3.2 Fruit maturity characteristics
In Experiment 1, at commercial harvest, there were no significant differences in frut maturity between the different treatments as estimated by Starch and Streif indices (Table 2). Soluble solids concentration was significantly lower in GA4+7 treated fruits and the ‘a’-value was significantly higher (less green) in ethephon and shikimic acidtreated fruits as compared to the control.
In Experiment 2, fruit maturity as estimated by both Streif and Starch indices, clearly progressed during the period from 19 to 25 weeks after full bloom in all treatments. Malic acid content gradually decreased and soluble solids concentration slightly increased during maturation. However, there were little or no differences among treatments. Fruit firmness gradually decreased throughout the sampling period and was not significantly affected by any of the treatments. Percentage of blush clearly increased during maturation in all treatments (Fig. la). The effect of the different treatments on this characteristic was the same as for the anthocyanin concentration. The green colour of fruit decreased during maturation and was. At the same time. Slightly lower in ethephon and slightly in ABG-treated fruit than in the control.