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Title: Effects of rootstock on fruit quality and postharvest behavior of 'Marsh" grapefruit

Author
item McCollum, Thomas
item Bowman, Kim
item CASTLE, WILLIAM - UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA

Submitted to: Proceedings of Florida State Horticultural Society
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/5/2002
Publication Date: 4/1/2003
Citation: Mccollum, T.G., Bowman, K.D., Castle, W.S. 2003. Effects of rootstock on fruit quality and postharvest behavior of 'Marsh" grapefruit. Proceedings of Florida State Horticultural Society. 115:10-13.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: A number of rootstocks are currently used for the production of grapefruit, and there is considerable information on the effects of these rootstocks on tree vigor and fruit production. However, little is known regarding the effects of rootstock on postharvest behavior of the fruit. The objective of the current study was to determine the effects of rootstock on fruit quality and postharvest behavior of grapefruit. We sampled grapefruit grown on six different rootstocks (Sour Orange, Carrizo, Smooth Flat Seville, Swingle, US-812, and Cleopatra Mandarin) grown in replicated plots in a comercial grove in Martin County, Florida. A sample of fruit from trees on each rootstock was analyzed at the time of harvest for standard fruit quality parameters (fruit size, percent of juice, Brix, and acidity). Fruit samples were stored at 5 degrees Centigrade (C) for five weeks and then transferred to 20 degrees C, at which time they were rated for chilling injury. Samples of fruit were again analyzed for the fruit quality parameters following storage. Results indicate that rootstock had significant effects on all parameters measured, with the exception of the percent of juice. Of particular interest was the effect of rootstock on the development of postharvest chilling injury (CI). Fruit grown on Sour Orange rootstock developed significantly more CI than did fruit grown on the other five rootstocks. Fruit grown on Carrizo developed the least amount of CI. Results of this study indicate that the rootstock has significant effects on grapefruit quality and it may be important to consider rootstock when making decisions regarding postharvest handling of the fruit.