Phenotypic Characterization of Postharvest Fruit Qualities in Astringent and Non-astringent Persimmon (Diospyros kaki) Cultivars

Abstract

Phenotypic characterization of postharvest traits is essential for the breeding of high-quality fruits. To compare postharvest traits of different genetic lines, it is essential to use a reference point during fruit development that will be common to all the lines. In this study, we employed a non-destructive parameter of chlorophyll levels to establish a similar physiological age and compared several postharvest traits of ten astringent and seven non-astringent persimmon cultivars. The fruit’s traits examined were astringency, weight, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), chlorophyll levels (IAD), color (hue), firmness, color development and firmness loss during storage, crack development, and susceptibility to Alternaria infection. Although the chlorophyll (IAD) index and color (hue) showed a high correlation among mature fruits of all cultivars, the chlorophyll parameter could detect higher variability in each cultivar, suggesting that IAD is a more rigorous parameter for detecting the developmental stage. The average weight, TSS, and TA were similar between astringent and non-astringent cultivars. Cracks appeared only on a few cultivars at harvest. Resistance to Alternaria infection and firmness were lower in astringent than in non-astringent cultivars. Only the astringent cultivar “32” was resistant to infection possibly due to the existence of an efficient peel barrier. It was concluded that a high correlation existed between astringency, susceptibility to Alternaria infection, and firmness. Cracks did not correlate with astringency or firmness. The phenotypic traits evaluated in this work can be used in future breeding programs for elite persimmon fruits.

Phenylpropanoid Metabolism in Astringent and Nonastringent Persimmon (Diospyros kaki) Cultivars Determines Sensitivity to Alternaria Infection

“…Astringent Persimmon Cultivars are More Sensitive to Alternaria than Nonastringent Cultivars. Ten astringent Chinese cultivars and six nonastringent Japanese cultivars from the ARO 18 collection were used in this study. The sensitivity to A. alternata of all cultivars was examined in vivo in the years 2015 (data not shown) and 2016, by placing a drop containing A. alternata conidia into a wound on the upper surface of the fruit (Figure 1A,B).…”

“…Ten astringent Chinese cultivars and six nonastringent Japanese cultivars from the ARO collection were used in this study. The sensitivity to A.…”

“…The fruits were harvested during 2015–2017 between August and December. Green-orange fruits of a similar maturity stage for each of the cultivar were harvested, and their quality parameters have been described elsewhere . The fruits used for either Alternaria tests or phenolic extractions were disinfected with Taharsept solution (500 ppm, latent available chlorine-LAC, Israel) and set to dry.…”

“…16,17 These cultivars constitute the persimmon collection at the Agriculture Research Organization-Volcani Center, Israel, and so far, it includes 17 persimmon cultivars. 18 In this study, the susceptibility to A. alternata of 16 cultivars was examined. In addition, the phenol, soluble tannin content, and antifungal activity of extracts from these cultivars were determined.…”

“…Although the origin of persimmon is from the Far East, many cultivars are growing in the Mediterranean region . During the 1990s, nonastringent (Japanese origin) and astringent (Chinese origin) cultivars were introduced to Israel. , These cultivars constitute the persimmon collection at the Agriculture Research Organization-Volcani Center, Israel, and so far, it includes 17 persimmon cultivars . In this study, the susceptibility to A.…”