Effects of Harvest Time on the Fruit Quality of Kinnow and Feutrell’s Early Mandarins (Citrus reticulata Blanco)

Abstract

The intrinsic and extrinsic traits of citrus fruits change throughout their developmental process, and, therefore, to ensure the highest quality, fruit must be harvested at an appropriate stage of maturity. In a 2-year study, mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco) cultivars (Kinnow and Feutrell’s Early) grafted on rough lemon (C. jambheri Lush) rootstock were selected to analyze the effect of harvest time on their physicochemical characteristics and antioxidant potential in two consecutive growing seasons in the Multan region of South Pakistan, which has a subtropical climate. Fruits were harvested from commercial citrus groves at intervals of one month (from September to February). The results showed that different maturity stages/harvesting dates have a significant effect on the fruit quality and yield characteristics of mandarin cultivars. An increase in fruit weight, juice content, total soluble solids, ripening index, juice pH, and total sugar content was observed with the advancement of fruit maturity, while juice acidity, antioxidant capacity, total phenolic content, and vitamin C content had a decreasing trend towards fruit maturity. Overall, both cultivars showed similar profiles to the change in fruit quality traits during growth and development, but their amounts showed great variation. Based on the comprehensive consideration, Kinnow attained the maximum fruit quality and yield values from mid-January to February, whilst Feutrell’s Early attained the maximum values of these parameters from mid-December to mid-January, attributing to higher consumer acceptability. This study demonstrated that harvest time plays a key role in controlling the fruit quality and yield of mandarin cultivars. In practice, harvest time should be highly considered for the fresh and processed citrus market and industry.

Quality and antioxidant potential of goat's milk paneer prepared from different citrus juices and its whey

“…(2019); lemon juice: Al-Juhaimi and Ghafoor (2013); mandarin juice: Manzoor et al . (2023) and Nawaz et al . (2020)).…”

“…This fruit has been reported to have multiple traditional uses such as in the treatment of scurvy, constipation, indigestion, ulcers, diabetes and urinary disorder (Khan et al ., 2016). The mandarin variety ‘Feutrell's Early’ ( Citrus reticulata Blanco) is a delicious citrus fruit in terms of its sweet taste and has been reported to contain appreciable quantities of vitamin c, DPPH radical scavenging activities, total phenolics, flavonoids, flavonols and carotenoids (Nawaz et al ., 2020; Manzoor et al ., 2023). Kinnow ( Citrus reticulate L.) is a cross between the King Orange ( Citrus nobilis ) and Willow Leaf Orange ( Citrus deliciosa ) which was developed by Dr H.B.…”

Comparison of Some Fruit Quality Parameters of Selected 12 Mandarin Genotypes from Black Sea Region in Turkey

“…Taste, aroma, color, and texture are the main quality characteristics of mandarin fruits. The aroma constituents of mandarin fruits are a mixture of various chemical classes specifically monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, alcohols, aldehydes, acids, esters, ketones, and other volatiles. − More recently, increasing global interest in production and consumption of mandarin fruits leads to the intensified need for profiling and determining their bioactive components and aroma profiling. , Mandarins are produced in different continental climates but in general widespread in moderate Mediterranean-like climates, hot and humid tropical regions, and nearly desert-like dry climates. Among mandarins, Satsumas are more resistant to cold and frost and may withstand frost for several weeks. , …”

“…Volatile compounds dominate the olfactory perception of mandarin, even demonstrated as key factors that characterize mandarin flavor during sensory evaluation. Thus, extensive research on the aroma compounds of mandarin fruits has been carried out to completely understand aroma profile differences of cultivars. ,,, Satsuma mandarin has an important place in the markets in Turkey due to its earliness, high flavor, and seedless feature. It is an important specie of Citrus in export.…”

“…Thus, extensive research on the aroma compounds of mandarin fruits has been carried out to completely understand aroma profile differences of cultivars. 16 , 18 , 24 , 27 Satsuma mandarin has an important place in the markets in Turkey due to its earliness, high flavor, and seedless feature. It is an important specie of Citrus in export.…”