The effect of harvesting method on fruit quality and storability of the pink-fleshed ‘Foster’ grapefruits, at 18±1°C and 85%-90% r.h., was evaluated. The traditional method, using a hooked pole, was compared with an improved technique, where the picking pole was equipped with a long cloth sleeve held open by a ring for collecting the harvested fruits.
Non-conventional water sources and water saving techniques can become a valuable implement in semiarid regions, although its long-term effects on the citrus quality are little known. This study evaluated the effects of irrigation with two sources: transfer water (TW) and reclaimed water (RW) combined with two irrigation strategies: full irrigation (FI) and regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) on fruit quality response of mandarins and grapefruits during eight growth seasons. RESULTS: The RW irrigation in mandarin, without water restriction, determined maturity index (MI, SSC·TA-1) lower than in the TW-FI, owing to titratable acidity (TA) increased to a greater degree than soluble solid contents (SSC). Nevertheless, juice quality standards were satisfied. Besides, regardless of the irrigation treatment (FI or RDI), an increasing trend fruit weight was also detected by RW.
Citrus growers in areas like Letsitele, Hoedspruit and Onderberg have decided to pick their grapefruit earlier in order to benefit from an empty market. Despite this decision, the grapefruit still conform to market requirements. This has allowed South Africa to be the sole grapefruit supplier on the market for about six months.
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“A watershed moment for the South African citrus industry” – several citrus traders have used this phrase to describe the rule published by the United States this week to amend regulations regarding importation of citrus from the whole of South Africa into the United States.
Previously only citrus from the Western and Northern Cape, where citrus black spot does not occur, were allowed. Citrus black spot occurs in Florida but not in California and within the United States there has long been a recognition that citrus fruit is not a vector of the fungal disease.