PJB-2019-445
Impact of varying environmental conditions on Kinnow fruit (Citrus nobilis Lour x Citrus deliciosa Tenora) quality parameters under prevailing practices
Rab Nawaz
Abstract
In present study on Kinnow mandarin was conducted in three ecological zones to evaluate impact of varying environmental conditions on fruit quality parameters. Three main Kinnow growing districts Sargodha, Toba Tek Singh (TTS) and Vehari were selected with variable temperature, rainfall and humidity level. A factorial RCBD was used with three plants in each replication. Fruit diameter from April to December was measured and in months of May and June was recorded higher in TTS and Vehari. Fruit drop was recorded to be more in May in TTS and Vehari due to heat stress as compared to Sargodha. Pest like citrus thrips & mites and fruit fly damaged fruits were recorded higher in Vehari and TTS while citrus red scale infestation was noted as increased in Sargodha. Similarly, citrus scab and melanose incidence on fruits were observed higher in Sargodha whereas stem-end rot damaged fruits counted more in TTS and Vehari. Abiotic stress like wind scares were more in Sargodha meanwhile stem injury and styler end deformity were not significantly different in all three districts. Fruit physical quality like width, fresh weight, and peel thickness were noted more in TTS and Vehari whereas fruit surface smoothness and firmness were observed more in Sargodha. Fruit biochemical quality like pH, total soluble solid, titratable acidity, sugars, ascorbic acid, total dissolved salts and electrical conductivity showed higher level in Sargodha than TTS and Vehari. Antioxidant and total anthocyanin contents were found to be increased in Sargodha whereas total phenolic and flavonoid contents were estimated higher in TTS and Vehari districts respectively. Total flavonols contents were uniform in all three districts. Kinnow fruit of Sargodha district received more sensory scores in organoleptic evaluation. In yield parameters, more A-grade fruits were harvested in Sargodha and more no. of fruit with increased weight per tree were obtained from TTS. Rejected fruits at farm site and C-grade were present more in Sargodha. Similarly B-grade produce was observed to be yielded more in TTS and Vehari. Sargodha district produced more exportable percentage of A-grade quality fruit than TTS and Vehari. Extreme events like heat stress and smog were seen more in Vehari and TTS and their fruit quality remained inferior consequently.
To Cite this article:
Download
