ISHS Acta Horticulturae 795: V International Cherry Symposium
ORCHARD NET COVERS AFFECT RIPENING OF SWEET CHERRY VARIETIES IN COVA DA BEIRA REGION, PORTUGAL |
| Authors: | L. Maria, J. Carvalho, R.S. Coelho |
| Keywords: | Prunus avium, physical and chemical characterization, fruit maturation, maturity indices |
| Abstract:
Sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) fruit physical and chemical parameters were characterized for several years to determine ripening indices. This work evaluates the effect of covering an orchard with plastic netting on those ripening indices for the main cherry varieties (‘Burlat’, ‘Brooks’, ‘Arcina’, ‘Sunburst’, ‘Early Compact Van’ and ‘Sweetheart’) in the Cova da Beira region of Portugal. Samples (2 kg) of each of these varieties were picked in the same orchard, both from trees with and without cover, from 2001 to 2004. Physical (color, firmness, caliber and fruit weight) and chemical (acid content, pH and sugar content) parameters were evaluated individually. The number of cracked fruits also was recorded. The covers greatly influenced fruit firmness, which affects postharvest quality. Therefore, orchard covers may advance ripening, yet lead to a decrease of fruit firmness more than any other parameter. | |
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