The percentage of dates at the rutab stage (index for fruit ripening) was lower for fruit treated with GA3than for control fruit. Also, the rutab stage % was lower for fruit treated with BA at 40 mg·L-1 and NAA at 150 mg·L-1 compared with control fruit. The TSS concentration decreased during storage from the initial day to day 20. However, there were no further decreases in the TSS concentration after (40 and 60) days of storage. The acidity concentration was slightly increased during storage. The vitamin C concentration increased until 40 days of storage, then a slight decrease occurred. The total phenol concentration decreased after (40 and 60) days of storage compared with the initial level. The soluble tannin concentration slightly increased at day 20 but sharply decreased after (40 and 60) days of storage compared with the initial level. Both weight loss and rutab stage % gradually increased during storage. There were significant interaction effects between growth regulators and storage period on TSS, vitamin C concentration, weight loss and rutab stage %.

Introduction The effect of temperature on the stability of three purified anthocyanin sources in a soft drink (pH 3, 10 °Brix) stored at (4, 20, 30 and 50) °C for 60 days was investigated. Materials and methods. Anthocyanins from Andean blackberries (Rubus glaucus Benth.), açai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) and black carrot (Daucus carota L.) were purified and concentrated on a laboratory scale by adsorption to a styrene divinylbenzene copolymer. Two classical empirical approaches (Arrhenius and Ball models) were used to describe the thermal degradation kinetic of these three anthocyanins. Results. No degradation was detected during the refrigerated storage (4 °C). At all temperatures, the degradation rate constant (k) for black carrot anthocyanins was less than those in açai and blackberry (0.42  ×  10-2, 0.77  ×  10-2 and 1.08  ×  10-2).d-1 respectively, at 30 °C). Anthocyanins in black carrot degraded less rapidly than those in açai and Andean blackberry. The activation energy (Ea) for degradation of black carrot anthocyanins was (63.2  ±  4.3) kJ.mol-1, and (66.3  ±  2.7) kJ.mol-1 and (91.2  ±  0.4) kJ.mol-1 for açai and blackberry anthocyanins, respectively, at 20–50 °C. These higher Ea of blackberry anthocyanins as compared with those of black carrot and açai imply that a small temperature increase is sufficient to degrade them more rapidly. Conclusion. Our results clearly showed that anthocyanins from black carrot have a good stability during thermal storage (4 °C to 50 °C) with regard to blackberry and açai anthocyanins. Acylation of black carrot anthocyanins probably explains their greater stability. Acylated anthocyanins have shown to be promising alternatives to the use of synthetic dyes in drink systems

Introduction. Red and black currants are a valuable component of a healthy diet because they are an excellent source of ascorbic acid, anthocyanins and minerals. Materials and methods. Three red currant cultivars and eight black currant cultivars were evaluated in terms of fruit quality. Some selected physicochemical characteristics such as berry weight, dry matter, soluble solids, total sugars, titratable acidity and total anthocyanins were investigated. Total anthocyanin content was measured with the pH differential absorbance method while citric, malic, tartaric and ascorbic acid were quantified by a reversed-phase HPLC method. Sodium, calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, chromium and zinc were determined by ICP-MS following a microwave digestion, while potassium content was determined by FAAS. Results. Significant differences in the physicochemical and mineral content were detected among the cultivars. The range of total anthocyanins of the tested samples was 12.14–22.06 mg·100 g-1 (red currants) and 116.17–287.78 mg·100 g-1 (black currants). Ascorbic acid content varied between 23.23–44.62 mg·100 g-1 (red currants) and 161.58–284.46 mg·100 g-1 (black currants). Citric acid was predominant in all studied black and red currant cultivars, followed by malic and tartaric acids. Black and red currants have rich mineral composition, especially potassium, calcium and magnesium. Black currant fruits were superior to red currants with regard to calcium and magnesium content.

Introduction. Dabai (Canarium odontophyllum Miq.) fruit is an underutilized fruit found in Borneo, Palawan and Sumatra. To our knowledge, no literature exists about the postharvest quality characteristics of dabai fruit. Furthermore, it is a unique fruit whereby the fruit is served by steeping at about 60 °C for 15–20 min to soften the flesh. Therefore, a preliminary study was conducted to determine the physicochemical characteristics of dabai fruit before and after steeping. Materials and methods. Physicochemical characteristics (skin color, size, shape, weight, mesocarp thickness, firmness, soluble solids concentration, pH, titratable acidity, organic acids, respiration production rate and ethylene concentration) of dabai fruit were determined before and after steeping in hot water at 60 °C for 15 min. Results. The color of mature dabai fruit is dark purplish with very low chromaticity. The fruit is oval-shaped with a length to diameter ratio of 1.40. The seed contributes 61% of the fruit weight. After treating fresh dabai fruit with 10 mL·L-1 ethylene at 20 °C, the respiration production rate decreased while ethylene concentration increased. After steeping dabai fruit at 60 °C for 15 min, the flesh firmness decreased while soluble solids concentration increased tremendously. After steeping, the pH of fruit decreased and titratable acidity increased, as did the citric, malic and succinic acids of dabai fruit, especially citric acid. Conclusion. Steeping softens dabai fruit flesh and makes it palatable, with high soluble solids concentration and organic acids. The high respiration production rate means that dabai fruit has a short shelf life under non-cold chain handling practices.

Introduction. Food processing significantly lowers the quality of fruits and vegetables, which is a major concern for the food industry. Micronutrients are particularly affected, and among them β-carotene, which exhibits very interesting sensory, nutritional and biological properties. The literature concerning β-carotene degradation is extensive, but the conclusions are very different as a function of the biological, chemical and food transformation points of view. This paper proposes a synthesis of complementary approaches in the study of β-carotene during food transformation and storage. Degradation reactions. Degradation compounds are numerous, including isomers, epoxides, apocarotenones, apocarotenals and short-chain cleavage products, among them some flavour compounds. A detailed reaction scheme of isomerisation and autoxidation of β-carotene could be deduced from the literature data. The main pathways are well documented, but the global reaction scheme is still incomplete. Furthermore, most of the mechanistic studies are carried out in model systems, thus data may misrepresent β-carotene behaviour in real food products. Kinetics during processing and storage The determination of degradation kinetics permits the identification of the fastest reactions, i.e., generally those with the greatest impact, and also the quantification of the effect of the factors which can lower β-carotene content. Temperature, occurrence of oxygen, food composition and food structure are shown to affect the β-carotene loss rate significantly. However, the methodologies used to obtain the kinetic parameters are of major importance, and finally, most of the results found in the literature are specific to a study and difficult to generalise. Discussion and conclusion. Mechanistic and kinetic approaches each provide interesting data to improve understanding and monitoring of β-carotene. The combination of all this data, together with thermodynamic and analytical considerations, permits the building of observable reaction schemes which can further be transcribed through mathematical models. By this multidisciplinary approach, scarcely used for the time being, knowledge could be capitalised and useful tools could be developed to improve β-carotene retention during food processing and storage.

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.

Introduction. Mango conservation under traditional refrigeration systems is not totally efficient due to the susceptibility of this fruit to chilling injury, but controlled atmosphere (CA) in association with low temperature can improve its storability and maintain fruit quality during storage. Thus, the aim of our study was to determine the effect of CA with varied concentrations of oxygen during cold storage (12.8 ° C) of ‘Palmer’ mango fruit. Materials and methods. Mature green mango fruit were stored in atmospheres with (1%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 21%) oxygen at (12.8  ±  0.6) °C and RH ~95%) for up to 28 days. A group of fruits without CA was stored in a cold room and served as tray-stored control. Fruit ripening was carried out in ambient conditions [(25.2  ±  0.6) °C, (92.8  ±  2.4)% RH)] at intervals of 14 d. Results and discussion. Fruits stored in low-oxygen concentrations [(1%, 5% and 10%) O2] had significantly lower rates of CO2 production after 14 d of cold storage. Fruit from all treatments were considered immature after 28 d of cold storage, and the mangoes kept at (1%, 5% and 10%) O2 maintained their initial firmness (119.9–125.6 N) when compared with those stored in higher oxygen atmospheres, which underwent a substantial loss of firmness (96.8–109.1 N). At low-oxygen levels, fruit also had lower contents of soluble pectin and total soluble sugars, whereas colour parameters were not affected by the atmospheres. After transfer from CA containers to ambient conditions, even from the lowest oxygen concentrations [(1% and 5%) O2], fruit ripened normally in just 8 d without presenting any low oxygen-related injury.

Introduction. Brazil cherry or grumichama is a little-known, underutilized fruit species of the Myrtaceae family; this tree forms part of CATIE’s field collection of tropical fruits. It is native to southern Brazil and cultivated on a small scale in Brazil, Paraguay, Florida and Hawaii. Materials and methods. Fruit traits were assessed among 12 seedling trees of the same source of origin, and the potential of fresh fruit and derived products was surveyed among employees and students. Results and discussion. Fruit traits (total soluble solids, fruit weight, fruit diameter, flesh weight, seed weight and number of seeds per fruit) differed significantly among the 12 trees. Survey respondents rated derived products such as yellow jam, (red grumichama  +  citrus) jam and (red grumichama  +  mocha) jam higher than fresh fruit, red jam, grumichama wine and juice. Conclusion. Grown in home gardens as an ornamental or as a fruit-bearing tree, or planted as a living fence or windbreak, this fruit crop merits a place in tropical and subtropical settings due to the attractiveness of the tree, its foliage and bloom, its tasty fruit, its contribution to agricultural biodiversity, and the possibility of generating value-added products at the farm, household or community level. For fruit production, vegetative propagation is recommended to retain high quality traits

Introduction. Traditionally the control of fruit flies is based on the use of pesticides, which increase production costs and have led to many environmental concerns. Our study aimed to evaluate the effect of neem cake on the larval and pupal stages of Ceratitis capitata. Materials and methods. Third instar larvae were transferred to plastic vials with neem cake in different proportions. The treatments consisted of vermiculite with neem cake in the concentrations: control (vermiculite only), then (10, 25, 50, 75 and 100)% of neem seed cake. The bioassay was completely randomized, with six treatments, ten replicates and ten third instar larvae per replicate. The results were statistically analyzed. Results. At concentrations of 75% or more of neem cake in vermiculite, practically no adult flies emerged. At 50%, more than 80% of the adults did not emerge and the pupal period was prolonged. The sex ratio of the adults was not affected after the contact of the pupae with the neem cake. The estimated lethal concentrations to kill 50% and 90% of the population were 30.6% and 51.6%, respectively. Conclusion. The neem seed cake has contact actions against the larval-pupal stage of C. capitata. Neem seed cake in the pupation substrate can cause high mortality when its concentration is 50% or more, and it prolongs the delay of the pupal period of C. capitata.

Introduction. Turkey potentially has a very rich source of sweet (Prunus avium) and sour (P. cerasus) cherries. P. avium is apparently native to some parts of Northern Turkey, where Giresun is located. Identification of the sweet cherry cultivars produced in Turkey will help in choosing appropriate cultivars and aid in the preservation of natural resources required for breeding studies. The most conventional method of cultivar identification is based on the assessment of morphological characteristics. However, this method is insufficient to distinguish closely related cultivars. The aims of our study were to determine the molecular profile of sweet cherry accessions grown in Giresun, Turkey, and to determine their genetic relationships. Materials and methods. In our study, we identified 44 sweet cherry accessions grown in Giresun by using genetic markers (SSR, Simple Sequence Repeat), and we determined the genetic relationships among the sweet cherry genotypes. For DNA isolation, we collected young leaves sampled on a single plant per accession, then amplification of microsatellite loci was performed. In total, ten SSR primer pairs, previously isolated from peach and sweet cherry, were used. Genetic similarity values were calculated. A cluster analysis was performed to generate a dendrogram. Results and discussion. Of the ten primers tested, six primer pairs did not result in suitable amplification products with the 44 accessions studied. The remaining four polymorphic SSR primer pairs produced 33 alleles with an average of 8.25 putative alleles per locus, ranging from 7 to 11. Depending on the accessions, similarity ratios ranged from 0.32 to 0.98, with a mean value of 0.64. In conclusion, the results obtained demonstrate a high level of polymorphism among sweet cherry genotypes from a single province in Turkey.

Introduction. Bacterial canker, caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae, is a devastating disease of stone fruit worldwide. The effects of mineral nutrients and freezing-thawing on bacterial canker susceptibility were evaluated using potted peach trees in an attempt to understand predisposing factors in bacterial canker of stone fruit. Materials and methods. A split-plot experimental design with randomized complete block main plots (i.e., inoculations associated with freezing-thawing or nonfrozen pretreatments) and subplots of trees with the seven treatments (i.e., solutions deficient in N, P, K, Ca, Mg or Fe, respectively, and a full nutrient control) was adopted to study the effect of mineral deficiency and freezing-thawing on peach susceptibility to bacterial canker. Results and discussion. Phosphorus deficiency was the only treatment to significantly decrease lesion length that developed after inoculation with P. syringae pv. syringae, compared with the control trees that received full nutrients. Nitrogen and potassium deficiency treatments significantly decreased bark nitrogen and potassium concentrations accordingly, but had no clear effect on lesion sizes. Inoculation during freezing-thawing cycles significantly increased lesion length. In another independent experiment, nitrogen deficiency significantly increased the number of P. syringae pv. syringae leaf scar infections, but the subsequent infection was limited to a few millimeters. Nitrogen-deficient trees, which had higher [carbon / nitrogen] ratios, developed lesion sizes equivalent to trees provided with full nutrients. Collectively, these data suggest that, in the absence of other major predisposing factors (i.e., low soil pH or ring nematodes), mineral nutrients may play a minor role in the susceptibility of peach to bacterial canker.