PJB-2019-780
Impact of fluctuating agrometeorological indices on Kinnow fruit (Citrus nobilis Lour x Citrus deliciosa Tenora) internal quality during maturing phase
Rab Nawaz
Abstract
Kinnow orchards were selected at three ecological zones located at districts Sargodha, Toba Tek Singh (TTS) and Vehari of Pakistan, to assess the varying agrometeorological indices impact on fruit internal quality during maturing months. Analysis of variance technique was used and triplicated determinations of all samples were performed for biochemical analysis at the end of each month (August-February). Fruit juice contents remained low in August till October and attained uniform level from November to February with no significant differences among districts. At initial stage of maturing fruit which arrives at the end of August, Kinnow fruit accumulated less agrometrological indices, therefore low level of pH, total soluble solid (TSS) and sugars were recorded, which had shown a gradual increasing trend till arrival of full maturity in February. More titratable acidity was observed in August by showing a gradually reducing trend. Whereas, ascorbic acid and antioxidant activity were increased to maximum level in September-October and then started decreasing afterwards. Total phenolic contents, flavonoids and flavonols were unchanged while anthocyanins were increased gradually. More growing degree days (GDDs), photothermal index (PTI) and helio thermal unit (HTU) were computed at warm conditions of Vehari, followed by TTS, hence more reducing trend in titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, antioxidant activity, and reducing-sugar were observed in these districts. Climate change has increased temperature and altered rainfall pattern, as a result fluctuating agrometeorological indices were noted which had directly influenced on fruit internal quality by showing more severity at Vehari and TTS.
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