2.4. Fruit quality evaluation
Appearance was estimated by measuring the extent of the total browned area on each fruit pericarp on the following scale: 1=no browning (excellent quality); 2 slight browning; 3= 1/2 browning (poor quality). The browning grade was calculated using the following formula: ∑ (browning scale×percentage of corresponding fruit within each class). Disease development was monitored by collecting fruits and recording the percentage showing visible fungal growth or bacterial lesions on the surface. Weight loss was also determined. Eating quality of fruit pulp was assessed hedonically using a six-member panel. At each withdrawal, 12 fruits were randomly selected and rated on the scale of 1 poor to 9=excellent.