Introduction. Although almond (Prunus dulcis L.) is one of the most important cultivated fruit trees in Lebanon, cultivated accessions have not yet been inventoried, and the identity of the varieties is unknown. Our study therefore aimed at assessing the genetic diversity of cultivated almonds in Lebanon using morphological characters. Materials and methods. Field surveys were performed in 2002-2003 with the aim of collecting different accessions of cultivated almond trees throughout the country. Thirty-six accessions were characterized in their cultivated habitats by using 20 qualitative and quantitative traits related mainly to the fruit, according to descriptors previously established by the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI). Results. A large diversity was revealed among accessions, probably due to genetic differences. Based on the qualitative studied traits, the dendogram indicated that most of the accessions were clearly distinguishable and only two cases of synonymy were observed. They have been clustered into three main groups at 0.37 of Jaccard similarity distance. Conclusion. This study needs to be completed by a DNA analysis, in order to highlight the influence of environmental conditions on the variability in the P. dulcis germplasm and to confirm the genetic distances among accessions.

Introduction. Wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc) is the most important disease of banana worldwide, causing severe yield losses in commercial and local consumption cultivars. Chemical control is currently the most used method to manage the Fusarium wilt of banana, although it is toxic, expensive and dangerous. Therefore, control through genetic improvement is widely encouraged. Hence, breeding was carried out to develop banana hybrids with putative resistance. Materials and methods. Hybridization of identified resistant diploids with commercial triploids and tetraploids was carried out; it resulted in development of 22 hybrids with improved agronomic characters. In a second step, screening of these hybrids for resistance to Foc race 1 was attempted using the double cup method of challenge inoculation with the pathogen in the roots of the hybrids at optimum level. Host responses of the susceptible and resistant hybrids were examined under greenhouse conditions through biochemical and isozyme analysis. Results. Six hybrids among the 22 hybrids with improved agronomic characters were selected based on their yield and they were evaluated for resistance. Three of them were resistant to Foc and the others were susceptible. The resistance mechanism involving the relation of enzymes such as peroxidase (PO), polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and phenylalanine lyase (PAL), and biochemicals such as phenols, proline and lignin showed relatively higher activity in resistant hybrids and parents than susceptible ones. Isozyme analysis of PO and PPO carried out using selected resistant and susceptible hybrids revealed the induction of specific isoforms in the resistant hybrids upon challenge inoculation. Conclusion. Three hybrids were identified as potential hybrids with good yield and resistance to Foc race 1.

Introduction. Nypa fruticans is one of the mangrove plantsin Malaysia. Leaves of the plant are traditionally used for thatching, while the sap isuseful for producing an alcoholic drink, sugar and syrup, as well as vinegar. At present,N. fruticans fruit is considered as an underutilized fruit. Its flesh(endocarp) is considered nutritionally inferior. Hence, our study aimed to determine theproximate composition and total phenolic content of ripe and unripe flesh ofN. fruticans to explore its food uses as a source of nutrients.Materials and methods. Determination of proximate content followed the AOACmethods, while total phenolic content was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagentassay. Results and discussion. The results showed significant differences forall the proximate values (moisture content, ash, carbohydrate, crude protein, crude fat,and insoluble and soluble fiber) between the ripe and unripe flesh of the fruit. The fleshof ripe fruit also had higher (P < 0.05) total phenolic content thanits unripe counterpart. Conclusion. The ripe and unripe flesh of Nypafruticans could potentially be used as functional food ingredients in thefuture.

Introduction. Research was conducted at the Pistachio Research Institute in Rafsanjan, Iran, to evaluate the effects of ‘Badami’ (Pistacia vera L.), ‘Sarakhs’ (wild P. vera) and ‘Beneh’ (P. mutica F. & M.) seedling rootstocks on the nut quality of ‘Owhadi’, ‘Kalleh-ghuochi’ and ‘Ahmad-aghaie’ pistachio cultivars. Twenty-year-old trees of these nine rootstock/scion combinations were used in a two-year study done in 2003 and 2004. Materials and methods. Growth parameters [trunk cross-sectional area (TCA), tree height, canopy diameter, shoot growth, leaf area and number of suckers], yield parameters (cumulative yield and yield efficiency), and nut quality (blankness, splitting, nuts per ounce and weight of 100 nuts) were measured. Results and discussion. TCA was significantly lower on ‘Sarakhs’ rootstock than on the two other rootstocks and ‘Sarakhs’ was the least vigorous among the tested rootstocks and gave the lowest leaf area of scion cultivars. ‘Sarakhs’ rootstock consistently influenced the formation of the highest number of suckers. ‘Badami’ rootstock allowed us to obtain the greatest cumulative production and yield efficiency, the lowest blankness of pistachio nuts, and the highest percentage of splitting of pistachio nuts. Conclusion. Our study showed that genetic variability among pistachio rootstocks may influence scion vigour, yield, extent of shell splitting, blankness and nut weight.

Introduction. The postharvest life of `Pollock' avocado, a popular cultivar grown in Sri Lanka, is 7-10 d at room temperature. A short postharvest life limits its export volume by sea freight. Materials and methods. Pollock avocado fruit were packaged in 0.05 mm thick low-density polyethylene (LDPE) bags to create a modified atmosphere (MA), and they were stored at 12 °C and 94% relative humidity. The effect of the potassium permanganate, an ethylene absorber, and of the granular charcoal, a carbon dioxide absorber, on modifying the in-package atmosphere was tested. During storage, carbon dioxide, oxygen and ethylene contents were measured. The packages were opened after MA storage, and the fruit ripened naturally under ambient conditions. The weight loss, changes in firmness, total soluble solids (TSS), pulp color, visual quality rating (VQR), chilling injury index (CI) and disease index (DI) during or after storage were determined. Results. Compared with the samples packaged without absorbers, those packaged with absorbers had significantly lower carbon dioxide and ethylene contents. MA packaging was effective in extending the postharvest life of Pollock avocado up to 17 d. Inclusion of absorbers further extended the postharvest life up to 29 d. Firmness, TSS, pulp color, VQR, CI and DI of the ripened fruits were not significantly affected by the MA conditions. Discussion. The MA conditions did not alter the ripening process and were successful in preventing the chilling injury and diseases. Packaging of Pollock avocado in 0.05 mm LDPE bags at 1:1 surface to weight ratio (cm$^2\cdot$g-1) with ethylene and carbon dioxide absorbers and storing at 12 °C and 94% relative humidity can be recommended to extend their storage life up to 29 d.

Introduction. Afin d'évaluer l'effet de Meliponula erythra sur la fructification et donc sur la production de D. edulis, l'activité de pollinisation de la mélipone a été observée dans la région de Yaoundé (Cameroun). Matériel et méthodes. Dans un verger expérimental de safoutiers, quatre lots ont été déterminés à partir du marquage de 174 bouquets floraux différenciés selon leur type (mâle-hermaphrodite ou femelle) et la présence ou non de protection de ces bouquets vis-à-vis de la visite des insectes. Le rythme saisonnier de la mélipone, l'activité journalière des abeilles, l'abondance des butineuses par inflorescence et l'indice de fructification des bouquets floraux marqués ont été évalués. Résultats et discussion.M. erythra a fréquenté D. edulis toute la journée et pendant toute la période de floraison. Les butineuses ont récolté du nectar de façon intense et permanente sur tous les types de fleurs. Le pollen n'a été récolté que sur les fleurs mâles et les fleurs hermaphrodites, et au cours de la matinée. Le plus grand nombre d'ouvrières butinant au même instant a été de 900 par plant de type mâle-hermaphrodite et de 250 par pied femelle. La durée moyenne d'une visite a été de 7,82 sec par fleur femelle (fleur à nectar) et de 8,32 sec par fleur mâle ou hermaphrodite (fleur à nectar et pollen). Le rythme des visites de M. erythra a été positivement corrélé au rythme d'épanouissement des fleurs de D. edulis. L'indice de fructification des bouquets floraux non protégés a été significativement supérieur de 25,61 % à celui des bouquets floraux protégés des insectes. Cette fructification améliorée serait liée par une action positive des M. erythra sur l'autopollinisation et la pollinisation croisée. Conclusion. La conservation des abeilles mélipones dans les vergers de safoutiers doit être encouragée.

Introduction. Quarantine heat treatments have not yet beenintroduced in West Africa and no work has been done to determine the treatment conditionsneeded to eliminate eggs and larvae of West African fruit fly populations, especially ofthe new species Bactrocera invadens, from mangoes produced in the region.The objective of our study was to carry out hot water disinfestation experiments onnaturally infested mangoes to determine the exposure parameters required to kill eggs andlarvae of B. invadens present in commercial-quality fruits. The effects of hot watertreatment on fruit quality were also investigated. Materials and methods. Atank with a heating element and a water pump equipped with a tank sensor were used.Physiologically mature, hard, green mango fruits (cv. Kent) with potential export qualitybut infested by B. invadens were harvested from plantations in theBobo-Dioulasso (Burkina Faso) area. The effect of hot water treatment by immersion at42.0 °C, 46.5 °C or 51.0 °C was evaluated by counting identifiable sites of fruit flyoviposition before and after paring the fruit and, finally, the numbers of live and deadlarvae of B. invadens were counted in the pulp. The quality of the fruitwas evaluated after the hot water immersion. Results and discussion. A hotwater treatment resulting in a core temperature of 46.5 °C could be the basis of a fruitfly quarantine treatment for West African mangoes produced in Burkina Faso. All of thelarvae extracted from the fruits treated at 46.5 °C and 51.0 °C were dead, while, in fruittreated at 42.0 °C, only about one-third of the larvae extracted were dead.

La phaeoramulariose des agrumes au Cameroun due à Phaeoramularia angolensis : expression parasitaire à différentes altitudes.Résumé – Introduction. La phaeoramulariose ou cercosporiose des agrumes due à Phaeoramularia angolensis (De Carvalho & Mendes) P.M. Kirk constitue une sérieuse contrainte de production en Afrique tropicale. L'expression parasitaire peut varier de façon notable d'une localité à l'autre. Matériel et méthodes. L'évolution de la maladie sur de jeunes plants de pomelo Marsh inoculés à l'aide d'une suspension conidienne a été étudiée sur huit sites d'altitudes différentes (80 m à 1250 m). Les données de température (T) et d'humidité relative (HR) maximales, moyennes et minimales ont été relevées sur les sites durant la période d'observation. Résultats et discussion. L'incidence de la maladie a varié de façon croissante en fonction de l'altitude. Sur les huit sites étudiés, celui de Nyombé à 80 m d'altitude (Tmoy > 25 $^{\circ}$C, Tmax > 30 $^{\circ}$C avec HRmoy < 80 %, HRmin < 60 %) s'est révélé très défavorable à la maladie. En revanche, l'expression des symptômes a été complète sur les autres sites qui présentent des conditions climatiques plus fraîches et plus humides (Tmin < 20 $^{\circ}$C et HRmin > 60 %). Conclusion. Ces résultats constituent les premières données de caractérisation des zones à risque d'invasion par P. angolensis. Ces résultats joints à d'autres travaux ultérieurs impliquant différents contextes écologiques permettront d'établir une cartographie du risque épidémique.

 Introduction. Despite its socio-economic importance, cultivation of Garcinia kola Heckel is very limited due to poor seed germination. The literature gives contradictory information concerning this fact. Our study therefore aimed at (1) evaluating the variability in germination traits among seeds collected from different areas of Cameroon; and (2) testing the efficiency of some hormone treatments in improving the seed germination rate, which would promote cultivation of G. kola by rural farmers. Materials and methods. Six collections of seeds originating from six locations in Cameroon were subjected to pre-sowing treatments; soaking for 3 days at room temperature in cool distilled water (control), or in cool distilled water supplemented with either 10-4 M gibberellic acid (GA3), 10-4 M naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), 10-4 M 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 10-4 M benzylaminopurine (BAP) or 10-4 M kinetin; they were then placed to germinate in laboratory conditions. Cumulative seed germination data were recorded for 30 weeks. Results. The pre-germination treatments had profound effects on the phenology of G. kola seed germination. Multiple shoots, multiple roots and callus formation were induced from seeds soaked in BAP, NAA and 2,4-D solutions, respectively. Analysis of variance showed a significant effect (p < 0.01) of seed collection on the germination velocity. Although the rate of germination was higher and the complete dormancy period lower in seeds treated with NAA than in seeds with other treatments, none of these seed treatments significantly enhanced germination. Conclusion. Variations in phenology responses of G. kola seeds to hormone treatments indicate that the tissues of this plant may be responsive in in vitro culture. Variations in seed germination velocity among collections may explain the current controversy over G. kola seed germination, and could help in further selection and domestication processes of this species.

Introduction. The methods of fruit disinfestation against fruit flies use processes (physical methods) which differ according to the export country and fruit which must be disinfested. The term definitions are made clear and the various treatments are presented. Heat treatments. For mango, treatments usable for disinfestation can only utilize heat, because of the strong sensitivity of this fruit to cold temperatures. The heat treatments in general consist of using an immersion in hot water by a system of batches or an uninterrupted bath. These treatments are then followed or not by a fruit fast cooling which can be carried out by ventilation (cold air) or hydrocooling (water). Heat can also be obtained by use of forced hot air or hot vapor, because a higher temperature than 45 °C kills fly eggs and larvae. Microwave treatments. The use of microwaves is also a technique which makes it possible to increase the temperature in the fruit heart. Irradiation. The last possible solution is the use of irradiation, which uses a principle different from the preceding treatments. Conclusion. In comparison with the most current treatments (vapor heat treatment and forced hot-air treatment), the hot water treatment has many advantages: it is easy to implement, it is quick, it kills surface parasitic organisms, it makes it possible to clean the fruit surface and its cost only corresponds to approximately 10% of the cost of one vapor heat treatment. It would thus be recommended for mango disinfestation.

Introduction. In Iran, sour orange is available between mid-October and March. Frequently, consumers store a large volume of unpasteurized juice at room or low temperatures for consumption when the fresh fruit is not available. The aim of our research was to determine the shelf life of unpasteurized sour orange juice which was stored under conditions similar to those adopted by consumers at home. Materials andmethods. Sour orange juice was prepared by hand-squeezing fresh fruit; it was filtered, and then poured into clear or dark green glass bottles. Bottles were stored at room temperature [(28 ± 2) °C], in the refrigerator [(4 ± 1) °C] and in the freezer [(–12 ± 1) °C] for 12 weeks. Additional samples were prepared by supplementing juice with 2% (w/w) citric acid and they were stored in the refrigerator. Total soluble solids and pH values were measured every 2 weeks and analysis was carried out on ascorbic acid content by means of the titration method in the presence of 2,6–dichlorophenol indophenol. The study was performed for 12 weeks. Resultsand discussion. Total soluble solids content and pH value of the initial juice were 11.5 °Brix and 3.18, respectively. pH appeared not to be significantly influenced by storage time or conditions; however, total soluble solids content in a few samples was reduced to about 9.5 °Brix. The initial ascorbic acid content was 130 mg·100 mL–1; after 2 weeks, it was reduced by nearly 50% for all unfrozen samples. The final concentration of ascorbic acid in the juice was approximately 20 mg·100 mL–1, regardless of storage conditions. The deteriorative reaction of ascorbic acid in the juice at each temperature experienced followed a first-order kinetic model with activation energy of 2.67 kJ·mol–1.

Introduction. To compare the mineral nutrition of organically and normally grown bananaplants, observations were made on growth and yield of organic banana plants, at the Canary Islands. Thedata were then discussed opposite the results previously reported for conventional plantations.Materials and methods. Growth parameters (plant height, leaf emission rate, pseudostemcircumference) and yield parameters (bunch weight, number of hands, finger grade, etc.) were measuredduring ten months on an organically grown banana plantation of Dwarf Cavendish cv. Leaf N, P, K, Ca, Mg,Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn contents were also assessed. Results and discussion. Leaf emission rates showedhigher values in late spring and early summer (0.099-0.109 leaf $\cdot$ d-1), while pseudostemcircumference grew more in late spring (0.238 cm $\cdot$ d-1) than in summer. In August, pseudostemcircumference decreased dramatically, probably because the plants with a larger circumference had floweredbefore that month and could not be measured. Bunches gave good yields for the zone (43.59 kg on average)and had a high mean number of hands (12.79). Number of fingers of the second upper hand (25.63), theirgrade (37.63 cm), length (23.50 cm) and weight (165.19 g) ranged from normal to high. Month of harvestinginfluenced yield and quality of the fruits. Leaf content of N, P, Mg, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn fell within thenormal range related to the conventionally grown banana plants. Potassium foliar content showed low levelsbut not deficiencies, whereas Ca leaf concentrations were high but not excessive. No relationship wasfound among leaf nutrient levels and growth, yield and fruit quality parameters.

Introduction. Le plantain est une culture importante pour la sécurité alimentaire en Afrique sub-saharienne. Pour mieux hiérarchiser les priorités de recherche en fonction des contraintes des producteurs, une cellule d'observation permanente a été mise en place dans le cadre d'une démarche interdisciplinaire. Matériel et méthodes. Un échantillonnage en bananeraies a couvert les zones de contextes agroécologiques distincts qui approvisionnent Douala. Les données ont été obtenues par un suivi de parcelles et d'exploitations. À l'échelle des parcelles, les observations ont porté sur les pratiques culturales, les populations de nématodes et de charançons, et les rendements. À l'échelle des exploitations, les suivis ont porté sur les fonctions économiques du plantain. Résultats et discussions. La gamme de situations culturales étudiées correspond à une diversité de contextes et d'objectifs des exploitations agricoles. Les observations effectuées sur bananiers (rythme d'émission foliaire, circonférence du pseudotronc, nombre de doigts et de feuilles vivantes, poids et longueur des doigts, poids du régime) ont permis d'expliquer comment se déterminait le rendement. Celui-ci est surtout affecté par les pertes avant récolte, en relation avec l'état sanitaire des racines et la présence de nématodes et de charançons. Ces pertes ont été maximales à la fin de la saison sèche. Le rendement est également lié au poids du régime déterminé par le nombre de doigts essentiellement lié à la croissance et à leur remplissage. Pour ce dernier caractère, les résultats obtenus ne mettent pas clairement en évidence l'incidence de la maladie des raies noires. Des améliorations du protocole de suivi sont proposées.

Introduction. Les comportements de trois fruits tropicaux - papaye (Carica papaya), mangue (Mangifera indica) et banane (Musa acuminata) - traités par déshydratation-imprégnation par immersion (DII) en solutions concentrées de saccharose ont été comparés. Matériel et méthodes. Les cinétiques ont été conduites en bain thermostaté, avec des températures variant de 30 à 60 °C et une concentration initiale de la solution d'immersion fixée à 50 g de saccharose × 100 g-1 de solution. Les fruits ont été parés puis découpés en disques de 9 mm d'épaisseur et 31 mm de diamètre. Le comportement des fruits en DII a été caractérisé par la perte d'eau, le gain en solutés issus de la solution et la perte en solutés propres (vitamines, sels minéraux) du fruit pendant 300 min. Le rapport [fruits/solution] de [1/6,5] a permis d'évaluer le transfert de solutés (vitamines, sels minéraux, acides) du fruit vers la solution, grâce à des mesures directes de teneur en vitamine, conductivité et pH. Résultats et discussion. Le gain en soluté a été d'autant plus important que la teneur initiale du fruit en sucre était faible. Pour les trois fruits et pour les conditions opératoires testées, les pertesen vitamine C estimées à partir de la solution de déshydratation ont été inférieures à5 mg × 100 g-1 de produit initial. Ces pertes ont été plus importantes lors du traitement des mangues. Enfin, l'augmentation de la température a favorisé les transferts de matière.

Introduction. The nutritional and functional qualities of wild and cultivated Mexican serviceberry have not yet been reported. This species could have similar potential for commercialization to that of Saskatoon berry (Amelanchier alnifolia Nutt.). Materials and methods. Wild and cultivated fruits at two maturity stages were assessed for CIE Lab color, fruit size, titratable acidity and total soluble solids. Also, chemical composition and mineral contents were determined. In addition, vitamin C and simple phenols were assessed. Total soluble phenols, condensed tannins and anthocyanins as well as Trolox antioxidant activity and oxygen radical antioxidant activity were determined. Results. Fruit size, titratable acidity, total soluble solids, iron and simple phenols were higher in fruits of cultivated plants than in those of wild plants. Total fiber, calcium, vitamin C, total soluble phenols and condensed tannins were higher in wild fruits. Wild and cultivated serviceberry showed higher Trolox antioxidant activity compared with oxygen radical antioxidant activity. Caffeic, chlorogenic, coumaric and syringic acids and rutin were the predominant simple phenolics; they comprised from 59.3% (cultivated overripe fruit) to 76.9% (wild ripe fruit) of the sum of simple phenolics. The antioxidant activity of wild and cultivated fruit (258.3–699.2 mmol·kg–1, fw) is up to 3.8 times higher compared with those of fruits commonly consumed. Conclusion. Contents of antioxidant compounds and the outstanding antioxidant activities of wild and cultivated Mexican serviceberry make this species a natural resource that could contribute to health.

Introduction. L’objectif de notre étude a été de promouvoir, dans la forêt classée de Niangoloko, d’autres activités moins destructrices des écosystèmes que l’exploitation du bois. Quatre espèces fruitières (Detarium microcarpum Guill. & Perr., Flacourtia flavescens Willd., Maranthes polyandra Benth. et Parinari curatellifolia Planch. ex Benth.) y sont abondamment réprésentées. La pulpe de chacune de ces quatre espèces est comestible et peut être transformée en confiture. Les graines de Parinari curatellifolia et Maranthes polyandra sont oléagineuses et sont utilisées dans de nombreux secteurs de l’industrie. Malheureusement, si ces fruits sont utilisés dans l’industrie d’autres pays africains, ils ne sont pas connus des populations du Burkina Faso. Notre étude a donc cherché à constituer une base de données sur la localisation des peuplements d’espèces fruitières, leur écologie et leur potentiel de production en fruits afin de mieux valoriser ces ressources. Matériel et méthode. À l’aide d’une carte pédologique et d’un GPS, une carte des groupements végétaux a pu être réalisée. Des relevés ont permis de mesurer la densité et la hauteur des arbres des espèces fruitières dans chaque groupement. La production moyenne de fruits par arbre pour chaque espèce a également été mesurée. Résultats. Onze groupements végétaux ont été recensés et cartographiés. Chaque espèce fruitière a une localisation bien précise dans un ou plusieurs groupements. Des peuplements de Detarium microcarpum, Flacourtia flavescens, Maranthes polyandra et Parinari curatellifolia ont été recensés avec des densités respectives pouvant atteindre (1486 ± 110 ; 160 ± 33 ; 313 ± 32 et 392 ± 39) individus·ha–1. La quantité de fruits produite par individu a été respectivement de (2,1 ± 0,6 ; 0,5 ± 0,2 ; 0,4 ± 0,2 et 1,0 ± 0,4) kg de fruits secs. La hauteur moyenne des arbres fruitiers ne dépasse guère (3,7 ± 0,3) m, cela permet une collecte facile des fruits sans risque d’accidents. Conclusion. Les conditions écologiques permettent une exploitation commerciale des fruits. Le potentiel fruitier de la forêt classée de Niangoloko est très important et présente d’intéressantes perspectives financières pour les populations riveraines.

Introduction. The mango mealybug Rastrococcus invadens is a pest of horticultural crops, especially mango. Though this fact has been demonstrated and its parasitoid, Gyranusoidea tebygi, released for its control in many countries, quantitative information on the damage inflicted by the mealybug and post-release mango fruit production are still scanty. This study was therefore undertaken to investigate the damage caused by mango mealybug and its associated sooty mould on mango plants and to assess mango fruit production after the release of G. tebygi in 1989. Materials and methods. Laboratory experiments were set up to determine the effect of different populations of mango mealybug (0, 5, 10, 20, and 40 adults/cage) on the chemical constituents of mango leaves. The mould associated with the mango mealybug was identified and its effect on leaf temperature was studied. A mango orchard was studied for fruit production from the time of fruitlessness in 1990 to 1998 when fruit yield peaked. The resultant effect of the parasitism of mango mealybug by G. tebygi was monitored on the chemical composition of mango leaves during this period. Results. Protein, fat, carbohydrate, ash, crude fibre and moisture contents were depleted with increase in mealybug population. The isolated mould fungus Capnodium mangiferae was found to raise leaf temperature of infected mango seedlings. The population density of G. tebygi was found to be negatively but significantly correlated with mango mealybug population and positively correlated with mango fruit yield. Parasitism was highly correlated with mealybug population and yield, and was considered a major factor in the control of the pest and the subsequent increase in mango fruit yield. Rainfall did not have a significant impact on yield, mealybug population or sooty mould score. Discussion. The injury inflicted by R. invadens and its associated mould, and the enhancement of mango fruit production by the activities of G. tebygi on the mealybug were discussed.

Introduction. A considerable number of positive effects after the consumption of fruits has been pointed out in the past: hypolipidemic action, reduction of blood glucose levels, hepatoprotection and improvement of the antioxidant status as well as, inter alia, antioxidant, antiradical, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and anti-adipogenic status. Materials and methods. The changes in the levels of phenolic acids and their derivatives in fresh as well as in processed fruits (chokeberry, wild strawberry, apples var. Idared and Champion, cherry, apricot, peach, raspberry, cranberry, and bilberry) were studied using HPLC with UV detection. Dried fruit homogenates and compotes were produced. Also, fruits were fried to simulate jam production. Results and discussion. Eleven phenolic acids and their derivatives were identified in tested samples: caffeic, chlorogenic, p-coumaric, ferulic, gallic, ellagic, protocatechuic, p-hydroxybenzoic, gentisic, syringic and vanillic acids. In most cases, the thermal processing of fruits caused a decrease in the levels of phenolic acids. In some preserves, the level of selected individual phenolic compounds was unchanged or was significantly increased. Conclusion. It can be concluded that thermal processing can have a differential effect on the levels of phenolic acids in preserves and general conclusions could not be formulated. The fruit composition in which a phenolic acid is present can play a role in this context.

Introduction. Although Nigeria has the largest area planted to papaya (Carica papaya) in the world, this country has one of the lowest yields reported. A good knowledge of the available genetic variability is a first step in the exploitation of this crop for the development of improved cultivars. Until now, there has been no report on genetic diversity in the papaya accessions available in Nigeria. Materials and methods. Sixty accessions of papaya obtained from ten districts in Southeastern Nigeria were evaluated using 21 variables following the IBPGR descriptors for papaya. The data was subjected to descriptive statistics, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and multivariate analysis including principal component (PCA) and cluster analysis. Results. ANOVA showed significant variation among accessions in fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit edible volume, leaf petiole length, fruit shape, flesh color and central cavity shape. The first seven principal component axes accounted for 73.47% of total variation and five cluster groups were generated from cluster analysis. Accessions were classified into two broad groups corresponding to female (15%) and hermaphrodite (85%) plants. A strong and highly significant correlation was found between leaf blade and petiole length and fruit characteristics such as length, diameter and fruit edible volume, a variable derived for the first time in this study. There was a preponderance of yellow flesh color in fruits from female plants and reddish-orange flesh color among hermaphrodite plants. Discussion and conclusions. Each of the five cluster groups consists of accessions that could be used as parents in further breeding or clones for vegetative propagation. This study revealed significant variation that could be exploited for genetic improvement of papaya in Nigeria. It is recommended that a focused papaya genetic improvement program should be pursued to exploit the genetic variation available.

Introduction. Wines produced in cool climate regions may be competitive with wines obtained in traditional wine-producing countries. The aim of this paper was to conduct a quality analysis of the chemical composition of selected varieties of cool-climate grapes and to assess the enological parameters of wines obtained from them. Materials and methods. The chemical composition of 11 varieties of grapes as well as the basic enological parameters, profile of volatile components, and antioxidant and sensory properties of wines obtained from selected varieties were assessed. Results and discussion. The extract content of the assessed varieties of grapes varied within the range of 128.5–218.5 g×kg–1. The fruit was characterised by similar acidity but significantly heterogeneous antioxidant activity. The basic quality parameters of wines were in accordance with the EU regulations. Antioxidant activity and polyphenol content in red wines were approximately 5–7 times higher than those in white wines. In the sensory assessment the wines obtained high grades. Conclusion. Wines from the cool climate regions fulfil the EU normative requirements and are characterised by original sensory features. They may compete with products from traditional wine-producing countries.