Journal of Applied Horticulture. 2001: 3(2): 108-110

Determination of fruit maturity indices in apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) cv. New Castle

Singh, M P; Dimri, D C; Nautiyal, M C

Department of Horticulture, College of Forestry & Hill Agriculture, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Hill Campus, Ranichauri - 249 199, Distt. Tehri Garhwal, Uttaranchal, India.

The fruit quality of apricot cv. New Castle at 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 68, , and 73 days after full bloom (DAFB) was studied in Ranichauri, Uttaranchal, India, from February to June 1999. Fruit length and weight significantly increased whereas chlorophyll content substantially decreased up to 60 DAFB, then remained stable until the harvesting period (73 DAFB). Fruit weight, volume, and specific gravity; pulp weight; and total soluble solid, total sugar, and nonreducing sugar contents increased until harvest. The opposite trend was recorded for stone weight, firmness, titratable acidity (in terms of malic acid content), and starch and ascorbic acid contents. Fruits most appropriate for transport were harvested at 71 DAFB, whereas those intended for local consumption were harvested at 73 DAFB.