Introduction. In Mexico, the Myrtillocactus fruit production levels are substantial, yet fruits are often under-used. Although the focus of interest is on their potential as food colourings, the fruits deserve more attention for their other food properties but information on their physico-chemical composition is scarce. To offer a baseline for the development of Myrtillocactus cultivation, we reviewed the information so far available. Botanical description. Four Myrtillocactus species have been identified and reported in the literature. They differ in shape, colour and other phenotypic characteristics. In Mexico, the predominant species is M. geometrizans, but M. schenckii also grows abundantly throughout the arid and semi-arid lands of the country. Cytological analyses performed on M. geometrizans showed that the plant is diploid (2n = 22). Agronomic aspects. Myrtillocactus species belong to the Cactaceae family. Because of their Crassulacean acid metabolism, they are able to grow in the arid and semi-arid highlands of Mexico. Myrtillocactus species have been propagated asexually by explants or cloning. Under controlled conditions, in vitro micropropagation from apical and basal explants gives rise to high yields. For cultivation, attention should be paid especially to minimum winter temperatures. Description of fruits and biochemical characterisation. The edible fruit is globular, with diameters reaching 1.5 cm. The pulp is gel-like, ranging in colour from glowing red to bluish. Chemical characterisation has mainly focused on betalain compounds, the predominant ones of which are betanin and betaxanthins. Contents are reported to be about 2.3 mg betalain·100 g–1of pulp. Colour appears to be more stable than for red beets. Human consumption and commercial importance. In the production season (June to September), the fruits are found in all public markets in the states where they are grown. They are eaten either fresh or in processed forms. The commercialisation of the fruit is restricted mainly to rural production areas in certain states of Mexico. Conclusions. Our review establishes that published information on Myrtillocactus species is scarce and incomplete. The plant is under-utilised, despite its nutritional properties and commercial potential. Because they adapt easily to severely dry conditions, the Myrtillocactus species merit much more research.

Introduction. Traditionally the control of fruit flies is based on the use of pesticides, which increase production costs and have led to many environmental concerns. Our study aimed to evaluate the effect of neem cake on the larval and pupal stages of Ceratitis capitata. Materials and methods. Third instar larvae were transferred to plastic vials with neem cake in different proportions. The treatments consisted of vermiculite with neem cake in the concentrations: control (vermiculite only), then (10, 25, 50, 75 and 100)% of neem seed cake. The bioassay was completely randomized, with six treatments, ten replicates and ten third instar larvae per replicate. The results were statistically analyzed. Results. At concentrations of 75% or more of neem cake in vermiculite, practically no adult flies emerged. At 50%, more than 80% of the adults did not emerge and the pupal period was prolonged. The sex ratio of the adults was not affected after the contact of the pupae with the neem cake. The estimated lethal concentrations to kill 50% and 90% of the population were 30.6% and 51.6%, respectively. Conclusion. The neem seed cake has contact actions against the larval-pupal stage of C. capitata. Neem seed cake in the pupation substrate can cause high mortality when its concentration is 50% or more, and it prolongs the delay of the pupal period of C. capitata.

Introduction. Mango-based orchards in Senegal occur in a large diversity of cropping systems, but few typologies of these systems exist and none are associated with their comprehensive and quantitative analysis. In this study we defined and characterized the typology of these systems based on a quantitative assessment of their planting design, management, vegetative state, hedgerow structure and infestation by a major pest of mango, the Bactrocera invadens fly. Materials and methods. Multivariate analysis and clustering methods were applied to data from 64 mango-based orchards and their surrounding hedgerows sampled in the Dakar and Thiès regions, in Senegal. Results and discussion. Four types of cropping systems were identified according to orchard design and management patterns: (1) ‘No-input mango diversified orchards’, (2) ‘Low-input mango orchards’, (3) ‘Medium-input citrus-predominant orchards’ and (4) ‘Medium-input large mango- or citrus-predominant orchards’. Orchard characteristics varied among these patterns. For instance, vegetation was dense and homogeneous in system 1, and the mortality rate of trees was high in system 2 but low in system 3. Orchards of systems 3 and 4 were mostly associated with hedgerows with, respectively, boundary-marking and defensive species. Lastly, the number of B. invadens flies was high in orchards of system 4, whereas it was low in those of system 2. Conclusion. The diversity of mango-based cropping systems in Senegal is now well described and quantified. This characterization is a preliminary step that is essential for further studies aiming to improve these systems.

Introduction. Root restriction occurs when seedlings are grown in increasingly small containers and it reduces plant growth in different ways. Therefore, the objectives of our study were to investigate the effects of varying container sizes and irrigation frequency on growth parameters of ‘Rough lemon’ (C. limon) plants Maseno, Kenya. Materials and methods. The treatments tested the effect of three container volumes (1.7 L, 2.7 L and 4.5 L) and three irrigation frequencies [every day (W1), every two days (W2) and every 3 days (W3)]. The design of the experiment was completely randomized with three replications. Growth parameters studied were plant height, canopy height, shoot and root weight, number of leaves and shoot to root ratio. Results and discussion. Increasing container volumes generally increased the height of plants, height of canopy, weight of whole plants and weight of roots, but it did not affect number of leaves, stem diameter or shoot to root ratio. Irrigation frequency increased number of leaves, height of plants, height of canopy, stem diameter and weight of shoots and roots, but this factor had no effect on weight of whole plants. These findings are explained by reduced root restriction in the largest container volumes. Conclusion. Increasing container volumes from 1.7 L to 4.5 L and irrigation frequency from every 3 days to every day increases plant growth as expressed in the various plant growth parameters.

L'aiélé (Canarium Schweinfurthii Engl.) : premier essai de plantationdans l'ouest du Cameroun. Résumé - Introduction. L'aiélé (Burseraceae) pousse à l'état isolé en savane humide duCameroun. Dans l'ouest du pays, l'intérêt de l'arbre réside surtout dans sa production defruits, mais C. Schweinfurthii est aussi exploité pour son bois. En préalable à unedomestication plus avancée, des travaux ont été entrepris par l'Irad (Cameroun) en 1987.Matériel et méthodes. Les travaux de domestication ont débuté par la mise au pointd'une technique de germination des semences qui a finalement permis d'obtenir un taux moyende levée de 95 % au bout de 3 mois. Les plants ont ensuite séjourné en pépinière pendant6 mois avant d'être transplantés en parcelle expérimentale. La croissance, la floraison et laproduction des arbres ont alors été suivies. Résultats. Le taux moyen de survie enplantation a peu à peu diminué de 1988 à 1992 pour se stabiliser à 84 % de 1992 à 1997. Ilétait de 42 % en 2000, par suite des dégâts occasionnés par un feu de brousse survenu enmars 1998. La hauteur totale moyenne des arbres à 12 ans a été de 6,8 m environ et leurdiamètre moyen a été proche de 8,6 cm. Les hauteur et diamètre dominants ont étérespectivement de 10,8 m et 14,3 cm. L'aiélé est une espèce dioïque. Les premièresfructifications ont été observées sur des arbres âgés de 8 ans. De 1996 à 2001, 19 % del'effectif total de la parcelle sont entrés en floraison ou en fructification. Des analysesflorales ont montré que, pendant la même période, le peuplement expérimental présentait unesex-ratio de 38 % d'individus mâles pour 62 % d'arbres femelles. Conclusions. Lestravaux préliminaires de domestication de l'aiélé ont montré que l'arbre pouvait produire dès8 ans et que sa croissance en peuplement était satisfaisante. Des études complémentairesdevront être entreprises. Ainsi, la mise en évidence de différences végétatives entre plantsmâles et femelles au stade pépinière pourrait permettre un sexage précoce. Par ailleurs,l'utilisation de techniques de multiplication végétative pourrait permettre de ne mettre à ladisposition des paysans intéressés que des arbres femelles, seuls capables de fructifier.

Introduction. Breeding studies for acerola (Malpighia glabra) improvement aim at obtaining plants that produce fruits with uniform chemical and physical attributes, including high levels of vitamin C, which can provision the market with fresh fruit and frozen pulp. High variability in fruit quality is observed in Brazilian acerola crops, especially those propagated by seeds. In this context, the objective of our research was to evaluate the physical and chemical characteristics of Brazilian acerola genotype fruits. Materials and methods. Sixteen acerola genotypes were studied in Jaboticabal, São Paulo State, Brazil. A completely randomized design with sixteen treatments and six replications was adopted. Each treatment was represented by one genotype. Several parameters related to fruit quality, such as width, length, weight, pulp percentage, soluble solids (SS), titratable acidity (TA), [SS / TA] ratio and vitamin C content, were evaluated in fruits of the acerola genotypes. The results were submitted to variance analyses, the Tukey test and cluster analysis. Results and discussion. There was a statistical difference between the acerola genotypes studied.Three of them stood out as natural sources of vitamin C.In spite of fruit size, two acerola genotypes were found to have potential for fresh fruit production. In a general form, genotypes that presented a high [SS / TA] ratio had low vitamin C content. Conclusion. The acerola genotypes studied in Jaboticabal presented high variability, forming eleven groups in relation to fruit quality parameters.

Introduction. The raphia palm tree is found in abundance in the southern part of Nigeria, especially in the southeastern part. It is grown mainly for its production of palm wine. It also bears fruits (Raphia hookeri) whose pulp is considered edible in some parts of the country and not edible in other parts. Materials and methods. Conventional methods of analysis were used to investigate the vitamin, phytochemical and toxic element composition of the pulp and seed of the fruit. Results. The investigation shows that the pulp has higher concentrations of vitamin E (1.04 mg·100 g–1), niacin (0.2 mg·100 g–1), alkaloid (5 g·kg–1), saponins (3.6 g·kg–1), flavonoids (4 g·kg–1) and phenols (4.1 g·kg–1) than the seed, but the seed has higher values of vitamin A (0.16 mg·100g–1), thiamine (0.07 mg·100 g–1), riboflavin (0.07 mg·100 g–1), nitrates (3.05 mg·100 g–1) and nitrites (0.29 mg·100 g–1), and of the toxic elements: lead (0.03 µg·g–1), mercury (0.04 µg·g–1), arsenic (0.23 µg·g–1) and cadmium (0.04 µg·g–1) than the pulp. Conclusion. The pulp and seed of R. hookeri are non-toxic and can serve as food as well as in medicine.

Introduction. This protocol aims at monitoring the development of Sigatoka disease (Mycosphaerella musicola / Pseudocercospora musae) of banana plants in order to control this disease with a minimum of fungicide applications. A good timing of fungicide application will result in lower cost of control, lower risk of fungicide resistance and lower negative environmental impact. The principle, key advantages, starting plant material and expected results are presented. Materials and methods. Details of the seven steps of the protocol allowing banana plot preparation, data collection, stage of evolution of the disease (SED) calculation, and timing of fungicide applications are described. Possible troubleshooting is mentioned. Results. Weekly observation of selected banana plants allows filling in a data sheet used for the calculation of the SED. A graphic representation of the weekly evolution of this SED can then be used for timing of fungicide spraying decisions.

Introduction. Rose apple fruit ripens on the tree, has a thin peel, softflesh and deteriorates quickly after harvest. Water loss contributes to rapiddeterioration. 1-MCP can extend the postharvest life of non-climacteric fruits eitherdirectly through its effect as an ethylene blocker or through indirect effects.Materials and methods. We investigated the effect of 1-MCP(1 µL·L–1) on shelf life and quality of Rose apple fruits (Syzygiumjambos Alston) cv. Tabtim Chan. Fruit were exposed to 1-MCP for (0, 6, 12, 18or 24) h, then stored at (15 ± 1) °C for 12 days. Subsequently, we investigated the effectof 1-MCP (1 µL·L–1) for 12 h on fruit stored at 5 °C or 10 °C. Weight loss,skin colour, total soluble solids, fruit firmness and percentage of diseased fruit weremeasured during storage. Results. 1-MCP reduced weight loss from about 13% of initialweight to 6%, irrespective of the time of exposure. 1-MCP applied to fruit for 12 h or18 h increased firmness from 3.2 N to 3.8 N and more than halved the percentage of fruitshowing disease. Exposure to 1-MCP for 12 h or 18 h was optimum for reducing disease.1-MCP for 12 h and storage at (10 ± 1) °C doubled shelf life to 24 days compared withfruit stored at the same temperature, but without 1-MCP. Storage at less than 10 °C didnot extend shelf life any further. Conclusion. 1-MCP extended the shelf lifeof Rose apple fruit by reducing weight loss, maintaining flesh firmness and slowingdisease development.

Introduction. Mamey (Mammea americana L., Clusiaceae) was present in Martinique before the Spanish colonization. Its distribution area includes tropical America and the Caribbean. A significant phenotypical diversity is observed on the island, with fruits of very uneven quality as well as various agronomic, pomological and biochemical characteristics. The aim of our work was to localize, identify and characterize trees considered of superior quality. Materials and methods. A survey carried out between April and September 2005 allowed the selection of 10 trees renowned by the people as bearing high-quality fruits. These fruits present a small number of seeds and nonadhesive pulp, and develop a sweet taste as well as a strong flavor. During the year 2006, pomological description and biochemical analysis (total soluble solids and total titrable acidity) were carried out on the fruits. Results and discussion. The biometric and biochemical characteristics measured were generally better than those cited in the literature. Some accessions stand out and present great assets for their promotion for the fresh market as well as for processing. Moreover, some tendencies emerged from the variability observed for a few characters: thus, the variability of the biochemical characteristics measured within one accession, as well as between accessions originating from the same land, is low. It is null for the seed adhesion to the pulp for fruits belonging to the same accession. Conclusion and perspectives. Our work is one of the first relating to identification and characterization of phenotypical diversity of the M. americana L. species, especially in Martinique Island. Our results are likely to promote the development of a diversification network. Some highlighted trends suggest new research to be able to distinguish the role of the environmental versus genetic components in the performance of the phenotypes observed.

Introduction. The protocol describes a method for promoting the acclimatization and protection of rooted in vitro banana plants between rooting in the laboratory and their establishment in a nursery. The principle, key advantages, starting plant material and time required are presented. Materials and methods. This part describes the weaning house installation, the weaning medium used to transplant the vitroplants, the two steps for acclimatizing the plantlets: receipt of rooted laboratory plants in flasks and planting, and factors affecting the growth of the plantlets in weaning conditions (light, misting system, temperature, humidity, wind, pest control and nutrition). Possible problems for troubleshooting are listed. Results. Under normal conditions, new roots appear 4–5 days after the start of weaning, and new leaves start to grow within 8–10 days. At the end of the weaning phase, young plants are healthy, well developed and they can be established in a nursery.

 Introduction. Our investigation aimed to examine the influence of eco-friendly edible coatings composed of sodium alginate, olive oil and green tea extract (GTE) on improving the shelf life and nutritional quality of carambola (A. carambola L.). Materials and methods. The combinations and concentrations of composite coatings tested were (2% sodium alginate + 0.1% olive oil) (T1), (2% sodium alginate + 0.2% olive oil) (T2) and (2% sodium alginate + 0.1% olive oil + 0.25% GTE) (T3), while the untreated fruit served as control (T4) and were stored at (25 ± 5) °C and (65 ± 5)% RH. All the stored fruit were subjected to physico-chemical and biochemical analysis at regular intervals of 4 days up to 16 days of their storage period. Results and discussion. Weight loss and decay occurrence were least in the fruit treated with T1 and T2 as compared with those of T3 and uncoated fruit (T4). The contents of total soluble solids, total sugars and changes in pigments were found to be least in fruit treated with T1 followed by those treated with T2 and T3. The addition of GTE (T3) to treated fruit during the storage helped enhance the antioxidants such as total phenols and ascorbic acid. Conclusion. The composite edible coatings tested in our study enhanced the shelf life of coated carambola fruit, i.e., thirteen days for T1, sixteen days for T2, fourteen days for T3 and twelve days for control or untreated fruit (T4); the nutritional quality of carambola was enhanced with the treatment of edible coating containing GTE.

Introduction. Films act as semi-permeable gaseous barriers capable of maintaining fruit postharvest quality; thus coatings consisting of non-traditional sources may represent an alternative tool for producers. The objective of our work was to investigate the effect of a galactomannan coating on postharvest quality and physiology of ‘Tommy Atkins’ mangoes. Materials and methods. Physiologically mature mangoes were divided into four lots and stored for 16 d. Control uncoated fruits (lot 1) were stored at ambient temperature (25 °C), the second lot was uncoated and refrigerated (14 °C), the third lot was coated and stored at ambient temperature, and the fourth lot was coated and refrigerated. Fruit were analyzed for physicochemical quality parameters, antioxidant enzymatic activity and lipid peroxidation. Results and discussion. Control fruit (lot 1) lost almost twice the weight of uncoated refrigerated (lot 2) and coated mangoes at both temperatures (lots 3 and 4); the fruit of lot 1 softened faster. Regarding the antioxidant enzymes, the activity of superoxide dismutase decreased throughout storage without statistical differences between treatments and catalasic activity was significantly inhibited under refrigeration. At ambient temperature, coating delayed the catalasic activity peak to day 12, which was coincident with the lowest lipid peroxidation degree, evidencing the association of free radical production and scavenging mechanisms. The galactomannan coating was efficient in reducing weight loss and delaying softening; thus, it maintained quality of ‘Tommy Atkins’ mangoes for a longer period of time than the control treatment during storage at ambient temperature. Refrigeration (14 °C) enhanced the performance of the galactomannan coating; it was effective in slowing down the metabolism and delaying softening to day 12.

Introduction. Deux espèces de pitaya coexistent à la Réunion : Hylocereus undatus et H. costaricensis. Ces deux espèces, introduites, s'y reproduisent végétativement et, bien qu'elles fleurissent, ne produisent que rarement des fruits. Une étude a donc été menée pour vérifier les causes de l’improductivité de ces espèces et apprécier le rôle d’éventuels agents pollinisateurs. Matériel et méthodes. Deux modes de pollinisation libre (nocturne ou diurne) et deux modes de pollinisation contrôlée (croisement interspécifique manuel et autopollinisation) ont été comparés sur une parcelle plantée avec les deux espèces H. undatus et H. costaricensis intercalées. Les observations ont porté sur la viabilité du pollen, la nature des agents pollinisateurs, les conditions de pollinisation et la fructification. Résultats. Nous avons vérifié que l’absence de productivité des deux clones d’Hylocereus en conditions naturelles était due à leur auto-incompatibilité. En effet, aucune fécondation n’a été observée sur les 200 autopollinisations effectuées en 1999. Cette auto-incompatibilité n’est pas liée à une stérilité du pollen dont la viabilité in vitro s’est révélée satisfaisante. D'autre part, si les abeilles jouent un rôle dans la fécondation des deux clones, les fruits résultant de ces pollinisations libres sont significativement moins lourds que ceux issus d’une pollinisation manuelle croisée. Discussion et recommandations. Seule une pollinisation croisée et manuelle peut donc permettre aux deux clones d’Hylocereus présents sur l’île de la Réunion de produire des fruits de qualité. Un itinéraire technique de fécondation est proposé.

Introduction. Le babaco (Carica pentagona Heilb.), plante équatoriale de mon- tagne, est originaire d'Équateur. Ses fruits sont particulièrement appréciés pour leur arôme caractéristique. La plante. Le babaco est un arbuste semi-ligneux de la famille des Caricacées. Cet hybride naturel se cultive en Équateur entre (1500 et 2500) m. Les rendements de production sont compris entre (60 et 80) fruits par plante et par an. Le fruit. Le fruit du babaco est une baie asperme jaune à maturité. Son arôme caractéristique se rapproche à la fois de l'ananas, du citron et de la papaye. Quand le fruit est vert, il exsude un latex qui con- tient une activité protéolytique semblable à celle de la papaye. Transformation. Le fruit est consommé essentiellement à l'état frais. La fabrication de pulpe, conserves et de fruits déshy- dratés est également possible. L'extraction et la purification des enzymes protéolytiques du latex des fruits verts pourrait être une nouvelle voie de valorisation industrielle du babaco. Tendances économiques. Grâce à des rendements de production élevés, ce fruit a éveillé un grand intérêt commercial. L'Équateur et la Nouvelle-Zélande sont les deux seuls pays où le babaco est cultivé à grande échelle. Conclusion. Le babaco présente d'intéressantes perspec- tives économiques, grâce notamment à ses propriétés sensorielles et à ses potentialités comme source d'enzymes protéolytiques.

Introduction. The determination of an adequate container volume that combines rational use of substrate with maximization of vegetative growth is very important to optimize citrus nursery tree production. This experiment aims to evaluate the influence of container volumes on vegetative growth of citrus nursery trees. Materials and Methods. Pera sweet orange nursery trees [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck] budded on Rangpur lime (Citrus limonia Osbeck) were produced in six container volumes [(3.0, 3.8, 4.5, 4.6, 5.0 and 5.8) L], with the respective container dimensions of [(20 × 32, 20 × 35, 22 × 32, 22.5 × 35, 25 × 32 and 25 × 35) cm]. Another 5.0-L container studied had the dimensions of 20 cm x 40 cm. Commercial substrate was composed of Pinus bark and a controlled-release fertilizer was used. Parameter evaluation started after moving the rootstocks from seedling trays, 3.5 months after sowing, to plastic containers and continued until nursery trees reached one year old. The studied parameters were shoot height, diameter and leaf area of rootstocks and nursery trees, bud take percentage and scion and root dry matter of nursery trees. Results and discussion. The development of Rangpur lime plants was not affected by any treatment until budding. The largest container volumes induced faster and more vigorous vegetative development of Pera sweet orange nursery trees budded on Rangpur lime. A 5.0-L container volume could be indicated as a technical and economical option for the production of containerized citrus nursery trees.

Introduction.Annona muricata L. is a fruit tree species of tropical origin whose fruit, the soursop, although having great potential, is not commercially exploited enough. So there is little information on this species and, in particular, on its germplasm characterization. Consequently, the purpose of our study was to estimate the genetic variability between nine soursop accessions using the RAPD marker technique. Materials and methods. By means of RAPD analysis, using the Jaccard's coefficient, a similarity matrix was generated between nine accessions, seven of them collected in Venezuela and two in Brazil. With these, a phenogram was obtained using UPGMA clustering analysis. The ordering of the accessions was also achieved by means of a principal component analysis. Results. Seventeen RAPD fragments were obtained, of which 14 were polymorphic. Average similarity was 0.5333, and ranged from 0.2627 to 1.000. The phenogram identified two groups, equal to principal coordinates analysis. The Venezuelan accessions showed more variability when compared with the Brazilian ones (Jaccard's coefficient of 0.5038 and 0.5442, respectively). Discussion. Compared with other studies on various fruit trees, that carried out here on A. muricata underlined a great genetic variability. The situation is thus favorable to undertake in Venezuela a breeding program in this still under-exploited fruit species.

Introduction. The fruit of `Encore' mandarin (Citrus deliciosa × Citrus nobilis) usually shows chlorotic spots in the epicarp from the first stages of development. Thispeel disorder triggers off, thereafter, the occurrence of a large quantity of dark stains (pre-harvest`peel pitting'). Materials and methods. A biochemical and ultra-structural study of the flavedo,using epicarp with and without stains, was carried out. Quality assays were assessed on the edible portionof the fruit or on juice. Results. The cell structure of pitted and unpitted epicarp analysed byelectron microscopy revealed that dark spots were associated with the degradation of cellular membranes.The peroxidase system that shields the epicarp against photooxidative stress showed an inhibition ofcatalase activity and an increase of superoxide dismutase functioning. Moreover, the activities ofascorbate peroxidase and glutathione reductase remained unaffected in stained tissues. In sunshade trees,it was also found that the number of dark stains per fruit decreased but the internal quality of theendocarp was not significantly affected. The weight and the caliber of the fruit also slightly decreased.Discussion. High light intensities induce an oxidative stress in the epicarp, which is characterized by anincreased peroxidation and degradation of biological membranes. On the other hand, protection againstsolar radiation alleviates the stress, but, although not affecting the internal quality of the fruit,slightly decreases the fruit weight and size.

Introduction. Açaí is a common palm in the Amazon River basin, from which a much-appreciated drink is prepared in the North of Brazil. Despite the strong increase in the drink market, some basic questions about the fruit postharvest physiology have not been properly studied. Our paper presents results about the fruit water absorption at different temperatures and times of storage, which may help the development of more efficient procedures for fruit transport and processing. Materials and methods. The experiments began approximately 3 h after harvest of fruits collected early in the morning. In a first experiment, to evaluate the effect of temperature on water absorption, fruits were submitted to five treatments: 0 °C, 6 °C, 12 °C, 26 °C and 39 °C. Each treatment was applied to 50 fruits, with four repetitions. Fruits from each lot were put into a beaker with water at the temperature of the selected treatment. Lots were weighed before immersion and every 10 min up to 60 min. The fruit relative increase in mass (dMasserel) was calculated according to experiment time. In a second experiment, to evaluate the effect of storage, fruits collected at the same spot were immediately stored in the lab at 10 °C under relative air humidity of 81% to 87%. After (5, 6 and 7) days of storage, the dMasserel curves were determined. Results and discussion. Between 0 °C and 26 °C, the absorption reaches an asymptote after 30 min, and at 39 °C, the absorption continues to increase for a longer period. The maximum (dMasserel) regarding the temperature was fitted by a parabole, with a minimum at 13 °C. Fruits stored at 10 °C presented an increase in the absorption rate after the fifth day. Conclusion. Our data suggest that: (i) water absorption is minimum at 13 °C; (ii) the imbibition rate is temperature-related, and (iii) fruit stored at 10 °C, and relative humidity 81% to 87%, increases its water absorption rate at the end of the shelf-life time (5th day).

Introduction. Shea tree (V.paradoxa C.F. Gaertn.), a species endemic to the Sudaniansavanna woodlands, is dominant in the parklands of West Africa whereit is of great socioeconomic importance. However, shea tree hasbeen reported in recent decades to be threatened by plant parasites,Loranthaceae. Our study aimed to assess possible variation of theimpact of these parasites on shea tree fruit yield in two contrastinghabitats. Materials and methods. We selected 41 weaklyand 41 heavily infected shea tree individuals, of similar size,in a protected area as well as in its adjacent parklands. Shea treetraits such as diameter at breast height, canopy diameter, treeheight, canopy height, number of fruit yielded, number of parasite stumpsper tree and an impact index ratio were assessed on each shea treeindividual. Two-way ANOVA was performed to compare parasite impacton shea tree fruit yield in relation to habitat. Hierarchical cluster, canonicaldiscriminant and one-way ANOVA analyses were used to show quantitativetraits that characterize shea tree groups from habitats. Results.Loranthaceae did not reduce fruit yield significantly either inthe parklands or in the protected area. Quantitative traits tendedto discriminate all pooled shea trees in relation to habitats. Sheatree individuals in parklands were characterized mostly by the highestvalue of number of infected stumps per tree and of the impact index ratio,suggesting that many shea tree individuals in parklands were sensitiveto Loranthaceae impact on their fruit yield. Conclusion.These findings were helpful for implementing some shea tree conservationplans.