Studies on Growth and Development of Neck Orange Fruit (Citurs reticulta Blanco)

Abstract

Growth and development of fruit size pattern and fruit compositions neck Orange (Citrus reticulate Blanco) 1were studied to from flowering to harvesting in order to find harvesting index. The trial was conducted at Hat Yai district of Songkhla province from October 1998 to September 2001. Fruit growth was examined and found that it followed the pattern of simple Sigmoid curve. After flowering 6½-7 months fruits were ready for harvesting and found that fresh fruit weight was 164.55 ± 12.42 – 167.67 ± 11.58 g. Fruit compositions were also recorded, there were pulp weight 76% and the rest 24% was rind weight, fruit soluble solids content 10.15 ± 10.14 – 10.10 ± 0.21% titratable acidity, 0.42 ± 0.13 – 0.39 ± 0.07%, soluble solids and acidity 0.42 ± 0.13 – 0.39 ± 0.07% soluble solids and acidity ratio 24-29. Rind’s colour was yellow –green (group 146 B-C) and pulp’s colour was yellow –orange (group 14 B - C)