Introduction. Banana is a worldwide important fruit crop, and improved clones which are resistant/tolerant to different biotic and abiotic stresses are very much required. In this regard, prospects of in vitro mutagenesis are high and relevant. Materials and methods. The in vitro cultures (individual and multiple shoots) and in vivo plant materials (suckers and hardened plants) of banana cv. Basrai (AAA) were exposed to 60Co gamma ray doses ranging from 0-100 Gy. Radio-sensitivity of suckers and in vitro individual shoots was assessed by recording data on survival, multiplication ratio, days to root initiation, root number, root length, shoot length, plant height, number of leaves, leaf area and chlorophyll content. Results. Increase in the dose of gamma-rays resulted in corresponding decrease in the growth of the explants. Further, as a trend, the in vivo explants were observed to be more vulnerable than the in vitro ones. This offers possibilities of obtaining live plant materials even at high doses thereby increasing the probability of higher frequency of mutations. Lower doses of 10 and 20 Gy had an enhancing effect on the multiplication ratio of in vitro multiple shoot cultures. Conclusion. The in vivo and in vitro plant materials exhibited differential response to gamma-irradiation. The results obtained from the present studies will be useful in refining strategies for in vitro mutation induction aimed at banana improvement.

The product. Aonla (Emblica officinalis Geartn), the king of arid fruits, popularly known as “Indian gooseberry”, is a small-sized minor subtropical fruit grown widely in North India. India ranks first in the world in aonla area and production volume. It is considered to be a “wonder fruit for health” because of its unique properties. Uses. Aonla fruit is very useful in treating many diseases such as diabetes, cough, asthma, bronchitis, headache, dyspepsia, colic, flatulence, skin diseases, leprosy, jaundice, scurvy, diarrhea and cancer. Packaging. Different packaging materials such as nylon net, perforated polyethylene bags, ventilated corrugated fiber boxes, gunny bags, wooden crates, etc., can be used for prolonging the storage life of fruit. Storage. Refrigerated storage helps in enhancing the storage life of fruit. Value addition. There are numerous products such as aonla squash, candy, jam, chutney, etc., which are prepared from aonla fruit. Inclusion of these products in the diet definitely helps in improving the nutritional value of Indian meals. Discussion. The low cost of the products as well as good sensory, nutritional and shelf life qualities mean that processed aonla products are appropriate for commercialization. In order to obtain a good income from aonla, it must be sold immediately in the market; if not, to make profit, proper storage facilities should be available.

Introduction. Consumption of Physalis fruits is quite recent and the products are poorly known among consumers. This plant has been known for a long time as an ornamental in Europe, for at least 200 years. Traceability is increasingly becoming important across the agri-food industry; however, at the present time, the traceability of this fruit is only documentary. In case of doubt or fraud, no standardized analysis can determine the geographical origin of the fruits. Materials and methods. In order to discover the relationship between the fungal communities of the fruit and their geographical origins, 28S rDNA-PCR-DGGE was used to analyze the variation in fungal communities in three species of Physalis fruit (Physalis ixocarpa Brot., Physalis pruinosa L. and Physalis peruviana L.) from Egypt, Uganda and Colombia. Results. Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE) fingerprints of 28S ribosomal DNA (28S rDNA) analyzed by multivariate analysis could distinguish different fruit origins by their fungal communities. Conclusion. We propose the PCR-DGGE method as a new traceability tool which provides fruit in general, and Physalis in particular, with a unique barcode for each country by using 28S rDNA fingerprinting of fungi.

Introduction. Agricultural cooperatives play an important socio-economic role in European (EU) countries, especially in the fresh fruit and vegetable sector. For this reason, in an economic perspective, the measurement of their efficiency has become an area of investigation which attracts great interest. Given that Spain and Italy are the biggest producers of fresh fruits and vegetables, the aim of this paper was to recognize the evolution of their technical efficiency. Materials and methods. Performance analysis in the economic field is rather controversial. Following Parkan (2002), it is possible to classify three main approaches to measure performance: index numbers; frontier methods and the non-parametric approaches. In this paper, efficiency was evaluated by applying the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) technique considering two separate frontiers. Through the AIDA database for Italian agricultural cooperatives and the SABI database for Spanish cooperatives, two different sets of 81 and 106 firms, respectively belonging to the fruit and vegetable sector, were selected over a five-year period (2001–2005). Results. The analysis of the DEA results underlines the higher ability of Italian cooperatives to calibrate and optimize the inputs, and to maximize the results (technical efficiency), as well as the ability of Spanish cooperatives to exploit scale economies. Conclusions. Over the period taken into consideration, the average value of global technical efficiency decreased for Spanish as well as Italian cooperatives. In the case of Spanish cooperatives, this situation is due to the loss of ability to calibrate and optimize the inputs, even if the considered firms reveal ability to develop scale economies. In the case of Italian cooperatives, the results reveal the substantial firm technical efficiency, even if scale inefficiency undermines the global efficiency.

Introduction. Pulasan and lychee are from the same family and closely related, therefore the SSR markers are expected to be highly transferable between these two taxa. We investigated the transferability of 12 lychee (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci to pulasan (Nephelium ramboutan-ake L.). Materials and methods. Genomic DNA was extracted from 20 accessions of pulasan for the PCR amplification of the SSR loci using 12 pairs of SSR primers derived from lychee. The PCR products were resolved on denaturing polyacrylamide gels. Results. The percentage of SSR transferability from lychee to pulasan was 58.3% and the percentage of polymorphic SSR markers was 25%. Discussion. The moderate transferability and low polymorphism rates suggest the possibility of interruptions within the repeat motif and mutations in the flanking sequences of SSR repeat motifs. Our results did not reveal a high rate of transferability between lychee and pulasan. However, this study showed that the SSR markers developed in lychee are a good source of molecular markers for pulasan.

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 Cerrado is the largest biome in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil; it presents an enormous biodiversity represented by fruit species, highlighting murici (Byrsonima verbascifolia). The objective of our study was to investigate the physical and physicochemical characteristics, occurrence and concentration of carotenoids, vitamin C, vitamin E and folates in murici fruits from the Cerrado of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Materials and methods. Titratable acidity was determined by volumetric neutralization, pH by potentiometry, soluble solids by refractometry, moisture using an oven, ash using a muffle furnace, protein by the micro-Kjeldahl method, total dietary fiber by the non-enzymatic gravimetric method and lipids by Soxhlet extraction; carotenoids and vitamin C were analyzed by HPLC-DAD, and vitamin E and folates by HPLC with fluorescence detection. Results and discussion. The murici pulp contained 7.47 g·100 g–1 carbohydrates, 5.13 g·100 g–1 lipids, 13.58 g·100 g–1 fibers and 71.58 g·100 g–1 moisture. The pH, titratable acidity and soluble solids were 3.93, 0.77 g citric acid·100 g–1 and 10.73 °Brix, respectively. The results indicated that the fruit is an excellent source of fiber and vitamin C (27.24 mg·100 g–1), a good source of vitamin E (1819.72 μg·100 g–1) for children and a source for adults and pregnant women. Folates were not found in murici. Conclusion. Murici stands out with regard to its nutritional value and can contribute significantly to the supply of nutrients, especially fiber and vitamin C. Thus, consumption of these fruits should be encouraged among families residing in the Cerrado and in other regions of Brazil.

Introduction. Superficial scald is one of the most economically seriouspostharvest disorders of apples. The optimal harvest window and 1-MCP treatmentsignificantly diminish the risk of storage scald and retain quality of apples stored in anormal atmosphere. Materials and methods. Fruits from three different harvestdates (23rd and 30th September, and 7th October 2008) were treated with 1-MCP(SmartFreshTM) immediately after harvest, and stored in a normal atmosphere(1 ± 0.5) °C for 180 days followed by a shelf-life period of 7 days at (21 ± 1) °C.Assessments of superficial scald severity, firmness, total soluble solids and titratableacidity were recorded at days 1 and 7 after storage. Organoleptic quality assessments weremade after the shelf-life period. Results. 1-MCP treatment was able tocontrol superficial scald before and after shelf life in fruits from the last two harvesttimes. The highest scald values during shelf life were observed in untreated and1-MCP-treated fruits from the earliest harvest (3.6 and 2.3, respectively). 1-MCP andearly harvest time were determined to have a positive effect on retention of firmness andtitratable acidity during storage. Total soluble solids was not affected by 1-MCPtreatment. Combination of 1-MCP treatment and mid- or late harvest time gave the bestevaluation scores for organoleptic quality. Conclusion. Our results show that1-MCP treatments of late-harvested “Granny Smith” apples could offer satisfactory resultsfor long-term air storage considering both the absence of superficial scald and retentionof fruit quality.

Introduction. Au Mali, l’apport des produits de cueillette dans l’économie nationale et celle des ménages est important, cependant l’estimation de cet apport fait encore défaut. Dans ce contexte, les fruits de Detarium microcarpum Guill. & Perr. (Fabaceae), espèce forestière très prisée des populations ouest-africaines, sont très consommés et commercialisés au Mali. Nous avons donc cherché à évaluer la production en fruits de cet arbre afin d’en mieux connaître les potentialités. Matériel et méthodes. Un repérage de 41 arbres en pleine production a été effectué au sud du Mali. Les fruits de ces arbres ont été récoltés, pesés et comptés. Les paramètres nombre et poids des fruits ont été étudiés par rapport à des descripteurs physiques de l’arbre (circonférence du tronc prise à 1,30 m du sol et hauteur de la première ramification basale). Par la suite, des équations de régression entre ces variables ont été établies de façon à disposer d’un outil permettant l’estimation de la production fruitière de D. microcarpum.Résultats. Dans les conditions climatiques de la zone étudiée au Mali, la production moyenne de D. microcarpum a été en moyenne de près de 575 fruits (= environ 6 kg) par arbre. Par ailleurs, il existe une régression significative d’une part entre le poids des fruits, d’autre part entre le nombre des fruits et la circonférence du tronc prise à 1,30 m du sol. Conclusion. L’espèce D. microcarpum a de grandes potentialités fruitières au Mali ; elles pourraient être exploitées pour une domestication de l’espèce. Les équations de régression que nous avons établies constituent des outils aptes à évaluer la productivité des individus de D. microcarpum.

Introduction. Apples are potentially subject to blue mold decay caused by Penicillium expansum ifstored at 1 °C for three or more months or if wounded during handling. Results from trials with applescontaminated with conidia of P. expansum and fumigated in small chambers with acetic acid (AA) vapor indicatedthat fruit could be sterilized to reduce decay without effect on fruit quality. The objective of this study was todetermine if larger quantities of apples treated with AA vapor would have less decay after storage and/or wounding. Itwas also important to determine if fumigation would affect apple quality and aroma. Materials and methods. Applecultivars were harvested at commercial maturity for use in AA fumigation trials. Apples artificially or naturallycontaminated with conidia of P. expansum were fumigated with AA vapor in a 1 m3 gas tight chamber at10 °C for 1 h to 24 h or dipped in 450 μg thiabendazole × L-1 solution. Fruit fumigatedin standard wooden or plastic apple boxes, or small wooden bins were either wounded and evaluated for decay after a weekat 20 °C or stored at 1 °C for three or more months and evaluated for decay. Then apple quality wasassessed. Results. Apples naturally contaminated with Penicillium spp. that had been stored at1 °C in air storage and treated with AA vapour had 50% less decay than the control fruit. In anotherexperiment, AA fumigation was as effective as thiabendazole in reducing decay. AA fumigation reduced decay of fruitcoming out of storage for apples stored for 3 months, and a second AA fumigation reduced infection of wounds on thesesame apples. AA fumigation before storage did not affect apple quality or vinegar aroma. Discussion. AA fumigationshowed great potential for reducing decay in stored apples. It could be used as an organic alternative to syntheticfungicides for control of blue mold decay.

Introduction. Because of the long transportation times and storage durationsthat are often experienced, it is important to understand how pomelo properties changeover time; that will be indicative of how long samples can be stored before they dropbelow acceptable quality limits. As no information is available regarding storage ofpomelo fruit in the literature, the goal of our work was to study the change in pomelophysicochemical and textural properties following storage over a period of approximately4 months. Materials and methods. The changes in physical, chemical andtextural properties of commercial pomelo fruit were extensively evaluated over the courseof a 4-month storage period. The correlation among physical, color, chemical and texturalproperties were also assessed. Results. Color properties(L*, a*, b*) changed significantly withstorage; however, they did not change much during the initial 45 days of storage. Thechange in soluble solids content (SSC), acidity (A) and the [(SSC) / (A)] ratio suggestedthat pomelo fruit should not be stored for more than 75 days. Crucially, our studydemonstrates that the a* parameter (greenness, R = –0.556) correlatesbest with the chemical property the [(SSC) / (A)] ratio, which is a recognized measurementof the consumer acceptability of citrus fruit. This means that measuringa* is a non-destructive way of monitoring the taste characteristics ofpomelos in storage. This property also correlated well with the average firmness of thefruit and with the flesh texture. Conclusion. This fundamental information onthe pomelo fruit could prove useful in the physical handling and processing of the fruitby breeders and postharvest technologists as well as distributors, market agents,importers and exporters.

Introduction. Rhizopus stolonifer is thecausal agent of Rhizopus rot disease in various fruit and vegetables.Materials and methods. The effect of chitosan was evaluated invitro on mycelial growth, sporulation, morphological characteristics andgermination of spores of three isolates of R. stolonifer (from peach,papaya and tomato). The effect of chitosan on controlling Rhizopus decayin peach, papaya and tomato fruit in situ in comparison with thesynthetic fungicide dichloran was also studied. Results and discussion. Ourresults showed that the mycelial growth and sporulation of the three isolates weremarkedly inhibited at all tested chitosan concentrations. The highest antifungal indexesand sporulation reduction were observed with chitosan at 2 mg·mL–1. In ourstudy, the morphological characteristics of the spores of R. stolonifershowed different behavior depending on the evaluated isolates. In general, the highesteffect on germination was observed at the chitosan concentration of 2 mg·mL–1.Our results demonstrated that chitosan was effective in reducing the percentage ofinfection and the severity index on peach, papaya and tomato fruit compared with those ofnon-treated control. The chitosan was not more effective than dichloran in reducing thepercentage of infection. The results of the study suggest that chitosan(2 mg·mL–1) is a good alternative for the control ofRhizopus decay on peach, papaya and tomato fruit; it could beconsidered as a potential agent in natural alternatives to control postharvestdiseases.

Introduction. Noni (Morinda citrifolia) has a long history related to medical uses in Southeast Asian countries. Today, noni grows in the majority of the southern Pacific areas, in India, the Caribbean, South America and the West Indies. One of the challenges of recent years was to process Morinda citrifolia fruit juice, to make a more modern drug from a traditional product. In order to obtain better understanding of the medicinal characteristics of the noni fruit cultivated in Cambodia, the biochemical and mineral compositions of the raw juice extracted from M. citrifolia fruits were determined. Materials and methods. Whole fresh fruits of M. citrifolia which came to France from Cambodia were preserved at –20 °C during the duration of the experimentation. Commercial Tahitian noni juice was bought pasteurized to be used as a reference. The extraction was carried out on two batches of Cambodian fruits using a hydraulic press. Contents in oil, fatty acids, proteins, amino-acids, sugars and minerals of juices were analyzed. Results. Composition of noni juice of different origin was determined, compared, and discussed in relation to the biochemical and mineral composition of other vegetable oils. Conclusion. The biochemical composition of the noni juice, which showed a high content of antioxidant molecules, is not sufficient to explain the famous medicinal effects of noni juice. Certain molecules, in particular alkaloids, still have to be studied.

Introduction. Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) is a tropical fruit that isfamous for its edible pulp. This edible pulp makes up only 30% of the total fruit, whilethe remaining pericarp and seed are regarded as waste. Facing the increasing public demandfor naturally safe foods and products, our study aimed to elucidate the antioxidantcapacity and antibacterial activity of different parts of mangosteen, including thepericarp, pulp and seed. Materials and methods. The antioxidant capacities ofmangosteen’s pericarp, pulp and seed extracts were determined using the ferric reducingantioxidant power (FRAP) assay and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, whereasantibacterial activity was determined using the disc diffusion method.Results. The pericarp extract exhibited higher antioxidant capacities thanthose of pulp and seed extracts, with a Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC)value of 122.00 µM·g–1 and ferrous sulphate equivalent antioxidant capacity (FEAC) valueof 18.99 mM·g–1. All mangosteen extracts showed strong inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC11632, while only the pericarp extract was effectiveagainst Bacillus cereus ATCC10876. No inhibition againstEscherichia coli ATCC10536 was observed. Conclusion. Theoutcomes of our study could facilitate future application of mangosteen waste as abiopreservative in the food industry.

Introduction. The effects of imidacloprid and fenobucarb insecticides on thedynamics of the psyllid Diaphorina citri and on the incidence ofCandidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (Ca. L. a.), theputative causal agent of Huanglongbing disease (HLB), were studied in a field experiment.Materials and methods. The experimental design consisted ofthree independent 0.5-ha Citrus orchards planted with disease-freeHLB-susceptible orange trees, located in a Citrus producing areaseriously affected by HLB. Imidacloprid was applied monthly to the trunks in one orchardat a rate of 0.15 g a.i.·tree–1; fenobucarb was sprayed fortnightly in a secondorchard at a rate of 250 g a.i.·ha–1. The 3rd orchard was managed as a controlwithout insecticide applications. The total number of adult D. citrispecimens and the percentages of trees harbouring psyllid eggs and 5th instar nymphs weremonitored at fortnightly intervals in each orchard. Ca. L. a. incidencewas assessed in each orchard by PCR at 5 months, 12 months and 24 months after planting.Results. Compared with the control, both the fenobucarb and imidaclopridtreatments reduced adult psyllid populations by over 90% and reduced the frequency oftrees harbouring eggs and 5th instar nymphs. Only imidacloprid treatments totallyprevented development of a new generation of adults from eggs. Two years after planting,the prevalence of Ca. L. a. was 0.939, 0.745 and 0.239 in the control andin the orchards treated with fenobucarb and imidacloprid, respectively. Discussionand conclusion. The results indicated that, although both the insecticides usedeffectively reduced D. citri populations by killing adults and nymphs andby affecting or preventing psyllid reproduction in orchards, neither of the twoinsecticide treatments totally prevented transmission of Ca. L.asiaticus. However, due to its long-lasting effect and systemic activity, the imidaclopridtreatment provided the best protection against infections, and delayed and slowed down thespread of the pathogen. Furthermore, it reduced the number of pesticide applicationsneeded and left the way open for biological integrated pest management programmes.

Introduction. The mango tree today, very appreciated in West Africa for its fruit and its shade, is, however, of recent introduction in Africa. The article presents the history of its expansion in the zone. Mango tree expansion in West Africa. Originating from India, the mango tree was reported for the first time in West Africa, in Senegal, in 1824. It was at the end of the xixth century that the mango trees began to have a significant distribution, especially in the coastal zones. Their extension became significant during the first half of the xxth century. An Amélie mango tree introduced in Mali around the 1890s allowed the grafting of many trees, which were widely distributed in the bordering countries. At the end of the 1940s, collections were gradually established in the entire zone and, during the decade 1970–1980, every country in French-speaking West Africa had at least a collection of mango trees. Export trends. Mali was the first country to export mangos towards Europe, around the end of the 1960s. It was followed by Burkina Faso, Guinea, Senegal, and especially the Côte d’Ivoire, whose exports, of approximately 2 500 t at the beginning of the 1990s, were multiplied by 4.5 in 2000. This fast growth of exports from the Côte d’Ivoire profited from the presence of a maritime front and of a mass effect created by pineapple and banana exports. Amélie for a long time constituted the main part of the exports of Mali, Burkina Faso and the Côte d’Ivoire. However, since 1971, experimental shipments of colored mangos have been successfully realized. With mango consumption becoming democratized in Europe, the choice of exported varieties was gradually tightened: Amélie, at the beginning of the harvest season, then Kent, Keitt and Palmer. Parallel to this varietal evolution, the packaging techniques were gradually modernized.

Introduction. L'objectif de nos recherches a été de tester différentes techniques de conditionnement de dattes Deglet Nour naturelles et de dattes fourrées à la pâte d'amande, produits d'intérêt économique national en Tunisie. Les effets de la température d'entreposage et du type de conditionnement ont été étudiés par rapport à l'évolution des levures et moisissures et de la teneur en eau des produits stockés. Matériel et méthodes. La conservation des dattes (naturelles ou fourrées) stockées a été évaluée en utilisant quatre modes de conditionnement : mise en barquettes de polyéthylène téréphtalate amorphe (APET) avec simple scellage ; conditionnement sous vide ou emballage sous atmosphère modifiée avec injection de deux différentes doses d'un mélange gazeux (20 % CO2 et 80 % N2). L'entreposage des échantillons a été effectué à trois températures [ (20, 30 et 40) °C]afin de provoquer et accélérer le vieillissement des dattes et d'évaluer ainsi leurs durées de conservation. Résultats et discussion. Les conditionnements sous atmosphère modifiée et sous vide ont permis de diminuer la déshydratation des dattes durant leur stockage. En se basant sur la teneur en eau des produits, le conditionnement des dattes fourrées stockées à 20 °C en barquettes d'APET et ayant reçu une injection de 10 % de gaz a permis d'obtenir une durée de conservation égale à 6,6 mois, à comparer avec les 4,2 mois observés dans le cas d'un simple scellage de ces barquettes. Pour les dattes naturelles entreposées à 20 °C, l'application d'un conditionnement sous vide partiel a augmenté la durée de conservation de 3,8 mois (obtenus pour un simple scellage) à 9 mois. Conclusion. L'utilisation de techniques de conditionnement spécifiques permettrait donc de conserver plus longtemps la qualité initiale des dattes stockées. Le conditionnement sous vide des dattes naturelles est le mode le mieux adapté pour une meilleure protection du produit contre le la prolifération des levures et moisissures et contre la déshydratation. Pour les dattes fourrées, le conditionnement sous atmosphère modifiée avec une injection d'un mélange gazeux (20 % CO2 et 80 % N2) à la dose de 10 % s'est révélé le meilleur pour conserver la qualité initiale du produit durant le stockage.

Introduction. The yellow passionfruit is consumed mainly as juice and is well accepted around the world. The nutritional state of the plant influences yield and fruit quality. We studied the particular effect of potassium nutrition on the quality of yellow passionfruit. Materials and methods. The experiments were conducted in a greenhouse at the Federal University of Viçosa, in Brazil, outlined in a randomized block design. The treatments were five concentrations of K [(1, 2, 4, 6 and 8) mmol·L–1] in a modified nutritive solution of Hoagland and Arnon. The experimental unit consisted of one plant in a 20-L pot containing washed sand. The plants were irrigated by a circulating hydroponic system. The nutrients were re-added to the solution based on its electric conductivity and on the K content in each solution. Results and discussion. The K supply increased yield and average fruit weight up to the concentration of (6.43 and 6.24) mmol·L–1, respectively, and linearly increased the number of seeds per fruit, thickness and relative water content of the pericarp and vitamin C content. The total titratable acid content increased according to a square equation, with the maximum point at 5.27 mmol K ·L–1. The pulp percentage, pH and total soluble solids content were not influenced by K doses. Conclusions. The increase in K supply promoted yield and fruit quality. At 90% of the maximum yield, the fruits had adequate quality traits.

Introduction. The production of high quality fruit juice involves several cultural inputs. Among other factors, fruit quality attributes are influenced by the cultivar, the climate, the harvesting time and soil fertility. Particularly, the soil fertility has a significant effect on the nutritional characteristics of the juice. Good practice as regards fertilization consists of applying rates adapted to plant optimum growth, yield and fruit quality. Materials and methods. Effects of four poultry manure rates [(0, 5, 10 and 15) t·ha–1] on the juice quality of passion fruits (Passiflora edulis var. flavicarpa) were evaluated for two cropping years (2005 and 2006). The seedlings of passion fruit vine were field-established in a randomized complete block design, and the manure treatments were replicated four times. Juice quality assessment was performed on fruits picked in December 2005, coinciding with the dry season and low soil moisture recharge, and August 2006, during the wet season and high soil moisture recharge. Results. The results obtained indicated a significant poultry manure effect on all the juice quality parameters studied; the quality of the juice increased gradually as the manure rate increased. Similarly, the season of fruit-picking had a significant effect on the juice quality. As expected, vines that received no manure produced fruits with the poorest juice quality, suggesting unfavorable nutritive conditions within the vines. The concentrations of anti-nutrient factors (tannin, hydrogen cyanide, phytate and calcium oxalate) were low in ripe yellow passion fruits, and insignificant regarding health hazards for consumers of yellow passion fruit. Conclusion. The results obtained showed that the manure rate and the harvest period affected the quality of passion fruit juice. Application of 15 t·ha–1 poultry manure generally gave the best juice quality; similarly, fruits harvested in the first cropping season had better juice quality.

Introduction. Originaire du Brésil, l'anacardier est largement présent dans la zone intertropicale. Une synthèse sur les intérêts économiques et les différentes voies de valorisations des produits de cet arbre a été effectuée. L'anacardier. De part sa résistance, notamment aux périodes de sécheresse, l'espèce Anacardium occidentale (anacardiacée) est adaptée à de nombreuses zones tropicales. Malgré sa tolérance aux attaques parasitaires, elle peut être sensible à certains insectes et attaques fongiques comme l'oïdium. Les rendements moyens obtenus pour la noix sont d'environ 600 kg × ha-1 × an-1 ; ils sont susceptibles d'être améliorés grâce à la sélection variétale. La noix de cajou. Elle est le fruit de l'anacardier au sens botanique du terme. L'amande est riche en lipides et contient environ 20 % de protéines. En 1999, les principaux producteurs mondiaux de noix de cajou ont été l'Inde, le Nigéria, le Brésil et la Tanzanie, qui ont produit chacun plus de 100 000 t × an-1. Après concassage de la coque et émondage, ce produit à forte valeur ajoutée est le plus souvent exporté. La pomme de cajou. Elle correspond au pédoncule hypertrophié de la noix qui possède à maturité une chair juteuse et sucrée. Ses principales caractéristiques sont son astringence et sa teneur élevée en vitamine C (200-300 mg × 100 g-1). La pomme de cajou est assez peu valorisée sauf en Inde et au Brésil, notamment sous forme de jus de fruit. Autres productions. Le baume de cajou est une production secondaire assez originale : extrait des coques de la noix, ce liquide corrosif, riche en composés phénoliques, est utilisé dans l'industrie chimique. Conclusion. La culture de l'anacardier, avec sa diversité de produits et notamment avec la noix qui est bien intégrée aux marchés internationaux, semble pouvoir constituer une source intéressante de revenus pour les zones tropicales sèches. Néanmoins, la pomme mériterait d'être mieux valorisée car elle reste encore un sous-produit de l'industrie de la noix de cajou.