Introduction. Green mould, Penicillium digitatum (Pers.: Fr.) Sacc., causes economically important postharvest disease in citrus. Materials and methods. Ethiopian plant extracts of Acacia seyal (Del. Var. Seyal) and Withania somnifera (L.) Dual were used to test the control of green mould in wound-inoculated fruit, stored for 21 d at 7 °C and at > 85% RH. The chemical compositions of the two extracts were determined using high-performance chromatography. Thereafter, freshly harvested (naturally infected) fruit were subjected to different postharvest treatments and stored for 50 d to investigate the effects of the two plant extracts on fruit quality parameters. Treatments included (pre-wax + leaf extracts), (wax + leaf extracts incorporated into wax, Citrosol A®), (leaf extract alone), (fruit washed in chlorinated water at 5.25%), (untreated fruit) and (commercially treated fruit). Results. Extracts of A. seyal and W. somnifera reduced the incidence of green mould by 56.1% and 50%, respectively, in wound-inoculated fruit. A. seyal extract contained a high concentration of gallic acid (60.3 mg·mL–1) whilst W. somnifera contained low concentrations of caffeic acid (8.7 mg·mL–1), salicylic acid (6.3 mg·mL–1) and 3,4 dihydroxy benzoic acid (3.8 mg·mL–1). Green mould was absent in naturally infected fruit subjected to (pre-wax + leaf extracts), (wax mixed with leaf extracts) and (leaf extracts) treatments. (Pre-wax + leaf extracts) and (wax mixed with leaf extract) treatments significantly reduced weight loss; retained firmness and colour; and they maintained eating qualities and a maturity index (SSC/TA) similar to commercial treatment. Conclusion. Both extracts of A. seyal and W. somnifera showed potential to be used as an alternative in combined applications with wax application under low temperature storage to replace synthetic fungicides, to ultimately control green mould and retain overall fruit quality.

Introduction. The nutritional and functional qualities of wild and cultivated Mexican serviceberry have not yet been reported. This species could have similar potential for commercialization to that of Saskatoon berry (Amelanchier alnifolia Nutt.). Materials and methods. Wild and cultivated fruits at two maturity stages were assessed for CIE Lab color, fruit size, titratable acidity and total soluble solids. Also, chemical composition and mineral contents were determined. In addition, vitamin C and simple phenols were assessed. Total soluble phenols, condensed tannins and anthocyanins as well as Trolox antioxidant activity and oxygen radical antioxidant activity were determined. Results. Fruit size, titratable acidity, total soluble solids, iron and simple phenols were higher in fruits of cultivated plants than in those of wild plants. Total fiber, calcium, vitamin C, total soluble phenols and condensed tannins were higher in wild fruits. Wild and cultivated serviceberry showed higher Trolox antioxidant activity compared with oxygen radical antioxidant activity. Caffeic, chlorogenic, coumaric and syringic acids and rutin were the predominant simple phenolics; they comprised from 59.3% (cultivated overripe fruit) to 76.9% (wild ripe fruit) of the sum of simple phenolics. The antioxidant activity of wild and cultivated fruit (258.3–699.2 mmol·kg–1, fw) is up to 3.8 times higher compared with those of fruits commonly consumed. Conclusion. Contents of antioxidant compounds and the outstanding antioxidant activities of wild and cultivated Mexican serviceberry make this species a natural resource that could contribute to health.

Introduction. A considerable number of positive effects after the consumption of fruits has been pointed out in the past: hypolipidemic action, reduction of blood glucose levels, hepatoprotection and improvement of the antioxidant status as well as, inter alia, antioxidant, antiradical, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and anti-adipogenic status. Materials and methods. The changes in the levels of phenolic acids and their derivatives in fresh as well as in processed fruits (chokeberry, wild strawberry, apples var. Idared and Champion, cherry, apricot, peach, raspberry, cranberry, and bilberry) were studied using HPLC with UV detection. Dried fruit homogenates and compotes were produced. Also, fruits were fried to simulate jam production. Results and discussion. Eleven phenolic acids and their derivatives were identified in tested samples: caffeic, chlorogenic, p-coumaric, ferulic, gallic, ellagic, protocatechuic, p-hydroxybenzoic, gentisic, syringic and vanillic acids. In most cases, the thermal processing of fruits caused a decrease in the levels of phenolic acids. In some preserves, the level of selected individual phenolic compounds was unchanged or was significantly increased. Conclusion. It can be concluded that thermal processing can have a differential effect on the levels of phenolic acids in preserves and general conclusions could not be formulated. The fruit composition in which a phenolic acid is present can play a role in this context.

Introduction. The mango mealybug Rastrococcus invadens is a pest of horticultural crops, especially mango. Though this fact has been demonstrated and its parasitoid, Gyranusoidea tebygi, released for its control in many countries, quantitative information on the damage inflicted by the mealybug and post-release mango fruit production are still scanty. This study was therefore undertaken to investigate the damage caused by mango mealybug and its associated sooty mould on mango plants and to assess mango fruit production after the release of G. tebygi in 1989. Materials and methods. Laboratory experiments were set up to determine the effect of different populations of mango mealybug (0, 5, 10, 20, and 40 adults/cage) on the chemical constituents of mango leaves. The mould associated with the mango mealybug was identified and its effect on leaf temperature was studied. A mango orchard was studied for fruit production from the time of fruitlessness in 1990 to 1998 when fruit yield peaked. The resultant effect of the parasitism of mango mealybug by G. tebygi was monitored on the chemical composition of mango leaves during this period. Results. Protein, fat, carbohydrate, ash, crude fibre and moisture contents were depleted with increase in mealybug population. The isolated mould fungus Capnodium mangiferae was found to raise leaf temperature of infected mango seedlings. The population density of G. tebygi was found to be negatively but significantly correlated with mango mealybug population and positively correlated with mango fruit yield. Parasitism was highly correlated with mealybug population and yield, and was considered a major factor in the control of the pest and the subsequent increase in mango fruit yield. Rainfall did not have a significant impact on yield, mealybug population or sooty mould score. Discussion. The injury inflicted by R. invadens and its associated mould, and the enhancement of mango fruit production by the activities of G. tebygi on the mealybug were discussed.

Introduction. Although Nigeria has the largest area planted to papaya (Carica papaya) in the world, this country has one of the lowest yields reported. A good knowledge of the available genetic variability is a first step in the exploitation of this crop for the development of improved cultivars. Until now, there has been no report on genetic diversity in the papaya accessions available in Nigeria. Materials and methods. Sixty accessions of papaya obtained from ten districts in Southeastern Nigeria were evaluated using 21 variables following the IBPGR descriptors for papaya. The data was subjected to descriptive statistics, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and multivariate analysis including principal component (PCA) and cluster analysis. Results. ANOVA showed significant variation among accessions in fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit edible volume, leaf petiole length, fruit shape, flesh color and central cavity shape. The first seven principal component axes accounted for 73.47% of total variation and five cluster groups were generated from cluster analysis. Accessions were classified into two broad groups corresponding to female (15%) and hermaphrodite (85%) plants. A strong and highly significant correlation was found between leaf blade and petiole length and fruit characteristics such as length, diameter and fruit edible volume, a variable derived for the first time in this study. There was a preponderance of yellow flesh color in fruits from female plants and reddish-orange flesh color among hermaphrodite plants. Discussion and conclusions. Each of the five cluster groups consists of accessions that could be used as parents in further breeding or clones for vegetative propagation. This study revealed significant variation that could be exploited for genetic improvement of papaya in Nigeria. It is recommended that a focused papaya genetic improvement program should be pursued to exploit the genetic variation available.

Introduction. Wines produced in cool climate regions may be competitive with wines obtained in traditional wine-producing countries. The aim of this paper was to conduct a quality analysis of the chemical composition of selected varieties of cool-climate grapes and to assess the enological parameters of wines obtained from them. Materials and methods. The chemical composition of 11 varieties of grapes as well as the basic enological parameters, profile of volatile components, and antioxidant and sensory properties of wines obtained from selected varieties were assessed. Results and discussion. The extract content of the assessed varieties of grapes varied within the range of 128.5–218.5 g×kg–1. The fruit was characterised by similar acidity but significantly heterogeneous antioxidant activity. The basic quality parameters of wines were in accordance with the EU regulations. Antioxidant activity and polyphenol content in red wines were approximately 5–7 times higher than those in white wines. In the sensory assessment the wines obtained high grades. Conclusion. Wines from the cool climate regions fulfil the EU normative requirements and are characterised by original sensory features. They may compete with products from traditional wine-producing countries.

Introduction. The emergence of P. caerulea L. seeds was studied for the first time, in order to obtain useful information for cultivation of this plant with ornamental, edible and medicinal values. Materials and methods. Different treatments (aril removal, mechanical and chemical scarification and combinations of them) were performed on fresh seeds before sowing. The treatments simulated different paths that the seeds may follow in nature in this ornithochorus species, those which small growers could reproduce before cultivation. Seed emergence was recorded periodically for 16 months in a greenhouse. Seed emergence initial time, percentage and speed were calculated. Results and discussion. Seeds immersed in hydrochloric acid (chemical scarification) did not germinate, but the rest of the treatments were successful. Emergence percentages were low in most of the treatments and speed was slow in all of them. The minimum seed emergence initial time was 25 days. The curve of the accumulated number of seeds emerged followed an oscillating sigmoid pattern. Conclusion. It is suspected that dormancy exists, which will be dealt with in another paper.

Introduction. L'anthracnose des bananes, causée par Colletotrichum musae, est une maladie de conservation qui est généralement contrôlée par des traitements fongicides après la récolte. D'autres moyens de lutte sont aujourd'hui recherchés pour remplacer cette lutte chimique, dont l'épistillage et le gainage des inflorescences effectué habituellement au stade “ doigts horizontaux ” (Sdh). Compte tenu de la précocité de la pollution des fruits par C. musae, du rôle joué par l'eau de pluie comme agent de dissémination des conidies et de l'effet barrière que joue la gaine dans cette dissémination, nous avons voulu évaluer les conséquences, sur le niveau de contamination des fruits, d'un gainage précoce ou tardif. Par ailleurs, nous avons voulu évaluer la possibilité de remplacer l'épistillage au champ par un gainage à un stade très précoce plus facile à effectuer. Enfin, nous avons voulu vérifier qu'un gainage précoce pouvait entraîner un meilleur remplissage des fruits. Matériel et méthodes. Nous avons comparé différents stades de gainage (Sdh-7 j, Sdh, Sdh+7 j, Sdh+14 j, régimes non gainés) vis-à-vis de leurs effets sur la contamination des fruits, mais aussi sur leur croissance (nombre de cellules par fruit, poids moyen du fruit). Le gainage précoce (Sdh-7) a aussi été comparé à la combinaison épistillage/gainage au stade Sdh qui est une technique efficace mais coûteuse en main d'œuvre. Résultats. Les niveaux de contamination des fruits ont été significativement les plus élevés sur des régimes gainés tardivement (Sdh+7, Sdh+14) ou, pires, sur des régimes non gainés. Les taux de contamination les plus faibles ont été mesurés sur les fruits gainés précocement (Sdh-7) ou au Sdh, sans qu'il n'y ait de différences significatives entre ces deux traitements. Par ailleurs, le gainage précoce n'a pas autant réduit la contamination des fruits que l'épistillage au champ associé au gainage Sdh. Enfin, le stade de gainage a influencé la croissance des fruits. Conclusion. La pose précoce de la gaine avant le stade Sdh, voire à un stade plus précoce (Sdh-7), est recommandée.

Introduction. The aim of ourstudy was to analyze the effect of various levels of light availabilityin the fruit microenvironment (induced by summer pruning) on somefruit quality traits. Materials and methods. Two levelsof summer pruning were set: removal of either 30% or 60% of thecanopy leaf area. These treatments were compared with the control(unpruned vines). Two canopy layers (upper and lower) were identifiedin each treatment and in the control vines. At harvest, yield percane and per shoot was recorded in the two canopy layers; fruitfresh weight, flesh firmness, total soluble solid content and totaltitratable acidity were measured. Fruit Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC)and Total Polyphenols (TPH) were determined at kiwifruit harvestand post-harvest (60 days after storage at 1 °C) in relation totheir position within the canopy (layer) and to the pruning treatmentapplied. Results. Removing 60% of the canopy leaf areainduced higher titratable acidity and flesh firmness of kiwifruitsat harvest; it reduced fruit weight and crop yield, but increasedTAC and TPH compared with kiwifruits of control. Removing 30% leaf areadid not reduce mean fruit weight and crop yield; it increased TACand TPH at harvest by 20%. Post-harvest TAC and TPH evolution didnot differ among treatments. Discussion and conclusion.Pergola-trained kiwifruit vines showed good performances in termsof crop yield and fruit quality when summer pruning reduced the LeafArea Index (LAI) to 3. More intense pruning resulted in a significantincrease in fruit TAC, but reduced fruit weight and crop yield,and delayed softening of pulp.

Introduction. V. doniana Sweet fruit juice is sweet and has been fermented for many years in Nigeria using a traditional technology to produce wine. In this country, black plum is collected from wild trees in the natural ecosystem or from trees cultivated in isolated farms. Our study compared the chemical and sensory properties of wine produced from traditional or controlled fermentation of black plum juice. Materials and methods. Four types of experiments, two with spontaneous fermentation and two with controlled fermentation, were carried out, each with five replicates. The proximate composition, alcohol content and pH of the solutions obtained after spontaneous or controlled fermentation were determined. Moulds and yeasts isolated in the fermented juice were identified. Results and discussion. Wine obtained from controlled fermentation had 10.5% alcohol content while the spontaneous fermentation produced a wine of 5.0% alcohol content. The chemical analysis of juice produced from harvested ripe Vitex doniana fruit showed that it contained a soluble protein content of 75.62 ${\rm mg} \cdot {\rm mL}^{-1}$, pH of 4.5, total sugars of 95.10 ${\rm mg} \cdot {\rm mL}^{-1}$, titratable acidity of 0.33 ${\rm mg}\cdot 100$ mL-1, and ascorbic acid of 5.2 ${\rm mg} \cdot {\rm mL}^{-1}$. The yeasts isolated from the wine were Saccharomyces cerevisiae and S. coreanus, and filamentous moulds were Rhizopus stolonifer, Penicillium sp. and Aspergillus sp. Single cell protein was produced from the fruit juice by cultivation in it of Saccharomyces cerevisiae isolated from the fruit. The yeast had a protein content of 6.8 ${\rm mg} \cdot {\rm mL}^{-1}$ when grown at 20 °C for 36 h at pH 5.8. Conclusion. Wine produced from Vitex doniana Sweet juice has quite high alcohol content and is palatable with good flavor. The stability of the juice for yeast growth is an advantage for the production of single cell protein.

Introduction. A study was carried out to investigate the proximate and mineral composition of plantain and banana fruits of new hybrids selected in Nigeria, compared with those of a local cultivar, Agbagba. Our aim was to assess their nutritional value and to enhance the adoption and utilization potential of these new selected hybrids. Materials and methods. Five new Musa hybrids developed at the IITA, Nigeria, were investigated. Proximate values of fat, carbohydrate and protein of the samples were determined and the energy content of each sample was calculated. Fruit mineral analysis was performed for each cultivar studied. The data were statistically analyzed. Results and discussion. All the new hybrids were higher than the local cultivar Agbagba in protein and crude fiber content. Conversely, Agbagba fruit had the highest level of carbohydrate. A significant difference was observed between the PITA 14 hybrid and the rest of the cultivars in total energy and fat content. Both the BITA 3 and PITA 26 hybrids contained the highest levels of ash. The PITA 17 hybrid contained the highest moisture. The PITA 14 and PITA 24 hybrids were different from all other cultivars in phosphorus and copper contents. The calcium concentration in the PITA 14 and PITA 17 hybrids differed regarding the rest of the cultivars assessed. Also, the levels of potassium and manganese found in all the hybrids were different from those obtained in Agbagba, while the latter differed from all the hybrids in magnesium and sodium levels. Conclusion. The new Musa hybrids assessed are superior to the Agbagba plantain in nutritional value, which could enhance the adoption and utilization potential of these new hybrids by the local population.

Introduction. Alternative propagation techniques must be developed in order to reduce the time required to evaluate germplasm in citrus breeding programs. Our study investigated the rooting capacity and initial plant development of different citrus somatic hybrids that have potential for use as rootstocks. Materials and methods. Eleven different hybrids were tested. Cuttings of these plants were placed in trays inside an intermittent mist chamber. After 100 days, the percentage of cuttings with callous and with roots, average number of roots, and root length were recorded. The cuttings were then transferred to plastic bags and kept in the greenhouse. The flush length was recorded monthly. After 7 months, the percentage of plants suitable for grafting and the average scion and root dry mass were calculated. Results and discussion. [Caipira sweet orange + Cleopatra mandarin], [Caipira sweet orange + Volkamer lemon], [Rangpur lime + Sunki mandarin] and [Rohde Red Valencia sweet orange + Volkamer lemon] hybrids developed many roots, while [Caipira sweet orange + Volkamer lemon] and [Rohde Red Valencia sweet orange + Volkamer lemon] hybrids showed the best development after the transplant.

Introduction. Chinese jujubeoriginated in China and has become a leading fruit tree in the northernpart of China with total production of 4,250,000 t in 2009 and totalplanting area of 1,500,000 ha. Among the reported 944 Chinese jujubecultivars or strains, ‘Zanhuangdazao’ is the unique natural triploid cultivar;it is characterized by big fruit, high yield and good adaptabilitycompared with the other diploid cultivars. Therefore, our groupbegan polyploid breeding through colchicine induction starting in2000. Cultivar origin. ‘Chenguang’ is a new Chinese jujubecultivar induced by colchicine on the stem apex of the diploid ‘Linyilizao’.Through three years of top-grafting and purification, its characteristicswere observed in grafted and top-grafted experimental orchards continually.In 2009, ‘Chenguang’ was released by the Hebei Forestry CultivarExamination and Approval Committee and became the unique tetraploid Chinesejujube cultivar in the world to date. Cultivar characteristics.The somatic chromosome number, botanical character, phenologicalphase, productivity and adaptability are given. ‘Chenguang’ is suitablefor growing in Shanxi, Hebei, Shandong Province, where the annual averagetemperature is 12–14 °C and rainfall is above 400 mm, or similar soiland climate conditions. Main cultural techniques. Propagation,the training system, fruit setting and disease control are explainedand recommended.

Introduction. Natural flowering is an obstacle for the management of pineapple production. This phenomenon is at the origin of considerable and increasing fruit losses on an international scale. The objective of this work was to determine, at various times of the year, the role of substances inhibiting the vegetative growth of the plant to prevent, reduce or delay the natural pineapple flowering of the variety `Perola', most planted in Brazil. Materials and methods. Two trials were conducted in the experimental field in Cruz das Almas, Bahia, Brasil, during the years 1996 to 1999. Various growth substances were tested at various con- centrations: propionic acid 2-(3-chlorophenoxy) (ACP) at (45, 90 and 120) mg·L-1, paclobutra- zole (PBZ) at (77.4, 155.8 and 320) mg·L-1, mepiquat chlorure (MC) at (60 and 120) mg·L-1, gibberelic acid (GA3) at (30 and 60) mg·L-1, tebuconazole (TBZ) at (60 and 120) mg·L-1 and propaconazole (PPZ) at 120 mg·L-1. The treatments were applied onto two, three or four split applications, every 15 days, from 7:00 to 9:00 a.m. and from April to July (the critical period for natural flowering in the region). Results and discussion. The results obtained show that ACP and PBZ are capable of inhibiting, reducing and delaying the natural flowering of pine- apple with the concentrations of (90 to 240) mg·L-1. The best results were obtained when the growth regulators were applied during April and May. The other products did not have an effect on the natural flowering of pineapple. Conclusion. The variation observed in the effects and efficiencies of the growth regulators used indicates the necessity of validating the best treatments under different environmental and cultural conditions. The selected growth regulators can be a valuable tool for physiological studies on the mechanisms of flowering initiation in pineapple.

Introduction. Mature-green Golden apples (Spondias cytherea Sonnerat) are used in the French West Indies for the preparation of a nectar. With the aim of improving the fruit processing conditions for a better quality of this beverage, morphological and compositional characteristics of the mature-green fruits were determined. Materials and methods. Mature-green fruits were harvested in Martinique (French West Indies) and characterised: diameter, length, mass, and colour were determined; pH, titratable acidity, soluble solids, sugars, proteins, starch, fibre, vitamin C, phenols and green pigments were measured. Results and discussion. Average fruit length, diameter and weight were 71 mm, 54 mm and 116.4 g, respectively. With a low pH (2.6) and a high titratable acidity (1.3 g citric acid Eq·100 g–1 fresh material), mature-green Golden apple is an acidic fruit comparable to the lemon. The fruit is rich in vitamin C (52.0 mg·100 g–1), phenols (349.5 mg gallic acid Eq·100 g–1) and starch (7.1 g·100 g–1). The pale green colour of the pulp is due to pheophytins a and b. Conclusion. Our study provided a detailed analysis of mature-green Golden apples, which will be taken into account for the improvement of nectar processing conditions.

Introduction. Mango-based orchards in Senegal occur in a large diversity of cropping systems, but few typologies of these systems exist and none are associated with their comprehensive and quantitative analysis. In this study we defined and characterized the typology of these systems based on a quantitative assessment of their planting design, management, vegetative state, hedgerow structure and infestation by a major pest of mango, the Bactrocera invadens fly. Materials and methods. Multivariate analysis and clustering methods were applied to data from 64 mango-based orchards and their surrounding hedgerows sampled in the Dakar and Thiès regions, in Senegal. Results and discussion. Four types of cropping systems were identified according to orchard design and management patterns: (1) ‘No-input mango diversified orchards’, (2) ‘Low-input mango orchards’, (3) ‘Medium-input citrus-predominant orchards’ and (4) ‘Medium-input large mango- or citrus-predominant orchards’. Orchard characteristics varied among these patterns. For instance, vegetation was dense and homogeneous in system 1, and the mortality rate of trees was high in system 2 but low in system 3. Orchards of systems 3 and 4 were mostly associated with hedgerows with, respectively, boundary-marking and defensive species. Lastly, the number of B. invadens flies was high in orchards of system 4, whereas it was low in those of system 2. Conclusion. The diversity of mango-based cropping systems in Senegal is now well described and quantified. This characterization is a preliminary step that is essential for further studies aiming to improve these systems.

Introduction. The Brazilian Savannah has one of the richestbiodiversities in the world and contains native fruits presenting high nutritional value.These fruits are the basis for sustaining wildlife and also serve as a food source for thepopulation. Among these, the ‘araçá of Cerrado’ (Psidium firmum O. Berg),a fruit found naturally in the Brazilian Savannah, stands out. Therefore, we evaluated thephysical characteristics, chemical composition, and occurrence and content of vitamin C,carotenoids, vitamin E and folates in ‘araçá of Cerrado’ from the Savannah of MinasGerais, Brazil. Materials and methods. Titratable acidity was determined byvolumetric neutralization, pH by potentiometry, soluble solids by refractometry, moistureusing an oven, ash using a muffle furnace, protein by the micro-Kjeldhal method, totaldietary fiber by the gravimetric non-enzymatic method, and lipids with a Soxhletextractor. Vitamin C (ascorbic and dehydroascorbic acids) and carotenoids (α-carotene,β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin and lycopene) were analyzed by HPLC-DAD. Vitamin E (α, β, γand δ-tocopherols and α, β, γ and δ-tocotrienols) and folates (tetrahydrofolate,5-methyltetrahydrofolate and 5-formyltetrahydrofolate) were analyzed by HPLC withfluorescence detection. Results and discussion. The araçá presented a highpulp yield (81.43%), soluble solids (11.93 °Brix), moisture (77.46%), dietary fiber(12.32 g·100 g–1) and folates (47.25 mg·100 g–1). It presented a low total energy value of43.19 kcal·100 g–1, and low contents of carotenoids (0.32 mg·100 g–1) and vitamin E(336.43 mg·100 g–1). Vitamin C was not found in the fruit. Conclusion. ‘araçáof Cerrado’ fruit stands out due to its high yield and showed good nutritional value,being classified as an excellent source of dietary fiber and at least a source of folates.Thus, its consumption should be encouraged.

Introduction. In the French West Indies, farmers generally consider that periodical soil tillage is necessary to increase soil porosity and maintain high yield. However, in the non-tilled perennial banana plantations of the highlands, the soil exhibits better physical and biological properties than in the conventional banana plantations. To determine if tillage before banana planting is necessary for proper banana crop functioning and to assess the effect of tillage on soil quality, banana planting after conventional tillage was compared with no-till banana planting on crop residue mulch on an experimental plot. Materials and methods. Soil quality was assessed through indicators such as porosity, organic status, microbial biomass and structure of nematode communities. Crop functioning was assessed through plant growth, root distribution, and soil water and nitrogen availability. Results. We found that tillage reduced soil microbial biomass and the number of nematode functional guilds. Tillage had only a short-term effect on soil porosity and did not allow deeper extension of the root system. Although soil organic nitrogen mineralization was higher with conventional tillage, banana nitrogen nutrition was not better, probably because the high nitrogen fertilization offset the variations in availability of nitrogen from organic origin. We found that banana growth was better with no-till treatment. This could be explained by less drying out of soil due to the crop residue mulch left on the soil surface with no-till treatment. Conclusion. Relative to conventional tillage, no-till banana planting improved soil quality and crop performance.

Introduction. Innovation in the management of perishability/freshness is an essential theme of the future fruit sector, not only for commercial and distribution systems but also for production. Plastic films with modified atmospheres represent a postharvest technology that can be used to store stone fruits, such as apricots, that have a short shelf life when maintained in a normal atmosphere under cold conditions. The aim of our work was to evaluate the effect of several packaging materials on the postharvest quality of apricot fruits stored for 21 days by considering the most important qualitative traits. Materials and methods. Modified atmosphere technology with different packaging materials was used to store apricot fruits cv. Tom Cot® at (+1 ± 0.5) °C and 90–95% relative humidity (RH). Different passive modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) conditions were developed because of the interaction between fruit respiration and the different oxygen and carbon dioxide barriers of the films. The effects of MAP were evaluated on the postharvest quality of the fruits by monitoring the headspace gas composition, weight loss, fruit flesh firmness (FFF), total soluble solids content (TSS), titratable acidity (TA) and skin colour. Results and discussion. Changes in packaging headspace gas composition were observed for all films used, but only multilayer films and biodegradable film maintained the MAP conditions until the end of storage. Wrapped fruits lost less weight than fruits maintained under normal conditions; in particular, multilayer films maintained the highest FFF values after 21 days. The biodegradable film exhibited good performance in terms of maintaining the CO2 and O2 equilibrium inside the baskets by balancing the fruits’ respiration and the film’s permeability. Traditional plastic materials, such as multilayer films, and more sustainable films, such as the biodegradable film used in our study, can be successfully employed to store apricot fruits cv. Tom Cot® for up to 21 days in passive MAP conditions.

Introduction. Citrus aurantium L. sour oranges are poorly exploited in Tunisia, although the Tunisian Cap Bon is one of the major areas of production of sour orange trees. Our study aimed at determining the effect of the geographic origin of the raw material on quality of orange marmalades and consumer acceptance. Materials and methods. Fresh sour oranges were collected from five areas in the Cap Bon region in the North-East of Tunisia for producing marmalades. Physicochemical characterisation of marmalades from the five different origins included the determination of soluble solids, total and volatile acidity, the measurement of reducing sugars, and measurement of colour. Sensory panels from Tunisia, Algeria and Europe revealed the marmalades’ sensory profiles. The sensory panels then attributed preference and acceptance ranks for the five marmalades. Results and discussion. The analyses highlighted an effect of the geographic origin of the raw material on the physicochemical quality. The most suitable geographic conditions seem to be climatic and edaphic criteria. Assessors from various nationalities revealed different sensory profiles depending on the consumer’s nationality and fruit production region. In addition, Tunisian consumers are less likely to be marmalade buyers than European and Algerian consumers.